[?]Ustralian Represen

Tation In

[?]Rench Oceania

Letter to the Editor KNOW nothing of the merits of a recent discussion about the help given, or not given, to Aus alian business men by the British onsul in French Oceania; but I :i quite convinced from my own nervations that Australia should ive some form of representation Tahiti, either by way of an estab- Ihed Consulate, or per medium of Trade Commissioner’s office.

As far back as March, 1952, I -ote to the Secretary, Depart ent of External Territories, sug sting that consideration should given to the appointment of such . officer. Summarised briefly, my ggestion was based upon the fol ding reasons: (a) Trade between Australia and lench Oceania is steadily increas g, and its full possibilities have t as yet been properly exploited. (b) The tourist trade between istralia and French Oceania is sadily increasing—largely as a re- It of improved shipping and air •vices now offering. It is reason le to assume that ultimately istralians visiting those islands U require some form of guidance. (c) Australia must do all within r power to maintain the harmoni s relations with those Territories lich resulted from mutual co eration during the dark years of b last war. France herself has tnowledged the difficulties of listing her Pacific Territories, and ihould not be surprised if, in view Oceania’s increasingly weaken l ties with that country, closer ations with Australia are not imately sought. We must realise i importance of promoting good ations with those Territories. !d) The establishment of a repre itative there would result in an Teased prestige. It is significant it Norway, Belgium, and China ve recognised the necessity for a nsulate in Papeete, e) The cost of such an estab iment need not be unduly great, ssibly, New Zealand would be ‘pared to contribute towards the its of upkeep, in return for equal jresentation. rollowing upon my letter, the cretary of the External Affairs partment wrote me on April 9, rising that while the suggestion s appreciated, Australia relies an her Consul in New Caledonia, d the British Consul in Papeete r any general dealings with inch Territories.” Reference was o made to the effect that Aus lia is now “better acquainted h the affairs of French Oceania” a result of her membership of : South -Pacific Commission, am still firmly convinced that should establish an Australian

representative in Tahiti, and recent statements in PIM would appear to support that contention.

I am, etc.,

N. J. Jones.

Roy St., Auchenflower, Brisbane.

II A new pulpit has been presented to the Rabaul Methodist Church by Mrs. Pearson, mother of the late Rev. H. Pearson, who lost his life on the Montevideo Maru. A Memorial Service and Dedication

was recently conducted in Rabaul by his fellow-workers, the Rev. F.

Lewis and the Rev. Roger Brown.

Mr. Pearson was stationed at Vunairima when the Japs invaded New Britain in 1942. Mrs. Pearson flew from Adelaide to be present at the Ceremony.

New Guinea canes collected in 1951 were shown to visitors at Mer inga Sugar experiment station near Gordon vale (Q) on May 14. The canes spent a year in Brisbane, and are now being propagated.