The Real Problem in

Editorial Note

The Real Problem in N. Guinea

THE Minister’s statement and assurances are something that the Territorians have been waiting for for years. Of all the develop ments possible in New Guinea agri culture, none would have greater significance economically, politically and culturally, than the production there of tens of thousands of tons of rice.

But when the Minister discusses the Territories’ most vital problem— how best to encourage rapid settle ment there by Europeans—he be comes vague, and lost in the mists of his own pious wishes. He seems to be more concerned with political assurances about protecting the land interests of the natives than with the practical question of how private enterprise is to be encouraged to develop New Guinea’s resources quickly, if plenty of suitable, cheap land is not made available. His references to “waste” and “un wanted” lands are not enough.

Within the huge islands of New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville there are almost in calculable areas of cultivable land, and no more than 1,300,000 natives in the whole Territory. In the Netherlands Indies there was a much smaller area, and still there was plenty of land for half a million Dutch and some 70 millions of Indonesians.

In the opinion of most practical observers. Administrator Murray, and now Minister Hasluck, have

been displaying an almost ridiculous sensitivity on the subject of native land rights. They need a clear vision for the big—and, for Aus tralia, the strategically important— task of developing New Guinea; and it would be a national tragedy if they allow their vision to be dis torted by the bowlings and posturings of the political freaks on the Trus teeship Council of the United Nations. New Guinea cannot become Australia’s defensive bul wark against Asia if it has only an economy based on a primitive native peasantry.

Australia has a job to do in New Guinea. Availability of land and labour is vital to that job. Adequate

land and labour can be provided without prejudicing the interests of the natives. But if Australia, in formulating her New Guinea policies, takes too much notice of the calcu lated criticisms of Moscow and Costa Rica and Iraq, then she will surely make a colossal mess of her tropical administration.

Seven years have passed since the Axis surrendered. Soldier settlement in New Guinea, on an organised plan, is still only a pipe dream.

Verbum sapienti sat est!

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs.

Noel Hewlett, of New Guinea Gold fields, Wau, NG, on April 1.