From the Islands Press

IT had to happen some time [on Pitcairn Island]. A head on collision between Hondas on a corner— luckily at slow speed and with no one hurt.

Ten coming up from Aute Valley and Charles going down.

Ten’s front forks were twisted and required a few hours’ work on them, while Charles’ bike has a distinct lop-sided look without there being anything much wrong.

Drivers! Take heed of the first rule in the book. Keep left.— News item in “Pitcairn Miscel lany”, Pitcairn Island.

WHAT’S wrong with expressing an opinion these days?

What’s wrong with thinking that people should wear crash helmets, kids should behave on the buses, the authorities should keep the roads clear and someone should give Keith McDonald a hand with coaching junior tennis enthusiasts.

Why does everyone write letters to the editor over a pen name?— Letter from Elizabeth Mansom in “Pinacle Post”, Nauru.

WITH the end of another year [1967] approaching it is customary to look back over the year just past and forward to the year ahead.

Most businessmen [in Western Samoa] have found the year the poorest for a long time as far as sales go, because what with the after effects of the hurricane; and financial restrictions, un employment and devaluation ad versely affecting aiga in New Zealand; the people have not had anywhere near as much money as they would like to spend.

The poor business however is not symptomatic of any chronic weakness in the economy—it was largely the result of a natural misfortune which might, of course, strike at any time but which by the law of averages is unlikely to do so again for some time.

The fact is that despite falling export earnings during this year, the economy is probably basically stronger now than it has ever been and future prospects are very bright.

Coconut replanting is going ahead well and the first effects of

this will be felt in another two years.

There is little doubt that agri cultural production and earnings will next year show an enormous improvement over this year’s figures.

Potlatch should start operating before the middle of next year and there is not much doubt that with the clear-cut approval given Potlatch, other big overseas com panies eyeing the vast potential of the land and sea of Samoa will not be far behind.

This then has been a good year to get out of but it has contained the elements leading to greater prosperity ahead. Editorial in the “Apia Advertiser”, Apia.

GIVEN permission to go for a drink of water while working with a party from Suva Gaol, a 19-year-old Fijian prisoner took the opportunity to escape. But his liberty did not last long.

The thirst that freed him also trapped him. for within 24 hours he was caught drinking the Fijian national drink, yaqona (kava), in a saloon in Suva. He had changed into civilian clothes but was recognised and re-captured. He went back to prison quietly.— News item in government news letter, “News from Fiji”, Suva.

FOR years ownership of the former German and Japanese lands on Yap has been clouded.

At the end of World War 11, land held by the Japanese auto matically was turned over to Trust Territory’s new government.

But what land had the Japanese acquired legally, and what had been seized during the war with little or nothing paid the original owners? Where were the boundaries of the land?

Thanks largely to the efforts of Peace Corps lawyers and the land management office, an at tempt is now being made to find out what land really belongs to the government.

During the past year and one half, the government has filed claim to three tracts formerly held by the Germans and Japan ese. After a claim is filed, Yapese who feel they have rights in the

property have up to one year to notify the government. Then a hearing is held and ownership determined.

One of the big reasons for pressing claims now is so future planning can be carried out, knowing what land is owned by the government, what is not.— News item in “The Rai Review”, Yap Island, Western Carolines.

I AM a Fijian with a peaceful mind. I hope that more than 90 per cent, of my race like to live and work with Europeans and Indians. . , .

There is a lot of talk about the future of Fiji, in and outside of Fiji.

The only solution which I hope will solve the problem is for our Fijian chiefs to ask Her Majesty’s Government to hand over the rights of our land which our great chiefs bestowed on her in 1874, so that we Fijians can do what we like with our beloved Fiji.— Letter from Viliame Saule kaleka, of Ra, in “The Fiji Times”, Suva.

THE police [on Tarawa] wish to draw the public’s attention to a large number of juveniles, ages ranging from six to 15 years, who are operating among residences.

Their methods are to steal a few eggs—or shells, which they then take around the houses— not to sell, unless the house is occupied, but merely to justify their presence near the house if seen.

In the event of the house being left open while the occupier is out the children go through the windows and steal whatever is handy to dispose of, and parti cularly cash.

These are not isolated cases, but very prevalent. Many arrests have been made; and in several cases the culprits have been re latives of household staff and have at some time or other visited the house with such staff, and have gained pre-knowledge of the lay out and whereabouts of the most desirable objects.

Frigidaires, and foodstuffs, in cluding drinks of all kinds are good targets, as also cigarettes.— Police notice in “Colony Infor mation Notes”, Tarawa.