The Problem

Of The

Half-Castes

Letter to the Editor WE have read, in your October PIM, an article entitled “Tragic Problem of Half-Castes.”

We, the half-castes of this part of the Territory, do not think the Administra tion has made any blundering step in trying to bring the half-castes closer to European status.

This is the first time for many years that something good or reasonable has been done or tried to be done towards the half-caste population. We also cannot understand why the word “tragic” is used in the headline. We are not a dangerous community, but good law abiding citizens.

We have read in books and papers of the name, Freedom—the symbol of Aus tralia everywhere, yet it doesn’t apply to the half-caste population. It is just a name, and no more, to us.

We are not to be blamed for coming into this world. It is the European who is to be blamed for all this. Therefore, it is fair to do the utmost for the half castes, instead of criticising about them.

Many of us have tried, and are still trying, to advance nearer to the Euro pean status, but have been knocked back by those words, “you cannot do this” or “you cannot do that.” We understand in other parts of the world, and also in Aus tralia, half-castes have nearly the same rights as any European.

As for the criticism regarding the per mission given to half-castes to travel on the European bus, we only know of two girls, working at the Native Hospital as nurses. Those are the only two we know of. If they did not go on the bus, they would have to walk four miles to get to the Hospital. Therefore we are sure the Administrator is doing his duty, not for one only but for all colours, as the two Territories come under his jurisdiction.

We are, etc.,

Port Moresby