NEW GUINEA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1835, 16 August 1906, Page 2

NEW GUINEA.

PRESS ASSOCIATION —COYPaIGHT Melbourne, August 15. Mr Deakin stated that on proclamation f of tho New Guiaea constitution there would be added to tho Papuan Executive Council tbroo members to represent the settlers. For tho present the officers in the territory retain their positions, pending tbo report of a commiteion. The members of the commission will bo eba-ged to inquire into tho best methods of improving tho coalitions of settlement, ricommendicg any ebauges io the administration they think necessary. When tbii informa'lon is obtained he trusted they would bo ablo to surmount existing difficullias and put the territory’ on a business footing.

In a nrcuto submitted by the Secretary for External Affairs it was stated that the most important ordinances would be reoast to bring them into coneonacoo with the dircoiora of the Papua Act. The suggested alterations in land, liquor, and labor ot dinar ces have received preliminary approval by the Minister, and the measures await submission to the local L-gis-lativo Council for enactment. The Secretary contends that development ought not to be Btayed nor enterprises postponed because of any uncertainty in the minds of intending rottlers owing to the appointment of tho commission. He suggests that the Aot be proclaimed and tha reconstituted Legislative Council summoned to consider the amendment of the existing laws. Ho adds'that'tho new Act will definitely settlo tho status of British New Guinea, and thus give an authority ta now laws, whioh they would not possess if enacted as ordinances of a Crown eoleny. The minuto bears Mr Deakin’s endorsement.