In The South Pacific
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
Whither the Future of Samoa, Fiji and French Islands?
These Are Vital Months In The South Pacific
Vital developments were occurring right throughout the k>uth Pacific in March and early April. They affected tern aries controlled by Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand and how each problem is solved will affect the Liture stability of a large part of the South Pacific.
[ESE were the main highlights of the month’s important news: • The United Nations’ flag flew West Samoa, as a special UN don took evidence to help it lulate plans for W. Samoa to ige from a UN Trusteeship, gov d by New Zealand, to a sch eming territory. The initial work he Mission was done against a iground of strengthening doubts argument as to whether jrity groups would in fact be ected. And there were important issions between the Mission and ing Samoans on what part the ti system would play in negotia 5. (See pp. 21, 25, 61).
In New Caledonia, Mr. irmand, virtually “Premier”, re sd as Vice President of the itorial Assembly and Minister ’inance, and flew to France to an interview with President de lie. This was in protest against t he says are attempts by French Government to take the srnment of the Colony into its hands, despite promises at the •endum that New Caledonia d be given a greater share in rolling its own destiny. There “political tension” in the air. page 23).
"Growing Agitation"
In Fiji, with the arrival of ong-awaited Burns Commission several weeks off, there was ing agitation for greater at )ts to be made to solve Fiji’s omic and population problems, is pointed out that the appoint : of the commission (to investi and report on Fiji’s economic 'e) was already years late, and j would be greater delay before sport could be implemented. A ng citizen warned last month unemployment and distress e meanwhile growing. (See imentary”, page 25).
In Papua-New Guinea, Terri ns were anxiously awaiting the )me of a special meeting of the dative Council, which has been down for Port Moresby on i 20. It was announced that to introduce income tax into Territory would be brought
down at this meeting, despite pro tests by the public that income tax should not be introduced without a wider inquiry, and that the future prosperity of the Territory would be endangered by income tax being badly introduced. (See pp. 20,25,77).
Other important and news-worthy developments during the month were: • The British Solomons and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony welcomed British Royalty for the first time —a tour by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Consort of Queen Elizabeth. (See pp. 18-19, 137). • Rabaul, New Britain, was mak ing last minute preparations for a welcome to 65 representatives of 16
Pacific territories and the Kingdom of Tonga, meeting for the fourth official South Pacific Confer ence. The delegates will represent more than three million Pacific in habitants. Australia is host nation to the conference for the first time.