Marching Rule Leaders

Out Of Gaol

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Honiara. July 11.

THE nine Marching Rule leaders from Malaita, BSI, who were sentenced early in 1948 to long terms of im prisonment have recently been released on licence and allowed to return to their homes.

The licences contain certain conditions regarding their conduct after release.

These prisoners have expressed their de sire now to co-operate with the Govern ment, and their release is part of the wider programme of counter-Marching Rule measures which the Government proposes to undertake.

So far, the ex-prisoners have shown no signs of backsliding, and it is hoped that they may pave the way towards a better understanding between the Gov ernment and the Malaita people.

Labour is offering fairly freely on Malaita at present, in marked contrast to the almost complete absence of Malaita labourers at the time of the Marching Rule heyday in 1947-1948.

The Rev. H, W. Whyte of the London Missionary Society who has retired from Western Samoa after 12 years in the Territory, is now in Brisbane where he recently addressed the Rotary Club at a weekly luncheon.

Mr. James McAllister, BA, and Mrs McAllister will leave Niue in October for NZ. Mr. McAllister is Niue Education Officer and Mrs. McAllister. Infant work supervisor. Both have become very popu lar with the native people and on their departure will be given a typical Niuean farewell with much dancing and feast ing.