Highland Labour

Not Always The Right Answer

Prom a Special Correspondent

Rabaul. Nov. 30.

THERE is growing dissatisfaction with the Chimbus (Central Highlands natives) among employers of native labour in New Guinea. Most of these people have persevered with these boys—it is about a year now since the

first of them came down from the High lands—but many, including those with a reputation as “good native labour men” have apparently decided that they are not worth while, are signing them off and returning them to the Highlands.

Coconut Products at Madang recently returned 150 of them, and Mr. Geoff Bliss, of Dylup Plantation, in the Madang dis trict, is also reported to be returning the same number. There are various other rumours of dissatisfaction.

The main trouble seems to be that these boys need much more time to get used to the idea of working for a living than do other labour —Aitapes, Sepiks, etc. Most Chimbus (and I speak from experience) are very slow in movement and if they possibly can will sit down to work. For example, it is not unusual to see a Chimbu sit down to sweep a floor or chop wood. The just cannot get used to the idea that some show of speed is desirable.

This labour is expensive in the first place and as they come only for 12 months, plantation people naturally ex pect them to adapt themselves fairly smartly and gain enough efficiency to cut their quota of copra each day. When many months pass and they show no signs of this or of even earning their keen, naturally the master gets a little im patient.

There are only isolated cases yet, of boys being sent back before their time is up ; but there seems to be more coming.

It is reported from New Ireland that one plantation that has Highland labour has had five copra-drier fires in three months. They are asking for an inquiry.

If they have done nothing else, of course, the Chimbus can be said to have relieved the pressure on low-land native labour to some extent. These more civilised natives may now be offering more freely for work.