They've Got A

Ministerial

System Now

Ministerial government in P-NG took its first hesitant steps in June with the appointment of seven elected members of the House of Assembly as “minis terial members”. They share re

sponsibility with departmental

heads for policies of the depart ments and may initiate proposals.

In addition, eight assistant minis terial members have been ap

pointed.

The 15 were selected by a com mittee of the House, which compro mised “only a little bit” with the Ad ministrator (to quote a committee member) before the final selections were announced. General feeling in the territory is that the selections were a good choice. Some have no formal education, but the Administration plans to issue them with tape re corders to allow these men to put their views to departmental heads.

The selection of the members was based roughly on a regional distribu tion, although Papua ended with a slight edge on the others. Five come from the Highlands (which has 30 seats in the House), three from the New Guinea islands (17 seats), three from the mainland (24 seats), and four from Papua (13 seats). Average age of the members is 38.

The Ministerial Members all be; come members of the Administrator’' Executive Council, together with ai, additional elected member who is ncc a Ministerial member—Tom Leahy 39, planter (Markham Open)—ano three official members, Messrs. F. C Henderson, L. W. Johnson, and 1 W. Ellis.

The Ministerial Members are ex pected to spend at least three week of every month in Port Moresby. I there is any disagreement betwee; them and their departmental heao the Administrator may adjudicate.

The list of Ministerial Members is Trade and Industry: Angmai Eilat 30 (Mabuso Open). Public Work) Roy Ashton, 47 (East and West Ne; Britain Regional), Education: Ma thias Toliman, 43 (Gazelle Opem Posts and Telegraphs: Sinake Giregin 31 (Daulo Open). Agriculture, Stoo and Fisheries: Tei Abal, 36 (Wabs Open). Labour: Toua Kapena, t (Hiri Open). Public Health: Toe Lokoloko (Kerema Open).

Assistant Ministerial members an Lands Surveys and Mines: Andre Andagari Wabiria, 30 (Koro< Open). Technical Education a: Training: Joseph Lue, 35 (Bougai ville Regional). Local Governmer Kaibelt Diria, 48 (Wahgi Open Co-operatives: Lepani Watson, (Kula Open). Rural Developme: Mek Singiliong, 34 (Finschhafl Open). Treasury: Oala Oala Ran 33 (Central Regional). Informath and Extension Services: Joe Pi Langro, 29 (West Sepik Regional Forests: Siwi Kurondo, 48 (Kerow.' Open).

Siwi Kurondo is a former Pan Pati member who resigned in Junt

Toua Kapena —Labour.

Roy Ashton —Works.