Prospects Brighter
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
Representations to Minister on Papuan Rubber
From Our Own Correspondent
Port Moresby, August 3.
PAPUAN rubber planters are still wait ing for the Federal Government to do something about the collapse of the Australian market for their rubber, but they are more hopeful now than they have been since the trouble started four months ago.
The President and Secretary of the Papuan Planters’ Association (Mr. E. V.
Crisp and Mr. E. A. James), returned to Port Moresby from Sydney on July 20 after interviewing the Minister for Ex ternal Territories, Mr. Ward. They re ported that he would submit proposals for immediate aid and future stabilisation to Federal Cabinet.
They reported also that Mr. Ward had said that the industry should be protected and maintained: the delegation felt that prospects for an early solution of planters’ difficulties were good.
Later, the Administrator informed the Association of Mr. Ward’s proposals.
These the Association found acceptable.
Next step is to submit the proposals to Cabinet —the Association does not know whether this has been done, as yet.
Meanwhile, on Mr. Ward’s advice, planters are continuing production as usual.