Master Defends Native

Foreman Unusual Case In N. Guinea

Rabaul, Dec. 21.

PUBLIC interest was taken in a recent court case at Sohano, Buka Passage, when Patrol )fficer B. K. Leen brought two harges of “Spreading False Re orts” against a well-known native, liarua, who has been No. 1 Boss toy for Mr. Fred Archer, at Jame lantation, for the past 24 years.

The alleged offences, which carry penalty of a £3 fine, or six lonths’ imprisonment, or both, ccurred at Jame whilst Mr. rcher was absent in Rabaul. /Tien P. O. Leen swore the infor lation a warrant was issued for the crest of the native. Fortunately, roceedings were delayed until the ‘turn to Jame of its owner, as ;herwise the plantation, native bourers, copra, stores and equip ient would not have been under ly responsible control. Siarua, for jars, has been left in complete mtrol during the owner’s absence.

After making enquiries, Mr. rcher was convinced that the itive was guiltless of all intent to iread false reports, but had, on the intrary, merely tried to convey

through a Police Constable on patrol certain circulating native rumours that he thought the District Office should be aware of.

The charges appeared to Mr. Archer to have been too hastily made.

To ensure strictest impartiality for an old and faithful servant, Mr.

Archer requested a special Magis trate for the case. He also engaged Mr. Dudley Jones of Rabaul, to appear as counsel for Siarua.

The case came up on December 4 and both the Magistrate (Mr.

Warner Shand, of Rabaul) and Mr.

Dudley flew out to Sohano in the Catalina a distance of 180 miles.

Patrol Officer Leen prosecuted.

After the case for the prosecution had been stated, and the Crown witnesses had given their evidence, Mr. Dudley Jones raised several objections.

The Court adjourned whilst the Magistrate considered these objec tions, and, upon resumption, the Magistrate stated that the ob jections were upheld and, conse quently both charges against Siarua were dismissed on technical grounds.

Mr. Dudley Jones, addressing the Bench, said that had it been neces sary, a very strong case for the defence would have been put for ward. He also referred to the native’s long service, good record and war services.

This is probably the first time in Bougainville District that a special Magistrate has been flown out from Rabaul, at an employer’s request, to sit on a native case.. Certainly, it is the first time in the district history that an employer has en

gaged counsel to defend his native employee.

After the case, several Europeans congratulated Mr. Archer on his stand in the matter.

Siarua has been constantly in the employ of Europeans for 31 years and has been with Fred Archer for nearly 29 of them. During the

grim and vital Coast-Watching days in Bougainville, he was a scout and was later decorated for his services.

LATER —As there is a suggestion of what may be described as an ex cess of zeal on the part of District officials, in prosecuting Siarua, the Territories Minister has called for a special report on the incident.