Is Still

Mr. D. M. Cleland

‘Acting Administrator’

mHE failure of the Australian X Commonwealth Government to make any announcement con cerning an appointment to the Administratorship of Papua-New Guinea has been commented upon adversely in Sydney recently.

Amid considerable political agita tion, Mr. J. K. Murray retired from the position as on June 30, 1952.

Mr. D. M. Cleland, who had been Assistant Administrator since 1951, then became Acting Administrator.

In every way, except in name, Mr. Cleland has been Administrator since mid-1952. His work, in that capacity, has earned general com mendation in the Territories. If the issue were put to a vote, his appointment would be overwhelm ingly approved.

Those professing to have inside information say the appointment was agreed to by the Federal Gov ernment in early December. An announcement by the Prime Min ister was expected, as soon as he returned from abroad.

But nothing has been said. This is unfair, both to the Territories and to Mr. Cleland.

This is the kind of thing—a smug refusal to give the public any in formation on or explanation of issues which concern the public— which has so markedly weakened the position of the Australian Gov ernment in the last 12 months.