25 Thoughts On A Changing Pacific

What are the problems that occupy the minds of intelligent South Sea islanders? There is a clue in the following list, which comprises 25 proposals which the Fourth South Pacific Conference delegates thought should be discussed by the Fifth Conference to be held in three years time. The site has not yet been selected, but it will most likely he Pago Pago, American Samoa. The agenda for the conference will probably be selected from this list.

(1) Methods of training Pacific islanders in business methods and practices. (2) The value and feasibility of ex changing indigenous on-the-job trainees among territorial ad ministrations in such activities as introduction of new plants, improvements in fishing methods and practices, improvement of poultry and livestock breeding, control of animal and plant pests, and other similar pro jects. (3) A study of the role of artificial trade barriers in restricting inter-island commercial develop ment among inter-related Pacific areas. (4i A recommendation that govern ments be encouraged to give support on marketing problems and cropping programmes. (5) The problem of inter-island transport systems within the Pacific area and their rationali sation. (6) Industrial and private fishing, possibilities of economic and social role of fisheries. (7) improvement of the quality of produce (copra, cocoa) by rational methods of preparation and by the establishment of a sound system of processing. (81 The promotion of * n^e /” ( territorial trade within the Pacific region as a necessary step towards more effective par ticipation in world trade. (9i The changing role of women in the South Pacific territories, noi The role of witchcraft in the ( fives of the indigenous peoples of the South Pacific. (11) The influence of occidental (U) medicine on the lives of the Pacific peoples. (12) The building of strong an (12) healthy houses in the villages^ dances and consequences of ( ’ alcoholism among the population Of the Pacific. ,

(14) How to keep a reasonable balance between social advance ment and territorial economy. (15) The influence of modern enter tainment with special reference to picture shows on the indi genous youth of the South Pacific. (16) The place and development of the Press in the South Pacific. (17) The influence of tourism on the lives of the indigenous people of the South Pacific. (18) The importance of organised adult education schemes in South Pacific territories. (19) The desirability of establishing inter-territorial youth organisa tions and tourist hostels as a means of fostering better under standing among South Pacific peoples. (20) The function and role of teacher training centres in the lives and development of South Pacific peoples. (211 Problems of over-population in territories of the South Pacific with special reference to those resulting from improving social services and Immigration, to gether with consideration of possible solutions. (22) A study of the role of mission, church, or other religious activities in the social and economic development of South Pacific peoples. (23) Labour, wages and working con ditions, the incidence of un employment in urbanised areas, and the function and role of trade unionism in the economy and social life of the Pacific peoples. (24) In relation to the study of the problems retarding the success ful progress of co-operative societies in the South Pacific, consideration of the development of private enterprise and co operative societies with special attention to the need for credit facilities. (25) The Importance of relating agri cultural and technical education to the needs of each territory.