From the Islands Press

A REQUEST for an entry permit (to American Samoa) was brought before a recent meeting of the immigration board. As the board deliberated, one member pointed out that this was funny because he saw the same person on the dock that morning.

He arrived on the Sulimoni. He had only been deported last year.

And while the board was set to discuss his application to re-enter, he was already in the territory.

What sort of system is this?

When all of a sudden you find out that you have scores of Tongans on the island (of Tutuila) who apparently enter without proper passports, then we must admit that there might be some flaws in our immigration policies and procedures. Editorial in “Samoa News”, Pago Pago.

THE bill against discriminatory practices has damaged the name of (Papua-New Guinea) Territorians for many years.

This newspaper has frequently highlighted various instances of blatant discrimination and will continue to do so—but it refutes intensely the suggestion in this bill that the racial situation has advanced to such a stage as to demand ANY kind of Govern ment action.

Let it be remembered that only in the past 12 months has the Ad ministration begun to clean ab horrent discrimination from its own statute books. Barely six months have passed since startling social changes—as drink and film viewing—have raised the status of the native people.

We were on the way towards building that harmonious partner ship this country so badly needs.

But this bill, with its dictatorial overtones and lack of psycho logical awareness, has taken the very soul out of the new attitude which had begun to enter every home. — Editorial in “South Pacific Post”, Port Moresby.

THE (Fiji) Government an nouncement of the decision to outlaw the use and importation of poker machines in the clubs of the Colony gives the complete he to all democratic processes.

The decision by Executive Council and the Governor is a

prime example of dictatorial officialdom, meeting in secret, to curb the right of individuals to decide for themselves how they conduct themselves in their own private clubs.

Had this order been issued as a normal amendment to an Or dinance, previously debated by our nominal controlling body, I would have no argument against it.

If the representatives of the people decide that something is undesirable or adversely affecting the people of this Colony, their decision, made in open debate, is fair and acceptable to all.

What was the evidence that “satisfied” the Government that gambling machines constitute a social evil? Gambling machines in themselves are not evil, neither is the use of them evil. It is only misuse of them which may be evil. —Letter from A. C. R. Harvie, Lautoka, in “The Fiji Times”.

IMPORTERS, for some time past, have been worried about con ditions in the cargo sheds at the wharf (at Apia, Western Samoa).

Inward cargo is stacked roof-high without any attempt at sorting, causing unnecessary congestion and extra handling with irritating de lays to the consignees and damage to goods.

Is not much of the trouble caused by failing to carry out some of the clauses of the lighterage contract so that shipping com panies can be saved harbour dues by giving vessels a quick turn around? Speed in discharging is given priority over care and ser vice.

Rumour has it that pressure is being put on Cabinet for the lightering to be taken over by the Government. What a pity that would be! Governments are notorious for their inability to make any business pay, and that applies very much so in Samoa.

There is ample private enter prise available to do the job well, as has been done in the past.

There would be no lack of ten derers IF tenders were called for, and the more the Government keeps out of business and confines itself to “governing” the better for Samoa. Editorial in “Samoa Bulletin” Apia.