Press

From the

Islands

From an offering entitled Polynesian Time by Taha Talagi in Tohi Tala Niue What can we do? Either be a Polynesian or a citizen of New Zealand to keep up what is called a Palagi time which is 7.30 meaning 7.30 and not 8.30 Niue time. What is time to a Niuean?

Time is not important as far as we exist, but spoilt by so-called

timepieces.. .

From the Fiji Times A devout Muslim civil servant who regularly goes to pray at lunchtime at the Toorak Mosque found to his dismay yesterday that the day’s prayer had cost him $ 16.25. A new pair of shoes which he had taken off outside the mosque had disappeared by the time he had completed his prayer. The man had to go out and buy a pair of flipflops for 75<f to wear back to work, in place of the shoes which had cost him $ 15.50.

From an editorial in Tohi Tala Niue Annual licensing of firearms on Niue sounds a bit out of place even though it is a requirement by law. Firearms on Niue meant to be shotguns but what is the use of paying for the annual licence when guns are hardly used. Last year people who own guns only use them for three months, therefore the payment is warranted, but this year guns were never used because there were no ammunitions available at the Treasury bond store . . .

From Arawa Bulletin, Papua New Guinea Are we really interested? Apparently not, if the number of votes cast in the recent Arawa Town Council is any criterion. Just on 10% of those entitled to vote made use of their power. A sad reflection when one considers the amount of criticism that is heard of the council and its activities . . . Still, council elections throughout the world are notorious for the apathy of voters, and Arawa is not alone . . . Three councillors polled 22 votes or less and were successful. . .

Cook Islands News didn’t say who they were or where they came from but insisted that Ernie, Frank and Jean had a ‘new life ahead' One Saturday was a day to remember for years to come for some more of Dr Milan Brych’s cancer patients. On that lovely sunny morning an almost unprecedented number of oncology patients and their relatives were at the airport to farewell three more patients who had successfully completed their course of treatment. Mingling in the crowd at the airport no one would have known that Ernie, and Frank . . . had only a few months ago been seriously ill. There was also Jean from Tasmania, who only some six months ago had come over for treatment as a last resort never expecting to return home . . .

From a profile of Lae businessman Mr Muttu Gware in Lae Nius, Papua New Guinea Mr Gware recalls ‘way back in his childhood in 1945 or 46 that his father took the whole family to Voco Point soon after the war broke out. The family sat on the beach watching planes

bombing the ships. In return the ships fired their giant guns at the planes. The smoke of the machine-guns covered the face of the sun, they couldn’t see at all and the whole place was very dark. They were all very frightened.

From New Hebrides News A black object believed to be a meteorite, fell between Merelava and Gaua on Saturday morning June 17. Merelava people reported seeing the flying object with a tail of fire falling from the sky at a great speed. When it hit the water there was a huge explosion which snook the islands. The people thought it was either a bomb explosion or the Gaua volcano erupting.

Meteorological Department officers are certain it was a meteorite. . .

From the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier Rabaul police are investigating reports that some village court magistrates are using money from fines for their own use. East New Britain Provincial Government’s Minister for Justice, Mr Anton Bos, said yesterday an investigation on one court area had shown thefts of this kind.

From the government publication News Bulletin, American Samoa The 15.0% unemployment rate in American Samoa for the calendaryear 1977 was 4.4% below that of 1976 and 3.0% below that of 1975. The significant reduction has been attributed largely to the outmigration of young American Samoans for economic opportunities and to further their education. The figures were released by the ASG’s Development Planning Office in its recently published Statistical Bulletin, a semi-annual report on economic indicators.

The Bulletin states that there exists some controversy over the interpretation of employment/unemployment figures. “Some (people) are of the opinion that although the Territory records high unemployment figures, it does not carry with it the same connotation as in the Mainland, USA. The rationale behind this thought is based on the fact that although many Samoans are able to work, they are contented staying home and working off the plantation to provide staple food for the family. The other membersof the family working in paid employment help to support them. It is also their contention that culture demands that the wives stay home and look after the children. These persons, accordingly, should not be counted in the labour force.”

From the Atoll Pioneer, Gilbert Islands (reporting an exhibition of Australian Aboriginal art arranged by the Australian High Commission) There are three “nos” to this show: there are no boomerangs, there are no spears, and unfortunately none of the exhibits are for sale .. .

From a letter in the Arawa Bulletin, Papua New Guinea ... lam an ex-member of the police force stationed here in Arawa and I am not at all pleased with the help the Premier, community leaders and peace officers are offering to curb crimes committed in both urban and rural areas throughout this province of North Solomons. We seem to be disgraced by the Bougainvillean politicians in the Bulletin saying police are not working properly to fight crimes committed in the North Solomons Province, if we delay investigation due to other serious crimes being committed which require more investigation. We are not gods.

We make reports on crimes or offences committed and investigations are carried out soon after. Offenders may be arrested and detained with the help of the public giving information to us . . . Most of these crimes are done by community and high school dropouts . . . Highlanders are not to be blamed all the time . . .