ehind the Scenes
p. 87 · Read in the full issue
In the Solomons
»ROM time to time, we receive reports of non-official discontent in the British Solomon Islands. The indi ions are that the private planters and ders are unhappy about their Adminis tion. lere is something of the other side of > case. It is an extract from a private ter (not written for publication) from BCI official to the editor of the PIM.
SHOULD like to say something about the people engaged in private enterprise who insist it the BSI Administration wants drive them out of the Group, and at this is Government policy. rhe policy is not aimed at driving em out. On the contrary, their lue is officially well recognised, d they are wanted here.
We have tried to get them to put hr own private enterprise view- Lnt into print; and, officially, they ve been encouraged to air their evances and put a combined £ase the Government which could be oted as public opinion. But it is a >st difficult thing to get them to it anywhere except in the pub or j club. Even the Planters’ Asso ition rarely comes out with a de ite statement of opinion.
Sfearly all of them are my friends, d I wish they could get some icentration of force, and that ;re could be more real understand 5, both of their problems by Ad nistration, and by them of ministrati ve problems; but every ne it seems that there would be iderstanding, it breaks down ;her into impatience or mere liteness.
We try to see as much of them as ay be when they come in, and try understand a bit more of the 3IP than just Honiara. But there e one or two planters who are cognised, even by private people, . being hopeless grumblers who ;ver would be content.
The real trouble is partly that s a poor territory, and can’t do ithout taxation; partly the non tyment of any war damage com ‘nsation; partly that too many lople are homesick for the old pre ar Tulagi days of low prices every bere—the rise in prices hits every le very hard.
Mrs. Stan McCosker, whose hus ind is owner of “Matala” planta on, Rabaul, gave a Christmas Tree irty to children of former resi mts of the Territory in Brisbane, . December. Her home was gaily jcorated for the occasion, and a appy time was spent by the jungsters. Mrs. McCosker is easurer of the Brisbane New uinea Women’s Association.