Pacific

British Western Pacific New Commission Now Functioning at Honiara

From Our Own Correspondent.

HONIARA, January 2.

CHE new Government of the British Territories of the South Pacific (Solomons Protectorate, rilbert and Ellice Colony and the British side of the New Hebrides bndominium), created in 1952 hen the High Commissionership f Western Pacific was separated rom the Governorship of Fiji, is ow functioning at Honiara, admin itrative centre of the Solomons nd headquarters of the Com lission.

His Excellency the High Com lissioner for the Western Pacific Mr. R. C. S. Stanley, CMG, OBE) ccompanied by Mrs. Stanley, Miss tanley, the Financial Secretary, Mr. A. M. MacLeod Smith), tie Assistant Secretary (Mr. T. t-ussell), and Mrs. Russell, arrived t Honiara on December 22 n the MV Kurimarau, as the -dvance party of the Western ‘acific High Commission whose leadquarters are now being estab ished at Honiara.

The High Commissioner landed it Point Cruz at 9 a.m., with due ceremony, in the uniform of the Jritish Colonial Civil Service, and

was met by the Acting Resident Commissioner of the Solomon Islands (Mr. P. Hughes), the Gov ernment (BSD Secretary (Mr. P. A.

Richardson) and the District Com missioner, Central Solomons (Mr.

G. A. Skipper), with their wives.

After inspecting a police Guard of Honour, Mr. Stanley proceeded to a dais, where a loyal address was read by Mr. W. G. Paia, BEM, a member of the Advisory Council representing the Western Solomons; and a ceremonial presentation of Malaita red shell-money was made by a senior Malaita headman.

His Excellency replied to the loyal, address, and pledged himself to do his utmost for the Protectorate.

The party then drove to Govern

ment House.

The remainder of the HCWP establishment is still in Suva, but will follow the chief official party to Honiara as soon as accommoda tion is available.