Council

The P-Ng Legislative

Vain Appeal to Minister

EARLY in August, Senator Roy Kendall, of Queensland, sent to the Australian Minister for Territories a strong protest against the proposed composition of the new Legislative Council of Papua- New Guinea. He said: — “The suggestion that only three of 29 members are to be elected is merely perpetuating the absolute dictatorship which was instituted by the previous Labour Government and which has been so ably carried out by the present Administrator, in spite of protests.

“The ideal form of Council would be an equal number of elected and nominated members and Adminis trator to have casting vote only.

“This together with full reports of proceedings and debates, would bring all contentious matters to the public notice, which is surely what the Liberal and Country Party stands for.”

No Change Likely

Reports from Canberra indicate that no change is likely in the sys tem of electing the Council.

The Ordinance, as it stands, will be given effect to.

Delay has occurred in arranging for the election of three European members because, until the Austra lian referendum is over, no senior electoral official is available to go to New Guinea to organise and con duct the election there.

The official appointments will be announced when the nomination of candidates is called for.