But Its A Star Challenge In Png

W. D. & H. O. Wills (Aust) Ltd is showing its confidence in the future of Papua New Guinea with a contribution of $60,000 over the next three years towards setting up a chair of administrative studies at the University of Papua New Guinea. The university, at present, offers some courses in administration in the Department of Political Studies.

The university will now be able to offer more in that field, to plan an integrated programme of political and administrative studies, and to explore ways of co-ordinating the university’s work more closely with training at the Administrative College of Papua New Guinea.

Mr J. D. Angus, manager of the South Pacific region of W. D. & H. O. Wills, said that in spite of what appeared to be a somewhat volatile situation in Papua New Guinea at present, his firm continued to have faith in its future. In addition to the endowment, which the company felt filled a very real need, Wills (PNG) Ltd had just completed extensions to the Madang manufacturing plant, involving a capital expenditure of more than $lOO,OOO.

Less than 10 of Wills staff of over 400 are expatriates, and we are making encouraging progress with the training of locals to fill all but the most senior positions,” Mr Angus said. ‘‘All in all, involvement with PNG at this vital period in its history brings with it a sense of excitement and stirring challenge.”