N.G. ‘Apprehension’ At Independence

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30534, 1 September 1964, Page 6

N.G. ‘Apprehension’ At Independence

(N.Z.P.A .-Reuter— Copy rig ht)

port Moresby, August 31. Papua-New Guinea natives apparently regarded independence with a great deal of apprehension, Kenya’s Minister for Justice (Mr Tom Mboya) said in Port Moresby yesterday. He said they seemed to have the impression that all contact with Australia would be severed and there would be an end to Australian guidance.

Mr Mboya has just ended an official three-day visit to the territory.

He said there was a complete lack of any political organisation. This, and the urgent need for more education, were the two things that stood out most in Papua-New Guinea. Mr Mboya said there must be more unity among the native races in Papua-New Guinea. The establshment of the House of Assembly had been a big step, but could also lead to greater tribal divisions.

The lack of national unity would present great difficulties to any government. Mr Mboya urged more participation by native people in official spheres. They must be given more responsibilities, he said. There should be an accelerated programme for education. At the present slow progress it would be many years before there were sufficient people to take effective control. He said a great deal was being done in the post-war development of Papua-New Guinea but there should be a greater sense of urgency.