‘Racial Strife Threat To Nauru’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30930, 10 December 1965, Page 17

‘Racial Strife Threat To Nauru’

(N.Z. Prttt Ann—Copyright)

CANBERRA, Dec. 9. Australia could become the architect of dangerous racial conflict on Nauru when the island gained full independence, Parliament was told today. The conflict would be between the native population and migrants sent there to

work the phosphate deposits, a Labour member, Mr K. E. Beazley, said during debate on the Nauru Bill, which gives the island a legislative council with limited powers. The council will comprise the island’s governor, nine representatives of the native community and five official members.

Mr Beazley said the bill made no provision for migrants* representation although migrants comprised almost half the total population. He moved an Opposition motion, noting the absence of assistance for migrant workers.

The motion read: “This House, while not opposing passage of the bill, regrets that the Nauru agreement between the three governments (Australia, Britain and New Zealand) contains no terms that provide for political, economic, social and educational advancement of indentured labour fa the phosphate industry." Nearly al! phosphate mining on Nauru is done by workers brought from Hong Kong and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. CORRECTIVE Mr Beazley said that, so far as he knew, not one of those workers had been allowed naturalisation.

Nauru was putting itself forward at the United Nations as one of the new emerging communities. "But there is a query on their relationship to the subordinate races on the island," he said. "It could be a sharp cor. rective to some of the things said by Nauru around the United Nations if some of the

opotoemMi for migrant labour there could also be at the United Nations,” Mr Beazley said.

Elders on Nauru were gravely concerned over the habits of teen-agers there, said Dr. M. Mackay (Liberal, New South Wales). Dr. Mackay told of his experiences on Nauru during a recent visit there. He said that since he had also learned that Nauruan students in Australia would not wash out drip-dry shirts and do other simple laundry done by Australian students. They regarded themselves as the “richest people of the Pacific” because of the royalties from the phosphate deposits. LITTLE AMBITION Dr. Mackay said: “There is a lack of ambition among the older children that is in stark contrast with all other groups. Discipline becomes increasingly difficult in schools. It has even resulted in violence to male teachers and undesirable incidents to female teachers.” He said children were left tr wander around by themselves.

There is a lack of regard for property and a lack of effort on the island among the children. One faddent I saw was when the headmaster at the high school rang the school belt It was totally disregarded.

“The vice-principal took a whistle and walked among the children. He was regarded as something of an exhibit.” Dr. Mackay said he found an attitude of indifference and financial irresponsibility among the Nauruan adults. There is virtually no fishing undertaken now by these wealthy people who find things come easier out of tins,” he said. "I believe this

leads to decadence, lack of enterprise, and a lack of stimulus and challenge in life which is disastrous to the morale and social welfare of the people.

“There is a black market in liquor, although it is an offence against the ordinances to drink. Breaches of this ordinance form the second largest crime group on the island.”