Voters’ Favou[?]

Only Few Seek P-Ng

Interesting Contest Forecaster in New Britain

WHEN nominations for t h Papua-New Guinea Legislatil Council closed on August these men had signified their intei non of facing the poll on October for the three constituencies in tl Territory;

Papua

Mr. E. A. James, public accoum ant.*

New Guinea Mainland

Mr. George K. Whittaker, plant, and optometrist.

Mr. Harry Starr, theatre pr« pnetor.

New Guinea Islands

Mr. Don Barrett, planter.* Mr. John L. Stokie, plantatia manager.

Before nominations closed it ws intimated that Mr. Sydney B. Bai ker, a dentist and miner of Wa had nominated by mail for the N» Mainland electorate; and Mrs Am Lumley, trader of Losuia, for Papu: But their nominations had not bee; received at closing of nominationi It appears, therefore, that M: James has been elected unoppose ll for Papua.

Registration of elec L ors closed o( August 2. There are 1,128 for Not Guinea Islands; 764 for NG Maim land; and 908 for Papua.

Mr. Stokie made his surprise am nouncement that he would stam some weeks ago; in May it wa rumoured that he intended leaving the Territory permanently. He is resident of long-standing. He live<i behind Jap lines in New Britain for 14 months during early stage: of Pacific war. With his nomination the contest in New Britain becomes very interesting—as high registrai tion of voters indicates.

Mr. Carl Jacobsen, who reprej sented New Guinea Mainland in the last Council, decided some week: ago, not to stand again.

Nominated members of the Coum cil, of whom there are 9, will b« announced later—probably aftes the elections. As well as thre.s elected and 9 nominated members there are 17 official members. * Sitting Member.