[?]'Th Pac. Commission

Meets In Oct.

Sir Brian Freeston About to Retire

pHE South Pacific Commission [ will commence its 1954 Session i at headquarters in Anse Vata, bumea, on or about October 11, id the sittings probably will con nue for two weeks.

The Commissioners now meet ily about once a year—most of the ommission’s practical work is done f the Research Council, through le Secretary-General as the co •dinating authority. The Com issioners are primarily concerned ith finance, and the implementa on of those of the Research Coun l’s recommendations which they ave approved.

Probably, the Commission will msider preliminary arrangements ir the Third South Pacific Con irence. The Conference is held rery three years—and the first was i Fiji and the second in Noumea, here is a feeling in some quarters lat the third should be held in ew Guinea.

At the first Conference in Suva, i 1950, Mr. Colin Simpson made plea that a Conference should be eld in the Highlands of New uinea. The idea then was not iriously regarded; but now, as a ‘suit of the remarkably rapid rowth of Eastern Highlands, and I amenities at Goroka, the plan lay be worth serious consideration.

The Commission, at this Session, iust also deal with the important latter of filling the post of ecre t a r y-General. Sir Brian reeston, KCMG, former Governor I Fiji, who took over in Noumea fter the departure of Mr. W. D. brsyth, is due for retirement this ear, and probably will depart for hgland in November. All countries nd interests agree that Sir Brian nd Lady Freeston have done a re larkably good job in Noumea, and heir places will be hard to fill.