P-NG Ordinance Tightened Up

Sale Of Liquor To

Natives

A PRIVATE member, Mr. D.

Barrett, introduced a bill in the Papua-New Guinea Legislative Council at the May session. This is unusual, as virtually all bills are introduced by official members.

However, the bill produced no fireworks, and no debate—it was a measure to amend the Trading With Natives Ordinance so that a

licensed trader who is convicted of selling intoxicating liquor, firearms, ammunition or explosives to the natives is liable to have his licence suspended or cancelled.

It was felt that this would be a greater deterrent than the present penalties, which provide only for imprisonment or a fine.