Kiribati

correction

Production difficulties with Ju/y PIM resulted in the name of Michael J Scott, Supervisor of Elections in Fiji, being inadvertantly dropped from his letter on Fiji's electoral system.

I have just read the article entitled “Strong Turnout in Kiri bati Elections” at page 25 of your May, 1987 edition. I was most concerned to find my name mentioned in the article as that of a New Zealand lawyer acting for Beretitenti Tabai’s political opponent Dr Tong.

I must make it quite clear that this reference is both grossly inaccurate and deeply embar rassing to me. Although it is quite true that I was privileged to work as People’s Lawyer in Kiribati from 1983 to 1986, it is absolutely untrue that I am “Dr Tong’s lawyer” or that I advised, assisted or represented Dr Tong, or anybody else in Kiribati for that matter, in con nection with the recent election in Kiribati. I no longer have any professional connection with Kiribati.

It is further entirely wrong to state that I am a New Zealan der; in fact I am English; or that I have been declared an illegal immigrant.

Since August, 1986, I have been under contract to Solo mon Islands Government as Principal Magistrate, Malaita District. It must be clear to you that the activities attributed to me in your article would be entirely inconsistent with my present position, both as a member of the judiciary of another regional country, and as a representative of British aid to the region. As such, I find your article extremely embar rassing and injurious to my reputation.

Michael Lodge,

Solomon Islands Government, Malaita, Solomon Islands

We erred. The lawyer refer red to was in fact Roger Bell.

PIM regrets the error. A correc tion sent by our correspondent arrived too late - Ed.

top: National tally room, Sir Hubert Murray Stadium Port Moresby, Photos: John Carruthers

above: Counting votes for Port Moresby South electorate