from t he islands press

From the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier, Port Moresby The Auditor-General’s report on the Western Highlands government is said to reveal many instances of malpractice.

They include: A cheque for 18.46 American dollars had been altered to $90,918.46 by someone in the government and deposited into the PNG Banking Corporation.

Provincial ministers, the report said, had purchased private cars using provincial government guarantees and leased them back to the government.

Ministers received petrol dockets for 50 to 60 litres for travel between constituencies all paid for by the government, it added.

From the Cook Islands News, Rarotonga Diesel is better than sunshine for lighting up houses, say Mitiaro islanders.

As a result they will happily remain in the dark until their damaged generator is repaired, regardless of how long it takes, rather than accept substitute solar lighting equipment.

From Uni Tavur, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby THE UNIVERSITY Bookshop may install an electronic security system, following the theft of books worth about KlO,OOO over the past year.

Bookshop manager, Mr Chris Pearce, said that one student alone had stolen 21 books worth K 360, but had returned them after having a change of heart. He will not be prosecuted.

From Tala O Atiakega, published by the Planning & Fisheries Division of the Tuvalu Government, Funafuti Since the office of the People’s Lawyer reopened its humble door to the public in May, 1986, a constant stream of clients have called in for legal advice.

People’s Lawyer, Alan Marsh, says that to December, last year, over 300 people requested legal advice on all kinds of subjects, from straying pigs to divorce. One of the most

frequent requests for assistance is from people charged with various offences by the police, including drunk and disorderly cases and traffic offences as well as the more serious criminal cases. All legal advice is given free of charge.

From the Cook Islands News, Rarotonga.

The Chief Justice of the Cook Islands has described the attitudes on the island about rape as appalling.

Speaking inthe Avarua High Court yesterday, Sir Graham Speight said: “This is a black day for Rarotonga, I have been Chief Justice for five years in the Cook Islands and I can recall two rape charges; this afternoon four people are sentenced for offences of rape and another one has been dismissed.”

From the Papua New Guinea Post Courier, Port Moresby.

Prime Minister Mr Wingti’s campaign trail is starting off with squeals of delight.

Large numbers of pigs are being given to him by party supporters from the Highlands to host parties for his campaign managers and other leaders.

In the last elections, similar donations were made - including one by his mother, Rumbug Wingti, who donated two pigs.

Unfortunately, this time she is not giving any pigs to her son. Instead she wants him to pay back what she has given.

From Uni Tavur, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.

A first year Solomon Island student could not move into his room in Niomuro, because his customs forbid men to live below women.

“He will now move to Kapundu, where there is a space,” said the Dean of Students, Mr Walter Dep.

The student, who does not wish to be named, has been living in Poroman with his wantoks since being allocated the double room.

The top floor of Niomuro is for female students and the ground floor for male students.

The reaction of Grass Roots to the claim by the PNG Prime Minister that the forthcoming election is a two horse race. The Post Courier headline read “It’s between Somare and me -Wingti.”