[?]Lc’S Speech In Pidgin

[?]pposes New Labour Contract

Moresby. Mch. 3.

r was necessary to translate a speech in the Legislative Coun cil this session.

Simogun, the nominated native ;mber for New Guinea, in address y the Council for the first time, oke in rapid Pidgin. It left all e Papuan members —and some of e New Guineaites —openmouthed.

Morobe District Commissioner all came to the rescue, with a mslation from memory, and the bate could then proceed.

Simogun spoke on the Native hour Bill. He opposed the steady pansion of native labour con icts, instancing that in 1947 the riod had been increased to 18 mths, and now it was to be ex ided again. rhe Bill was passed with only ?ht amendments, and will provide • native labour' contracts of two ars, with the option of a further reement for one year.

Simogun claimed that two years ,s too long for a native to be away )m his village.