from the islands press

From the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier, Port Moresby Churches that created instability and conflict would be closed down and told to “pack up and leave”, the Home Affairs Minster, Mr Lawi, warned yesteday.

He added that there were “far too many churches” in the country and there should be a ban on the entry of more churches.

Mr Lawi said some churches had preached against each other in recent years and caused conflict among their followers.

From the Cook Islands News, Rarotonga THE SECRET OF KNOWING ONE’S FUTURE DIRECTIONS IS TO KNOW ALL THE DETAILS OF THE PAST.

So asserts Deputy Prime Minister and Arts and culture minister Geoffrey Henry. Quoting a previous speaker at the Te Atu Kura function on Monday night for the visiting Earthwatch archaeology team he said, “You have got to know your yesterdays before you know where you are going tomorrow.”

New Year’s Eve on Niue according to Scene n’ Heard in Tohi Tala Niue.

New Year’s Eve in the past years was a time of festivities but the street was so quiet it was hard to believe New Year had been and gone. One of the local celebrities suggested that all the “Yahoos” have migrated leaving only himself to carry on the tradition. “All they know these days is to ride thier motorbikes and drink Palagi beer give me back the old days when they knew how to have a good time.”

A letter from Jim Kei Sabata, Boroko, in the Papua New Ginea Post-Courier, Port Moresby.

I would like to express my views of the number of women giving their bodies away for K 2.

Are these women pigs or dogs, or are they human beings? Does God want us to pay for something that a man and a woman do to create life?

This sort of thing is happening a lot around Moresby and I suggest to the women who are selling themselves, that they go back to their homes and start gardening, etc, instead of selling themselves.

High kicking in the Marshalls as cited in the Police Blotter in the Marshall Islands, Majuro.

Jan. 25 WOUNDED NOSE At 2200 hours, Rosemond Digno reported to police that while standing in front of the Yacht Club, Bruce came to her and asked for money. When she told him that she did not have money, he kicked her in the nose.

From Around Town by Grant in the Marshall Islands Journal, Majuro.

In the Marshalls it is worse to grow marijuana than to assault, batter, rape and murder people.

Murderers so far seem to get four years in jail and other jail terms can be run concurrently to that. But, if you are caught growing your own smoke you are liable to a $5,000 fine and five years jail.

Somehow it doesn’t seem right to me.

From a letter by Leiasmanu (nee Kalsakau) Cullwick in the Vanuatu Weekly, Port-Vila replying to comments on living costs in UK and Vanuatu.

May I add comment to your item in the Vanuatu Weekly issue No. 22 dated 5/1/85, page 12 ‘Vanuatu VS England “shocked” ni-Vanuatu reveals.’

It’s 1985 and Vanuatu now has 4 class citizens, Rich, Poor, Beggars & Thieves! 1990 is the target year for Vanuatu’s Economic Independence,

perhaps this won’t eventuate, but one thing’s certain Vanuatu will achieve another class of citizens those who die of starvation and malnutrition as in other 3rd world countries.

Vanuatu’s cost of living is phenomenal, higher than UK, USA, Australia & certainly New Zealand, and to mention, the electricity generated by UNELCO is the 3rd highest in the world.

From Around Town by Grant in the Marshall Islands Journal, Majuro.

I think one the best indicators of progress in the Marshall’s is that you can now get a glass of real draft beer here. Charley’s Tavern is the exclusive distributor of “Vailima” draft beer and their customers are extremly pleased. The product comes from Apia, Western Samoa, in 15 gallon kegs just like the best taverns in America.

From the Police Blotter in the Marshall Islands Journal, Majure.

Jan. 9 DOOR HITS TAXI. At 1000 hours, Nijma Lanwi reported to police that a taxi drive by Anikje Lolin was hit by the Social Security Office Door. While loading and unloading passengers, Joseph Ejli opened the office door and hit the taxi.