First Gilbertese Settlers
p. 110 · Read in the full issue
in Solomons
IMPLEMENTING a Western Pacific High Commission plan for resettlement of population from the overcrowded Gilbert atolls, the first party of settlers arrived at Gizo on September 26, aboard the ketch Te Matapula.
These people were from Sydney Island (Phoenix Group) and the Southern Gilberts.
In charge of the new settlement is Mr. R. G. Roberts, who joined Te Matapula at Canton Island following furlough in England. Mr.
Roberts has now transferred from GEIC Government employment to BSIP Government.
The resettlement is being made under a Colonial Development and Welfare Scheme financial grant.
Gizo Island was selected after a
Pacific-wide search for a suitable and available island, taking into consideration communication and other problems. The island now selected, a high island, is very different to the dry, comparatively infertile, Gilbert atolls. Repre sentatives of the people who visited Gizo many months ago reported
favourably. There will be certaii health problems not present in ttt; Gilberts —Gizo is in a malarii area.
Results of the first year at Gii will no doubt decide whether tic Gilbertese transfer in larp numbers, and the project is belli watched with great interest.