In This Issue

THE KNIGHT SURVIVOR: Sir Thomas Davis, long standing 21 prime minister of the Cook Islands has emerged stronger than ever after a year in which talk of plans to unseat him was rife.

We examine the background and, in an interview, Sir Thomas defends his record which, he says, has put the country back on a sound economic footing.

CITIZENSHIP SUCCESS: As a result of US mainland q Congress decisions, many Pacific islanders now find them selves automatic US citizens or have absolute migration rights. Our Washington correspondent has been behind the scenes of the often diverse debate that has brought spin-off benefits and a few problems for the US-related islands.

AIRPORT ANGER: A party of ni-Vanuatu and one Kanak 19 were halted at Sydney airport en route to Libya. They were eventually returned to Port Vila where Vanua’aku Pati leaders issued accusations of interference by Australia to torpedo the trip. They eventually completed their journey using the same tickets and the same route.

KANAK CONFRONTATION: FLNKS leader Jean-Marie 14 Tjibaou talks to PIM of the risks currently facing New Caledonia following more disturbances. He warns that if current policy proves unworkable, ”We will seek other means.”

OUT OF THE FOREST: Levers Pacific Timbers, who had 25 been logging in Solomon Islands since 1968, have sold up and moved out. We background the long-running dispute with villagers over land and logging rights which culminated in the company’s decision to quit.

MAN WITH A MISSION: Fiji’s early wharfside labourers didn’t 4Q have it easy. One man tried to improve their lot and, in so doing, attracted the disapproving attention of the colonial authorities. Contemporary records provide a valuable insight into the man, his friends and his times.

CONTROVERSY IN THE KINGDOM: Revelations in a Tonga h h news sheet have rocked the kingdom. Claims of misbehaviour 1 by highly placed officials have brought about a series of court actions and counter-actions unprecedented in the country's history. As a result, the publication is enjoying a circulation boom.

SHIPPING SERVICE LAUNCHED: The latest sea freight op service on the Fiji run was successfully launched. But not without difficulty, as a Sydney judge found when he was asked to adjudicate on an injunction application which could have halted the sailing at the last moment.