And Housing

In Defence of Works

Letter to the Editor WITH regard to Mr. Robson’s article in the November PIM re the Department of Works and Housing and its personnel, the following facts are supplied:— In the first instance, the state in which Lae and Rabaul were left in 1946 was a disgrace to any military organisation.

The W. and H. Department essayed the job of rehabilitation with very little equipment. It was necessary to scrounge in scrub, kunai and caves to garner equip ment to carry on. W. and H. personnel carried on with very little complaint until equipment gradually came through.

It is evident that Mr. Robson obtained his information by hearsay and has not given any personal observations to works being carried out. Anyone who states that the Department of Works and Hous ing has fallen down on its job evidently walks around with his eyes shut.

With regard to the winges and moans of the “Before” gentlemen of New Guinea: These men had the opportunity to obtain materials cheaply through “Disposals,” but were too lethargic to take advantage of it.

It is a very one-eyed view to brand the Department of Works and Housing per sonnel as hooligans because one or two have engaged in fisticuffs after enjoying a few drinks. There have been instances, pre-war and post-war, where the “Before” gentlemen have not conducted themselves with the decorum expected of them whilst under the influence of alcohol. Personally,

I could not wish for a more willing staff than that supplied by the Department In short, Mr. Robson does not know what he is talking about.

I am, etc.,

H. W. Scope,

Electrical Engineer, Rabaul.