PAPUA (BRITISH NEW GUINEA) 417
TERRITORIES OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH. TERRITORY OF FAPUA BRITISH NEW GUINEA).
This possession is the south-eastern part of the island of New Guinea, with the islands of the D'Entrecasteaux and Louisiade groups and all islands between 8° and 12° S. latitude, and 141° and 155 E. longitude. Area 90,540 square miles, of which about 87,786 are on the mainland of New Guinea, and 2,754 on the islands above mentioned. On June 30, 1919, the population was as follows : — Euroj>ean, 971 ; coloured (other than Papuan), 316 ; Papuans (estimated), 250,000. (For the jwrt of New Guinea lately possessed by Germany and now administered by Australia, see next section. )
The government of British New Guinea is founded on the British New Guinea Act of November, 1887, and on Letters Patent issued June 8, 1888. The cost of the administration to the extent of 15,000/. a year was formerly contributed in equal proportions by New South ' toria, and
Queensland. The Federal Government took over the control in 1901 : the political transfer was completed by the Papua Act of the Federal Parliament in November, 1905, and on September 1, 1906, a proclamation was issued by the Governor-General of Australia declaring that British New Guinea was to be known henceforth as the Territory of Papua. There is an executive council composed of 6 official members, and a legislative council composed oi the executive councillors and three non-official members nominated by the Governor-General of Australia.
Lieut. Governor and Chief Judicial Officer— J. H. P. Murray, C.M.G.
Government Secretary. — Herbert William Champion.
Tribes have in large areas settled down to peaceful habits. Four mission- ary bodies are at work ; many hundreds of natives are being taught by these bodies. Approximately 218,950 acres of land have been leased, principally by planters, the principal cultures being coconuts (43,560 acres at June 30, 1919), rubber (8,598 acres), sisal hemp (5,824 acres). On June 30, 1919, there were 58,513 acres of plantations. By the Papua Act, 1905, freehold alienation is prohibited, but leases may be obtained at low rentals for long terms. Indigenous sago is plentiful in the western portion of the Territory, and there are considerable numbers of native-owned coconut trees. The forests contain valuable timbers, in most cases easily accessible by river. A regulation, which is strictly en- forced, requires that each native shall plant a certain number of coconut trees or other economic trees or plants if his land is suitable.
There are four ports of entry — Port Moresby, Samarai, Daru, and Misima.
There are 8 magisterial districts, each in charge of a resident magis- trate. There are also 2 relieving and 16 assistant resident magistrates, and 13 patrol officers. There is a Central Court at Port Moresby, but it holds sittings wherever and whenever necessary. For native government some simple regulations have been passed. There were (1920) S40 village policemen ; armed constabulary, 331 (exclusive of Europeans who are officers of armed constabulary).
Throughout the Territory there are numerous schools belonging to the various Christian missions ; the attendance of native children at these schools is compulsory if English is taught. The Native Taxes Ordinance came into force on January 15, 1919, imposing a tax not exceeding 10s. per head on indentured native labourers, and not exceeding 20s. per head on other natives. Aftt-r expenses of collection are paid the balance is to be de- voted firstly, to native education, and secondly, to other purposes having for
