“Inevitable”

Drift To Towns “Inevitable”

After discussing papers on the social and health problems of urbanisation in several South Pacific territories, the Sixth South Pacific Conference in Lae in July adopted a resolution which stated that the drift of population from rural to urban areas was “an inevitable trend" because of the better employment opportunities, etc.

However, the conference re commended that the Commission be asked to invite territorial authorities to examine—with the assistance of the Commission where necessary—the adoption of palliatives to the problems of urbanisation.

The conference suggested that the palliatives were: More attrac tive economic, recreational and educational opportunities in the countryside, and the comprehen sive planning of adequate services and amenities in the urban areas.