Memories from pre-war New Ireland: George Oakes
I was born at Vunairima near Rabaul in 1934. My parents were Methodist missionaries at the time in the Duke of York Islands. When I was about 15 months old, my parents moved to...
Category: Political Development
My expatriate life, Part 1: Diane Bayne
When visiting Bangkok I’ve wondered what it would be like to live there. The sensations of colour, smell, movement and noise are so overpowering, as is the humidity and heat. It’s contrasted by the...
Some old New Guinea photos, Part 1: Graham Syphers
Papua New Guinea was a very different place before Independence. A fascinating place filled with unbelievable characters and real achievers. It had a unique history from the days when the British ran Papua and...
Some old New Guinea photos, Part 2: Graham Syphers
Hello there, Here is the final part of a personal reminiscence and quick look by one Australian expat living in New Guinea, pre Independence. I had a total of sixteen years flying in PNG....
Karo Araua: Maxwell Hayes
The story of Karo Araua, Armed Constabulary (Papua), who was hanged for murder told by Maxwell R Hayes, Royal PNG Constabulary 1959-1974. In 1884, the Crown Colony of Queensland annexed a portion of the...
The kiap reunion 2013: Chips Mackellar
It was the biggest Kiap Reunion ever. Held on 10 November 2013 at the Kawana Waters Motel at Mooloolaba on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, a total of 307 kiaps, wives and descendants attended, not...
Communications: Paul Oates
The Daily Radio Sked Arriving at my first Patrol Post in 1969, I was introduced to that slender and sometimes tenuous life line of TPNG outstations, the radio schedule or ‘sked’. In 1969 in...
A reunion 50 years in the making
In stark contrast to the 1962-1963 Cadet Education Officers (aka The Reunion Junkies), the first official reunion of the 1963-1964 CEOs has been held. Thirteen of the 38 who attended the Passing Out Ceremony...
Religious hysteria in the Southern Highlands: Fif Favetta
(“In my name shall they cast out devils;” – Mark 16:17) In 1973/74 the Lake Kutubu area was awash with religious fervor and new found evangelism with the Protestant missions in the area emphasizing...
Some notes on the traditional shell money (and other currencies) of the Gazelle Peninsula: Maxell R Hayes
On arriving in Rabaul in 1959 my wife and I were quickly introduced to the local currency, particularly at the native markets, and found it to be known as ‘tambu’ or sometimes as ‘tabu’....
The annexation of New Guinea
Expansion of colonial interests in the Pacific – Queensland Govt Gazette – 1876. A refusal by the Crown to support Queensland in its quest for annexation of PNG. A reflection of interests and attitudes of...
Island trader, Gordon Harris
This story was found amongst papers written by Gordon Harris, formerly of Biwa Plantation on Djaul Island in the New Ireland Province. They were provided to the PNGAA by MaryLou Uechtritz. The islands off...
The night Cinemascope came to Kerema: Graham Egan
Every Monday I would post my freezer order to Steamships and then rejoice in the arrival of that order, by faithful “K” boat, the following Thursday week. Thus I marked the days of my...
My life in Papua New Guinea: Sandy Sinclair
Alexander Morrison Sinclair, better known as Sandy, was born in Cunningham Street, Dundee in 1904. He joined the Brigade of Guards in 1921 where he served for 8 years at Home and in China...
