Going Too Fast

Criticism of PNG Co-ops.

WHILE there was much to be commended in the Adminis tration’s plan for assisting the economic and social advancement of the natives by encouraging the formation of native co-operative societies, it was important that this phase be not hastened unduly, said Mr. Don Barrett, of Rabaul, at the P-NG Legislative Council in July.

Mr. Barrett was commenting on information given at his request by the officials.

It appeared that Government aid given the co-operatives in last financial year totalled £31,061, and in three years it was nearly £77,000; and he then produced figures and argument to show that the co operatives applied themselves to unprofitable copra production at the expense of native food production —in other words, the native economic system was being gravely upset, and the Government was subsidising that disturbance at the rate of £31,000 per annum.

“This co-operative movement is moving too fast,” he said. “I urge a thorough review of the whole policy in relation to co-operatives.

I suggest that the movement be explained to the natives and con trolled by the experienced men of the District Offices, and not directed

and urged forward as at present by the less experienced and know ledgeable men of other branches.

Let the whole co-operative plan be adapted gradually and carefully to the native way of life.”

The Anderson freezer barge at Port Moresby has been purchased

by the Boroka Trading Company which is owned by Mr. J. B. Wilson.

Price was £5,000. The barge will be used as a meat storage depot.

The John Williams VI brought 33 men, women and children south from the Gilberts early July to join the Gilbertese colony on Rabi Is., Fiji.