Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/169

Rh prohibitive price. The same rule applies to a British subject or one of any other nationality, but as the Germans are strongly opposed to any British coming amongst them, the Government asks a price they know the applicant cannot give.

I do not think the Germans are much to blame in doing this for the present as regards British applicants. They are as yet a young and small community, have trouble enough with the natives as it is, and do not want complications with the British, and fear that many British—who would probably be Australians—would be difficult to deal with. All this is true and from their point of view very natural, but, of course, at a future time it must be different. They are sensitive to criticism at present and nervous as to losing full control, and I sympathise with them. In years to come, when the white population has increased and the unknown lands and islands are explored and opened up, they will be forced to keep the open door for us as much as we do for them. Then it must be remembered that at present many of the British traders, beachcombers and the like, who find their way in vessels to these little-known isles, are often most undesirable characters who behave badly to the natives, create trouble and bloodshed, and it is the Germans who suffer. They do the same themselves, of course, but if there is trouble through Germans they are more easily dealt with. This should be remembered and some latitude accorded Germany in this new land as yet; but, none the less, we have the right to equal and fair treatment with their own people. Was theirs not such a mean and little “dog-in-the-manger” policy in its entirety they would receive more sympathy than they do. They have yet to find their feet, and, since they are there, it is only right we should be friendly and considerate and be on 9