Sensitivity About Political Interest

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30823, 7 August 1965, Page 2

Sensitivity About Political Interest

Countries governing Pacific Island territories were still sensitive about Islanders discussing political development, Mr P. Smith, lecturer in political science at Victoria University, and a past secretary-general of the South Pacific Commission told the Pan-Pacific and South-east Asia Women’s Association.

“The French, in particular, are afraid that the Islanders will be contaminated with Anglo-Saxon ideas of independence,” he said. “For them the ultimate aim should be to become a Frenchman, but then they claim they don’t follow our bad system of distinguishing between one class and another.” The idea of the South Pacific Commission was originated by Australia and New Zealand towards the end of the second World War. It embodied the concept of trusteeship, and while its early work was concentrated on medical and agricultural research, the stress had now moved to education and training. Health education was a major task, and the Commission maintained two health educationists who trained islanders. A scheme for improvement of community living by developing the natural interest of the island women in their families through widespread education programmes had proved very successful. A centre had been established in Fiji which included training for trades, and this had been extended to include men.

Considerable technical assistance had also been provided with the commission acting as local agents for United Nations organisations. One of the commission’s main limitations was finance. “This year the aim is for a budget of £260,000 which is really not a great deal,” Mr Smith said. Of this amount 30 per cent was provided by Australia; New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Holland 15 per cent each, and the United States and France 12 per cent each. “The amount contributed by America has never been increased, which was always an embarrassment to their delegation, but there was a Congressional limit on it.” The staff was small, usually about 60 members. “It is difficult to find the right people for this job,” said Mr Smith. “Many people are attracted by the glamour of the islands, but few want to live among the people and help them without concern for themselves. “We have had quite a few New Zealanders, and I have always been extremely proud of them. They are not showy, but they are good, hard workers,” he said.