SAVAGE RACES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21978, 13 June 1933, Page 10

SAVAGE RACES

NEW GUINEA PROBLEM OPENING NEW AREAS (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, June 2. Discussing his recent journey into the heart of the newly discovered country in Upper Raman and Purari districts of New Guinea, the Minister In Charge of Territories (Mr Marr) on his return to Australia this week said that the estimated population there was 200,000, and the natives, who were in a savage state, would require most careful handling. Only the outer fringes of that country had so far been brought under the influences of the Government, and the large majority of the inhabitants had not yet seen a white man. Should they, as the result of any unfortunate incident, turn hostile, they would present a most serious difficulty, and would constitute a serious menace to the development of the territory. That development was now proceeding at a pace which should give satisfaction and pride to all concerned, and any setback would be a matter for very deep regret. As they existed now the savages were a potential force for either good or evil, and for that reason the Administration was exercising strict control over parties that "were anxious to penetrate the region. Mr Marr said that the land In the newly discovered tract appeared to be some of the most fertile in New Guinea. The natives were evidently keen and capable agriculturists. The pioneering spirit actuating the white men and women in New Guinea was equal to anything shown in the early days of Australia. To see wonderful mining plants in almost inaccessible country was a revelation, and little thought was required to visualise the hardships—the lack of proper food and the incessant struggle against fever, heat and jungle—which had to be overcome to make the present development possible. The problems had been so successfully dealt with, however, that the goldfields area to-day was a health resort, possessing fine bungalows, hydro-electric power, and nearly all the amenities of modem life.