Domestic Problem

Adultery: Simple

Solution Of

Letter to the Editor WE here wonder whether other Islands, like the New Hebrides, have to put up with officials who enforce certain laws—especi ally social laws—to suit themselves.

It seems here that in cases of adultery, where natives are con cerned, the persons are invariably “locked up” for anything up to 3 months.

Why do not those officials look about themselves and set the ex ample, first? The white man does not get jailed for adultery. If so, quite a few would be serving time here!

The Government is supposed to protect” natives against the bully ing white man. He is supposed no longer to exist. One has to go on bended knees now when recruiting labour, and to treat them with abundant kindness. That is, private individuals.

But it is quite a different story with our official white Protectors.

They look around for any spare mortal whom they can get as prisoner to chop wood, cut grass and do other domestic chores. It is a substitute for cheap labour in these hard times. It is very easy to grab a native “adulterer.”

Although red tape forbids the

“common” man to employ native women without the husband’s con sent, the fact remains that a Pro tector can “arrange” to employ a woman without consulting her husband, and can also “arrange” (in a more or less legal fashion) to have a marriage annulled, in order to retain a servant.

No wonder the native is feeling “fire ’long bel b’long ’em” at this sort of unfair domination!

I am, etc.,

Fair Play.

Santo, 20/8/53.

fl Mr. P. J. A. Barrett, newly appointed Chief Clerk, Western Pacific High Commission, arrived in Honiara by air from London via Sydney 6n June 29. Mr. Barrett, who has previously served in the Home Civil Service, is on second ment to the High Commission for two years.

H The engagement was announced in July of Robert, eldest son of Mr.

T. Amputch, of Suva, and Caritas Vidyawaiti, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shew Prasad Sharma, of Sigatoka.