port, regarding ports of loading; lack of sufficient life-saving apparatus

sufficient life-saving apparatus and fre quent poor condition of what exists; fre quent breakdown of radio equipment on ships.

The probability of a complete breakdown of shipping in Immediate future was stressed, which would leave this district with a large “back log” of copra, and if left without essential supplies would mean curtailment of plantation and native copra production.

The need for the immediate transfer of the 550-ton vessels, built and being built, to the Territory, was pointed out.

A suggestion was made that depots be established at Ramun Bay, Buka, and at Kieta, for concentration of local copra for shipment overseas by a large vessel.

Ramun Bay was inspected and approved by a former harbour-master from Rabaul earlier in the year.

The deputation urged the postponement of new ordinance, regarding number of native passengers to be carried by ves sels, until suitable vessels were on the run. Meantime, conditions of shelter, food and sanitation on existing vessels could be improved.

Questions were asked about the reported condition of the light on Cape St. George, on the southernmost point of New Ire land, and also regarding the placing of lights on Madehas Point, at entrance to Buka Passage, and at Horan Island (Teop).

It was requested that immediate atten tion be given to all beacons in Buka Pas sage itself, and a beacon placed at the entrance to Carola Harbour, at Kessa Point, Buka. Lack of these lights and beacons delayed ships and made naviga tion hazardous.

Trade Tobacco

The planters pointed out that Mr, Playfair, representative of Wills Tobacco Co., fold a meeting of the Planters’

Executive in Rabaul, during November, that there was more tobacco coming into the Territory now than during the pre war period, and that this year there should be ample for all plantation and ordinary purposes, if fairly and properly distributed by the large Rabaul mer chants, who are the only ones that the wholesale tobacco firms are prepared to supply. He further said that he did not think that there would be sufficient tobacco to allow of indiscriminate sell ing in trade stores.

Planters would like to see steps taken to ensure fair and equal distribution by the merchants in Rabaul—distribution without favouritism.

Native Conditions

It was stated that Buka natives, par ticularly, were in a somewhat disturbed and bewildered state, owing to existence of Cargo Cult and various native rumours that persist among them. It was sug gested that this present condition was caused by there being too few patrols since taking over by Civil Administration.

It was considered that the only method of getting to know the natives, and con ditions among them, was through making frequent and leisurely patrols so that Dis trict Service officials would become acquainted with the natives, and vice versa.

It was pointed out that, in the opinion of many residents, the natives are still much affected by the Japanese occupa tion, which was complete and of long standing—over 31 years. Japanese told the natives that they would return in from two to five years, and take over.

Old men in most parts of Buka have long been pro-German, and many of all classes were strongly pro-Japanese during the occupation. The four Paramount Ku kurais were strongly suspected of having leanings towards the Japanese whilst they

were in occupation, and these men are still holding the same official positions.

The present state of affairs is affecting village life, maintenance and sanitation of villages, care of essential roads, pro duction of copra, labour for the planta tions and general well-being of native population.

Buka West Coast Road

It was pointed out that this road, run ning from Novanek village, on Ramun Bay, up the west coast through Kahuli, Tung village, Poka village, Skotolan Mis sion, Tulaen Plantation, Yeggits village,

Bei village, etc., was overgrown and had not been cleaned since Civil Administra tion had taken over.

This road is important to all concerned as, in case of rough weather on the west coast, it provides the means of reaching Sohano.

Consideration Promised

His Honor gave an attentive hearing to all matters laid before him and stated that he would give careful consideration to them and take appropriate action in due course.