Self-Government Not Wanted Quickly

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31598, 8 February 1968, Page 12

Self-Government Not Wanted Quickly

In spite of the considerable political development in the Solomon Islands, the Melanesians were not pressing for self-government to come quickly, the Archdeacon of the British Solomon Islands (the Ven. H. V. C. Reynolds) said in Christchurch yesterday..

“It is hoped that it will be done slowly and carefully,” he said.

Archdeacon Reynolds, who is also vicar-general- of the Solomon Islands, arrived in Christchurch yesterday from Timaru in an official deputation on behalf of the New Zealand Board of Missions. Although he has been in New Zealand on furlough siflce November, his visit has been a private one. “Urbanisation is increaing especially in the capital, Honiara, and other smaller centres at Auki, Malaita and Gizo, in the Western Solomons. 1 Small shops have sprung up, and secondary industries are beginning naturally in a small way,” he said. The population of Honiara was now niore than 7000, including about 5000 Melanesians and several hundred Europeans and Chinese. “In Honiara, especially, fuller Use Of spare time is needed and it is hoped that a welfare centre organised by the churches will be established in the next year or so,” said Archdeacon Reynolds. Archdeacon Reynolds said that both the church and the Goverment were doing a great deal in education and the Government was hoping to establish a polytechnic school next year. Already in the Diocese of Melanesia, however, at the marine headquarters at Taroaniara a training centre was established for young men to receive instruction in marine and electrical engineering, boat-building , and general building, printing, including

book-binding, and navigation. The head of the station, Mr B. Ayers, was formerly of Christchurch.

Archdeacon Reynolds said that of the 130,000 persons living in the Solomon

Islands, about 22,000 children received some though not full primary education, and perhaps only one half of these education to standard four level. The Anglican Church was giving education to between 6000 and 7000 and to about 150 secondary school pupils. While he is in Christchurch Archdeacon Reynolds will speak to members of the Friends of Melanesia, school children and clergy from the Diocese of Christchurch. On Sunday he will preach at four services at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. These will be held at St Michael’s Oxford Terrace, St Mary’s, Addington, Christchurch Cathedral, and St Peter’s, Upper Riccarton, respectively. He will leave Christchurch next) Wednesday.