But America
p. 21 · Read in the full issue
Everybody Was There
From Ralph Craib, in Hollandia Netherlands New Guinea took its first formal step towards self wemment on April 5. But the step seemed to shock some Aus alian visitors, and it was a step which was officially shunned by e United States.
IHE opening of the New-Guinea . Raad a Parliament with a better than three to one native majority, is a dignified state occasion. But ere were a lot of other elements rown in, too.
Hollandia threw off its torpor for e big event. With guests from istralia, Holland, the United States id elsewhere, accommodation was a premium. The government, in ct, rented the big KPM freighter isirribar for use as a floating hotel, lose* aboard it enjoyed the only commodation with air condition g in the city!
Heads of various delegations in ided the Netherlands Minister for iternal Affairs, Mr. Theo Toxopeiis, id the State Secretary, Theo Bot; e Australian Minister for Terri ries, Mr. Paul Hasluck; the New saland Minister for Island Terri ries, Mr. F. L. A. Gotz, delega ms from the Australian and Dutch irliaments, and from the Papua ew Guinea Legislative Council.
The dignitaries and a large group Pressmen were treated to a num ir of receptions, tours, a fair and fireworks show, the latter un
doubtedly the biggest in New Guinea since World War 11.
The actual opening of the new Council was an event of colour and contrasts. It included Naval officers in formal whites carrying sabres, the Netherlands New Guinea Gov ernor, Dr. Platteel in formal gold brocaded uniform; the Chief Justice of Papua-New Guinea, Mr. A. H.
Mann, in his wig and red robes; his Dutch opposite numbers in black robes with grilled bibs and ruffled berets, and a large group of visitors sweating out .the proceedings in business suits.
Temporary Building
The Council opening was held in the new temporary meeting place, an auditorium flanked by new and as yet unoccupied shops in the centre of the Hollandia downtown business area.
A band of Air Force men from the Biak airport tootled light tunes as a procession of cars arrived with those privileged to have tickets.
And a large throng of Papuans lined the streets to witness the comings and goings. (Next page)
Phosphate Strike. An Auck
land report in April said the NZ frigate Pukaki left Auckland on April 14 for Ocean Island to stand by because of a reported strike there by phosphate workers.
Here, in the inaugural meeting of the New Guinea Raad, Nicholas Youwe, the Council's second [?]ice-chairman, attacks America for not attending. Council president J. H. P. Gelpke is in the centre, and first vice-chairman, M. W. Kaisiepo, is wearing earphones.