Wot—Another Research

Section !

Letter to the Editor IP, with a new Minister for Territories, there is to be a review of Territories Administration, there should be an in vestigation of an extraordinary set-up which recently has appeared in the De partment of External Territories, Can berra.

It is called the Department’s Research Section; and its job seems to be to con duct research into the various matters which presumably have baffled Depart mental Secretary Halligan, Administrator Murray, and the Territories corps of Ex perts headed by the Director of Planning.

The Research Section seems to comprise about half a dozen researchers, who have dug themselves in comfortably, and have the usual little staff of typists and clerks.

It appears to have been in existence over a year, and it is said to have been created when the Australian Public Service Board, on Prime Minister Chifley’s recommen dation, forced Mr. Halligan to organise a research service.

When it is remembered that the South Pacific Commission was formed at Aus tralia’s instigation: that the Commission now maintains a highly expert Research Council which concerns itself with the problems of the Pacific Territories; and that most of the Papua-New Guinea De partments already have research men, the Canberra set-up appears ridiculous.

Why was it created, what does it do, and how much does it cost?

I am, etc.,

Australian Taxpayer

Sydney.

Mr. and Mrs. Mai Creed, of Port Moresby, accompanied by their two children, are holidaying in Warwick, South Queensland.