Private Shipping

Administrator Criticises Private Shipping

AT the end of his five weeks’ tour of the Milne Bay district and Eastern Papua in January, the Administrator of P-NG, Brigadier D. M. Cleland, had something to say about private shipping services.

It was regarded as strong critic ism in some quarters.

He said the Administration cou'd do something about improved air and radio services to isolated planta tions and outstations in the Milne Bay area and in the eastern sector of the Central district, but it was entirely up to the private shipping companies to see that these areas had adequate shipping.

The Administrator said a much better spirit of co-operation “be tween those responsible for ship ping” would make for a more sat isfied planting and trading com munity.

During his tour, the Administrator, with Mrs. Cleland, aboard the Leander travelled 1,500 miles by sea and addressed about 17,000 natives.

He spoke to most of the Europeans during his extensive itinerary.

He said main development in the area would be with native agricul ture and fisheries. A soil survey would be undertaken as soon as time and resources allowed.

He said there was need for a geophysical survey of the mineral resources to see whether some form of assistance to the mining industry in the area would give it newer life in the lower grade ores.

Extensive rebuilding at the RNZAF Base, Lauthala Bay, near Suva, is to be undertaken. About £56,000 will be spent on modernising accommodation for 18 officers and 44 airmen, and for work on boat yard, telephone exchange, and tennis court for recreation.