Riot Squad Being Trained In Papua

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30741, 4 May 1965, Page 15

Riot Squad Being Trained In Papua

(N.Z.P.A.- Reuter—Copyright)

PORT MORESBY, May 1.

Fully trained riot squads would be stationed at possible trouble spots throughout Papua-New Guinea, the Police Commissioner, Mr R. Cole, said today.

No sudden 'emergency had made riot squads necessary; but they were “damned good insurance,” he said.

Each squad will comprise 36 native police under two white officers. They will be equipped with batons, shields and guns firing small gauge shot.

Squads will have smoke bombs but will not use teargas. Mr Oole said at least 10 squads would be stationed in the territory. Port Moresby at present is the only town with a fully trained riot squad. Other squads will be stationed at Rabaul, Lae, Bougainville, and Kavieng on New Hanover Island, home of the President Johnson cultists.

A British-trained police officer, Sub-Inspector Neil Powell, who formerly served in East Africa, was recently appointed officer in charge of riot squad training. He is in Kavieng training a squad. Tax patrols will start collecting local council taxes from Johnson cultists early this month. Mr Cole said the patrols would not be accompanied by police but a riot squad would be available.

Cultists in the past have refused to pay taxes because they wanted President Johnson and not Australia to rule them.