Transient Natives
p. 114 · Read in the full issue
Under
Closer Control
Prom Our Own Correspondent.
P. MORESBY, March 2.
THE Administrator lost no time in dealing with the situation created in recent weeks by at tacks by natives upon white women and children. He said that, although nothing had happened to justify panic measures—such as the for mation of vigilance committees of civilians—there was need for some special action. New measures would include: • More European police. • New laws to enable the police to deal more effectively with migrant (or non-resident) natives. • Closer supervision—by compel ling them to use certain residential areas —of visiting natives, and the prompt removal of those considered undesirable.
The Administrator outlined these and other measures in a radio broadcast from Port Moresby on March 1. He made some important points. Too many white women were careless in their deportment and be haviour in the sight and hearing of natives. The conduct of too many white men towards native women was unsatisfactory, and tended to reduce the respect with
which the natives should regard Europeans. Those who associated with natives were only a small minority, but they were doing great harm —and they actually encouraged native men to attack white women.
He gave a clear warning that the relations between white men and native women will be under closer police check in future.