NEW GUINEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23648, 4 November 1938, Page 12

NEW GUINEA

DEVELOPMENT NEEDED WARNING TO AUSTRALIA LONDON, Oct. 26. Unless Australia develops New Guinea she is in danger of losing it, according to the explorer and ethnologist of Sydney University, Mr A. J. Marshall, in his book. “ The Man and Birds of Paradise.” “ Unfortunately the Government is interested in little besides gold,” says the writer. “ But the production of gold will not go on for ever, and now is the logical time to establish other sources of income. , “ The Lands Department at Rabaul is doing good work, but it lacks encouragement. Settlers who ask for assistance to obtain land are met with a blank stare. “ Much valuable farming land could be opened by a rural board, but the Government is talking of building a road to the goldfield at fabulous cost, in spite of the fact that the goldfield is served by a wonderful air service. “ New Guinea is fertile and has cheap labour. Canberra must do much more to attract settlers, because New Guinea has a tremendous future if properly handled. “At present it is vulnerable, and offers a stepping-stone for the invasion of Australia. Perhaps the crisis will have focused attention on this danger spot.” The author adds that many people wish a European Power to occupy New Guinea, to form a buffer to Japan. Germany is the logical choice, but it is doubtful whether Australians want Nazis at the front door, although they are casting anxious glances eastward out of the window.