Rapopo or Rabaul?
p. 47 · Read in the full issue
N. Britain’s Capital Still in Doubt
yr OT WITHSTANDING periodic 1 1 decisions to remove to Rapopo forthwith, Rabaul remains Jew Britain’s chief port and town.
During his January visit to labaul and district, the Assistant Ldministrator of P-NG, Mr. D. M. fieland, was unable to give a de inite answer as to when or if the own will be moved; he said that without doubt, a decision will be lade at the earliest possible date.” n the meantime, he said, roads nd wharves in the existing town rould be maintained.
It was officially announced about he middle of last year that the iapopo move would be made with ut delay. But shortly after this le Australian Government in roduced drastic anti-inflation leasures that cut down severely n public works. Nothing further as been heard of the move to apopo.
Rabaul citizens have never been ithusiastic about the move—par cularly in relation to the abandon ee of RabauTs magnificent harbour icilities —and would be happy to
stay where they are in spite of the volcanoes.
But while indecision persists in official quarters Rabaul of necessity must remain a “temporary” town.
As an alternative to the complete withdrawal from Rabaul to Rapopo, Rabaul Town Council recommended the retention of Rabaul harbour and the development of residential
areas a few miles from the present site, but out of the line of fire of the volcanoes.
During Minister Hasluck’s visit to the Territory last year, he promised that a decision would be made by the Commonwealth regard ing Rabaul by December 31. The Town Council now requests that a decision be made immediately.