RSL Congress in Lae

The Annual Congress of the Papua-New Guinea branch of the RSSAILA was held at Lae on March 27 and 28.

Delegates present were W Wat kins (Port Moresby), John Stokie (Rabaul), T. Thompson (Lae), B Scholes (Bulolo), Norman Wilde (Wau), D. Passlow (Madang), H.

Eechoff (Wewak), W. Hendricks (Sohano).

The meeting, which lasted two full days, was opened by the Acting Administrator, Judge Phillips.

Some of une matters which were discussed were: Difference in price between “Smoke” and “Hot Air” Copra; soldier land settle ment in New Britain; land policy in the Territory for new and virgin land. Soldier land settlement generally; Warangoi Valley land (New Britain); proposed town planning for Kokopo. House loans ad vance policy; native liquor ordinance (which the RSL opposes); extension of the Repatriation Benefits to New Guinea; representation of RSL on local Town and District Councils.

Election Of Officers

Mr. Whittaker was elected State President for the year, with the following vice-presidents: Islands Branch, E. Smythe; Papua, W.

Watkins; New Guinea Mainland, Lea Ashton.

Visiting delegates were enter tained at dinner in the Hotel Cecil.

U Mrs. Elma Good, of Kessa Planta tion, Buka, NG, was a visitor at Canberra during the Queen’s visit there and had an excellent view of all the proceedings when the Terri tory people met Her Majesty. This was arranged by the Minister for Territories, Mr. Paul Hasluck.