Marching Rule

Activities In Solomons

From Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Feb. 21.

(CONTINUED activity by “those mis- J guided people who persist in uphold ing the organisation known as the Marching Rule” was discussed, some time ago, by the Resident Commissioner (Mr.

O. C. Noel) in an address at a meeting of the Advisory Council of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate at Honiara.

The Resident Commissioner said that he would make it clear that in no circum stances could such activity, which was unconstitutional and in defiance of the existing order, be tolerated.

Later in his address, the Resident Com missioner said:— “His Excellency (High Commissioner for Western Pacific), has referred to the political movement known as Marching Rule, which continues to strive to wreck efforts towards the rehabilitation of the Protectorate. His Excellency desires this Administration resolutely to face the danger in question.

“In one area in Malaita it persists in being openly defiant and measures are being taken to check this challenge to Government authority.

“Elsewhere, particularly in North Malaita, tactics have now been changed and passive resistance is the latest method of opposition as approved by Marching Rule leaders. It is also now alleged that there are no leaders; that it is an issue of one for all and all for one.

“While I cannot say that, as yet, the challenge by Marching Rule has been successfully overcome, I can claim that, gradually, it is being overcome success fully. Native leaders in increasing num bers are using their influence to combat this unconstitutional Movement. They can see no benefit accruing to their islands from Marching Rule policy.

“Again, look at the increasing number of men at work. These men are indeed working contrary to the behests of Marching Rule; and I am convinced that this is among the reasons that have prompted the leaders now to keep their people in fenced-in villages.

“mHEIR followers are not told this, of X course. They are buoyed up by fairy tales of free cargo coming to those who go where Marching Rule advises them to live, “As more and more trade goods are imported, the misguided among the people see that cargos are actually arriving, but that they have been made by the workers of other countries for those who work in the Solomons and can pay for them, and in return that Solomon workers export their produce which workers in these other countries will also pay for.

“Also, I am glad to be able to report good progress in the establishment and development of Native Councils on Choiseul, Ysabel, the New Georgia group and Florida group of islands.

“If progress is still only very slow at Guadalcanal and San Cristoval, it must be remembered that genuine political progress is often a slow process.

“His Excellency has referred to the fact that non-official representation on various Government convened committees on affairs of public importance now includes Solomon Islanders. I am sure that we all welcome their presence during these discussions, and find their viewpoint al ways most helpful and sincere,”

A young Samoan catechist, Solipo, and his wife, have been appointed to serve with the Methodist Mission in Papua.