Productivity
p. 24 · Read in the full issue
Debate About The
Of Papua-N. Guinea
the Territory of Papua and \j New Guinea supply all Aus tralia’s tropical needs” was the title of an interesting and unusual “Forum of the Air” debate, through the Australian Broadcasting Com mission’s network, on October 28.
The debate actually was recorded in Port Moresby some time previously.
The affirmative was taken by Messrs. J. L. Foldi (Acting Director of District Services) and Mr. Frank Henderson (who is in charge of the Department of Agriculture, in the absence of Mr. R. E. P. Dwyer). Mr.
E. A. James, well known Port Moresby businessman, and Mr. C. J.
Sefton, rubber planter, took the negative.
The question was not well phrased. Undoubtedly, under cer tain conditions, P-NG can supply Australia’s tropical needs. So the debate, instead of being a direct affirmative and negative, developed rather into an argument as to whether the necessary conditions are in sight, or ever likely to be in sight. This, of course, brought up immediately the paramount ques tions of whether there are avail able the necessary lands, labour, and capital.
The two departmental heads made out a very good case for theii respective affirmatives. They were able to emphasise the tremendous productive potentialities of the twe territories. But, in the opinion oi all those who know the Terri tories, the arguments of Messrs James and Sefton appeared un answerable —there is no possibility of any great increase in the pro ductivity of Papua-New Guipes (such as would be necessary if thos( Territories were to supply Aus tralia’s tropical needs) unless then is a huge increase in the land am labour accessible to European enter prise, and such an alteration in con ditions that new capital will b( encouraged to go in and do the job The outstanding debater was Mr James. He spoke clearly and witl assurance, and he marshalled hi facts most convincingly—in fact, h disclosed a first-class radio per sonality.
The headquarters company of th Papua-New Guinea Volunteer Rifle held four-day field exercises a Taurana, Fort Moresby, during Oc tober. Highlights of the exercise were a dawn attack and a night fighting patrol in which smok grenades, flares and booby-trap played an active part. Three-inc: mortars firing smoke bombs gay noisy realism to the attack. It i expected that a platoon of th PNGVR will be established at Sam arai shortly.