Forthright Candidates

Stir Interest In P-N. Guinea Poll

The readiness of leading citizens of Papua-New Guinea to stand for the Legislative Council (elections to be held at the end of August) has done something to stimulate public interest in local politics. But it is an up-hill fight.

There is a large floating popula tion in the Territory; in addition there is the general recognition of the complete uselessness of elected representation under the present legislative set-up.

The readiness of candidates to give what service they can, in the Council, is appreciated; and their representations on several issues are being received with interest and re spect. But no one expects them to achieve anything much while the uncompromising Hasluck Dictator ship remains and the Council is dominated by officials.

It is anticipated that Mr. E. A.

James will hold the Papua seat. He has been for years the Territory’s most forthright non-official (and often anti-official) spokesman; and, although he has little power, there is no doubt that his uncompromis ing criticism at times has modified the plans of the Dictatorship.

Young Mr. Craig Kirke, his opponent, in balanced and construc tive utterances, has made a good impression.

The critical speeches of ex- District Commissioner lan Downs, a candidate for the Mainland seat, liberally reported in the local news paper, have delighted the whole Territory.

Nothing that Mr. Downs can do can add to the practical usefulness of the Council; but his appearance there is likely to stimulate the already strong and growing anti- Hasluck (which is, of course, also anti-UNO) sentiment in the Terri tory.

Mr. Downs is opposed in the mainland electorate by Mr. Sydney B. Barker, a dentist and miner ,of

Wau, New Guinea, who is an old and experienced resident of the Territory.

The contest in the Islands con stituency, between Mr. Don Barrett and Mr. Dudley Jones doughty warriors both—is not so one-sided.

Mr. Barrett has demonstrated his quality over two or three terms; and Mr. Dudley Jones also is regarded as a strong man and constructive thinker. The odds appear to favour Mr. Barrett —but Mr. Jones will poll heavily.

Government spokesmen, in true Dictatorship fashion, have been warning the Territories electors that the question of introducing more directly-elected members into the Council will be influenced by the extent to which the electors, on this occasion, exercise the privilege of voting.

This is typical of the Administra tion mind. There is no Territory in the Pacific where public affairs are more keenly observed and debated than in P-NG. But the P-NG people are realists—for all practical pur poses the Legislative Council is a farce.

However, on this occasion there is likely to be a big poll, because of the electors’ goodwill towards the candi dates.