Spoke out, tossed out

Mr Leo Hannett, 28, has been dismissed as special adviser on Bougainville to the Chief Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr Michael Somare. He was appointed in March, 1973, in a bid to end moves for Bougainville’s secession from PNG.

Late in September he made a public

call for the removal of two senioi ministers from the PNG Cabinet.

He said the Minister for Mines Mr Paul Lapin, and the Minister foi Business Development, Mr Donatu; Mola, were not working hard enougt for the people of Bougainville, whorr they represented. They should b< replaced by a third Bougainvillea! member of the House of Assembly, Father John Momis.

Mr Somare, announcing Mr Han nett’s dismissal, said his actions had been embarrassing to everyone con cerned. It was clear he was unable to separate his political activities from his duties and responsibilities to him (Mr Somare).

Mr Somare said Mr Hannett had 2 clear right to continue as head of the Bougainville Special Committee, sei up earlier this year to work oul alternatives to secession.

Mr Somare’s action was endorsed by the Leader of the Opposition, Mi Tei Abal, who said Mr Somare had the right to expect the loyalty and support of his personal staff in the government.

Mr Abal also had something to say about the new Minister for Justice, Mr John Kaputin, appointing his own brother to a post on his staff.

The appointment, he said, had shades of nepotism and added “Generally, it is not good for gov ernment ministers to appoint theii relatives as members of the minis terial staff”. But he softened the criticism by pointing out that the case of Mr Kaputin’s brother might be different considering his qualifica tions. Mr William Kaputin, was a law student and employee of the Public Solicitor’s office.

For The Tusitala. —Visitoi

Co-ordinator in Western Samoa since 1966 when the post was created tc assist the tourist industry, Mr Vitc Meisake has been appointed trainee manager of the new Tusitala Hotel which is nearing completion ir Apia. He will understudy Mr Johr Gaffney, present manager of the Men dana Hotel in Honiara, who will take over the Tusitala when it opens. Mi Meisake will become manager aftei three years. After education at Marist Brother’s School in Apia and SI of Finance and public relations of came private secretary to the Ministei Mary’s College, Philadelphia, he be ficer in the Prime Minister’s depart ment.

IN BUSINESS.— The Bena peopl in PNG’s Eastern Highland District have formed the Bena Developmeii Society and plan to buy shops anc other businesses in the area. The societf has a membership of nearly 18.000