Stuff you need to know about PNG Attitude
BY KEITH JACKSON AM, Publisher & Editor
The first thing I should tell you is that I agree with many of the views expressed in PNG Attitude and disagree with others but that I publish material I believe is of interest to readers and that I think deserves to be published whether I agree with it or not. All correspondence will be entered into.
PURPOSE
PNG Attitude was established in 2006 to address a major issue: the silence that for too long after PNG independence in 1975 existed between Papua New Guineans and Australians.
Ordinary citizens - people like us - didn't much communicate with each other. And this was after we’d spent a century thrown together by the winds of colonialism – a period during which many of us got to know each other very well indeed.
That post-independence silence denied what had been a great friendship and a close relationship.
So PNG Attitude began with the goal of playing a small part in ensuring that the silence was replaced by a mutual conversation between the people of our two countries. To a large extent we have managed to address this challenge. The blog shows it as it moves towards 15,000 articles and 43,000 comments.
PHILOSOPHY
PNG Attitude is committed to strengthening the people-to-people relationship between Papua New Guineans and Australians and to take on projects that will enhance that relationship. As age and ailment take their toll, we do less robust projects than we did previously but continue to play a major role in encouraging Papua New Guineans to write creatively and critically and to communicate with each other and the world beyond.
The blog itself does not seek to impose a world view or ideology on its readers other than it holds in special esteem the people of Papua New Guinea. Its aim is to provide a forum and meeting place where people interested in the PNG–Australia relationship can exchange opinions, stories, ideas, methods, hopes, whatever.
We want Papua New Guineans to know that there are many Australians and other people throughout the world who are mindful and sensitive of their concerns and issues. We want outsiders to get to know Papua New Guineans better.
PNG Attitude provides a link between people of goodwill who want to perpetuate this relationship.
CHARACTER
PNG Attitude is motivated by your support and by your words and by the thought we may be able to do some good. Our bias is towards Papua New Guinea and especially towards its people. We believe the PNG government should be doing better for them. We believe the Australian government should be doing better for PNG.
UTILITY
PNG Attitude has often used the power and leverage of its readership to do some good works. Activities like the Crocodile Prize national literary contest, book publishing, mentoring promising writers, enabling PNG writers to travel outside the country, providing charitable support, bringing long-separated people together and events promotion give a practical aspect to our role.
That said, our primary function is the exposition of words and ideas - the provision and exchange of information and opinion - and using this to maintain important relationships.
Do not expect PNG Attitude to solve many problems. But it will raise them, debate them and espouse solutions that others may see as worthwhile. Amongst our readers are many people in positions where they can achieve things, but most of us are on the sidelines.
ASOPA
ASOPA is the acronym of the Australian School of Pacific Administration, which you can read more about in Attitude Extra. The original website occupied by this space and begun in February 2006 was called ASOPA People, which was established to commemorate and keep alive the traditions and comradeship of an institution which trained many young Australians to pursue careers in Papua and in New Guinea when both were Australian territories. It evolved and changed to adopt a wider and more complex brief, as you can see by looking at PNG Attitude today.
STRUCTURE
PNG Attitude is not a formal organisation. It is one publisher, hundreds of contributors and 10-15,000 readers, averaging about 2,500 each day. PNG Attitude doesn’t do meetings. There’s no annual report. No one gets paid. No one’s ordered around. We just get on with it.
People read us because they want to, access us without charge and contribute when they feel like it. We are fortunate to have so many experienced and talented contributors who regularly share their views and insights.
PNG Attitude is published from the editor’s computers at his office in Noosa, Queensland, Australia. The view from his window is of blue sky and Pandanus palms.
CONTRIBUTIONS
You can contribute to either of these sections of PNG Attitude.
Main Page. If you have a story, article, commentary or poem on a subject related to the purpose of PNG Attitude you can submit it for publication (email the editor here.)
Comments. The best comments are short and to the point. Insert them directly into the website by clicking on the Comments link at the end of each article. All comments are mediated by the editor before publication.
CONTRIBUTORS
PNG Attitude not only welcomes your contributions, it depends on them to maintain a lively, relevant and informed website. But there are some rules. (There are always rules.)
Rule 1 is that, when it comes to publishable material, the editor’s word is final. If you do not like your words being edited, this is not the place for you.
Most contributions are edited. Why? Because it is a simple truth that people who write are not always the best judges of how their words will be understood by people who read.
Nor are most people familiar with the laws of defamation. Having had some narrow scrapes, the editor has a pretty good working knowledge of the laws that seek to stop you untruthfully destroying the reputation of others.
People sometimes mistake their strongly held beliefs for more general truths. We try to our best to differentiate between opinion and fact and fake. The last will only be published if it slips through the eye of our needle.
And people do not always fully comprehend the effect of their words on others. We don't want - and have never really experienced - the character assassination, offence and ill temper that characterises much social media.
That said, PNG Attitude admires its contributors. We are deeply grateful for their knowledge, commitment and passion. And we are humbled because they give a damn. They care. They have our unending gratitude.
EDITING
Your contribution to PNG Attitude may be edited for any one or a combination of these reasons:
Defamation. We use the defamation laws of Australia as our guide when deciding whether or not a contributor may have gone too far with personal criticism of another person. You always need to be careful when accusing someone of a crime or of poor character. But, if you’re not careful, we’ll be careful for you.
Offence. Abusive language, racist remarks and other words designed to hurt, generate excessive conflict or cause unreasonable offence to other people are not tolerated and will always be edited. We encourage the expression of strong opinions, but we want contributors to be fair in presenting them.
Length. The average reader spends about three minutes reading PNG Attitude each visit. All our editing is done from the perspective of this typical reader. We do want people to read what you write, not give up halfway or because the headline does not appeal. Contributions which are so long they make an excessive demand on readers will probably be trimmed.
Clarity. If you’re not thinking clearly, it’s unlikely your words will emerge clearly on the page. Big words are not necessarily good words. Long sentences do not triumph over short sentences. Five ideas in one paragraph do not get a special prize. If we do not think you are communicating clearly, we will do our best through editing to try to make sure you do.
Relevance. Some contributors, eager to grind pet axes wherever they can, think just because they mention ‘Papua New Guinea’ somewhere in their writing that they have attained the state of grace known as ‘relevance’. They haven’t.
Truth. If we believe that a statement may be untrue or non-factual, we will try to establish the facts and vary your contribution accordingly. If the whole thing is riddled with falsehoods or disingenuity it will be spiked.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation. If errors in these departments detract from the content of what you have written, or inadvertently make you look foolish, we will correct them.
Repetition. Is boring and will be eliminated.
CENSORSHIP
We believe, in general, that it is better to have matters out in the open where they can be addressed rather than lurking in the dark as shabby untruths that people may believe because they know no better.
By nature the publisher is not a censorial person. But PNG Attitude will protect its own position and reputation by eliminating defamatory and offensive remarks and words. While we will try to rescue remnants of defamatory and offensive articles, contributors should not test our patience too much.
If we believe a contributor is abusing the privilege of reaching an audience through this website, or is in some other way undermining the integrity of what we do, it is possible this person may be electronically ‘blocked’ from accessing the site. This has happened only a handful of times in our 14 year history.
ANONYMITY
We discourage the use of pseudonyms (false names), initials, first names without last names and pen names (e.g., ‘Concerned Mother’), and will almost always reject your contribution in such cases. Any contribution with a false email address will be deleted upon detection.
There are some cases where people are legitimately concerned that the publication of their name may endanger them or in some other way be a threat to them. At such times, you should let the editor know the circumstances and your case will be treated with great consideration.
Sometimes people use false names to cover up disinformation (which by its nature is unethical) or to avoid disclosing the true motives of people or organisations which may have a vested interest or a conflict of interest.
False names may also be used as a shield behind which people who do not want to be associated with their own views for whatever reason feel they can launch cowardly attacks on others without detection. In all such cases, we will delete your contribution.
PNG Attitude treats each case on its merits. But a credible, believable and persuasive contribution will almost invariably appear under the real name of its author.
Let us know if you wish to use a pen name, why you wish to use it and provide us with your real name and email as a sign of good faith. We will not disclose your name if there may be some real threat to you in doing so.
CONFLICT
Readers do not generally object to conflict (after all, the mass media thrive on it), but in PNG Attitude we draw a line at that point where conflict becomes personal and switches readers off instead of turning them on.
Sometimes a public forum represents a tempting way to lash out at someone you dislike or whose opinions you despise. On these occasions we scrutinise how views are expressed and, if legitimate criticism turns to abuse, the offending words are removed.
ACCURACY
PNG Attitude adopts a general view that comment is free but facts are sacred. But we do not necessarily delete misconceived comment, unless it is likely to mislead and possible harm ensue. But is may very well be edited.
FAIRNESS
It is always the case in public discourse that wrong and unfair things are said and that sometimes villains are elevated and good people traduced. This is not something of which we approve and we will use our judgement to determine whether a particular view offers fair comment or is unfair and needs to be moderated.
CRITICISM
Given the professed intention of PNG Attitude to build stronger links between our two countries, it is proper for readers to ask why we often take a critical view of PNG's political leadership and of Australian policy towards Papua New Guinea.
We have no particular axe to grind with individual politicians but we are deeply concerned with how ordinary people are affected by the decisions and actions of politicians and public servants.
We support entrepreneurship (the publisher spent 25 years establishing and running his own company), but we have no truck with business people who exploit or harm ordinary people in the name of free enterprise.
PNG Attitude seeks to influence people to do the right thing and this necessarily means that, from time to time, it will criticise.
We are especially critical of corruption, which is an unfortunate part of life in PNG and increasingly so in Australia and which harms and denies the rights of ordinary people.
PLAGIARISM
Let's be blunt about it, plagiarism (that is, taking someone else's ideas or words and claiming them as your own) is a pretty low act. It's no better than stealing.
Plagiarism is bad at any time but becomes of crucial importance where something hangs on the result: like stealing someone else's words and submitting them to the Crocodile Prize. Where we detect plagiarism, it is exposed. Thankfully, we have had very few cases.
AND FINALLY....
This document is added to and amended from time to time. Please feel free to comment on it or suggest ideas that may improve or augment it in an email to the publisher.
Keith Jackson
Published January 2011
Updated October 2013
Updated January 2015
Updated February 2017
Updated February 2018
Updated September 2019
I would like to refresh some people's memories of an incident in the 1990s when Isaac Lupari and Peter Yama's first wife, Agatha, were busted at Cairns airport with a stash of Oz dollars they were trying to smuggle to PNG.
I can't find anything online. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Posted by: John Mackerell | Madang | 04 June 2019 at 07:41 AM
Hi Keith - I've written for PNG Attitude in the past. You are doing a great job with PNG Attitude, a much better source of info on PNG than the Post Courier and The National.
As you know, this upcoming vote of no confidence is a crucial time for PNG. My new suggestion: Have someone who writes for PNG Attitude write a clear document on the UBS loan.
It's a confusing issue and the prime minister's corruption in it is not easy to understand. I realise you just wrote an article on it, but that's not sufficient. We need a clearly written article.
________
Thanks Eric. There's another piece up today which I hope is clearer than my own hurried effort - KJ
Posted by: Eric Schering | 16 May 2019 at 10:45 PM
Hello - please help me connect me to my late dad, former kiap Desmond John Murphy's surviving family members in Australia. Many thanks.
Posted by: Johanes Sedi | 27 February 2019 at 04:44 PM
I heard from my late father that one of his uncles was taken to Buka to work on plantations in the 1950s or 1960s. However, he never came back to the village.
His name was Kuli Kinjup. We heard that he became a ship crew man and later a ship captain. He's probably married to an American or Australian and got citizenship there.
He is from the Enga Province, Wapenamanda District. I believe now that he must have passed away but I would appreciate if anyone helps me find his family.
Posted by: Billy Langilam Minata | 24 January 2019 at 09:00 PM
Message to Bob Cleland - for information about Ludwig Schmidt Junior or Victor Ludwig Schmidt, you can look up his son Stephen Schmidt, of Porgera. I don't have his contact details but I know he had a profile on Facebook. We were thought to be related but as it turned out, that is not so. Stephen is a great person, he showed us photographs of his Father Ludwig Schmidt Jr and shared other information too. Yes, Ludwig Schmidt Jr. did some good work in PNG.
Posted by: Pauline Pora-Kama | 06 January 2019 at 09:10 PM
Attention Gaye Speldewinde. I have sent you an email re your blazer. Sorry, it is not good news.
Posted by: Leanne Atkin | 03 January 2019 at 01:09 PM
Keith - Tokim Lorenzo long rait Tok Pisin wantaim sampela bilong mipela. Nogut Tok Pisin bilong em bai igo karangi.
Na wonem Tok Pisin; Tok Pisin bilong hailens or bilong nambis or bilong ol lain bilong ailan? Or Tok Pisin bilong ol taun lain or bilong ol bus lain?
Na igat Tok Pisin insait long Tok Pisin tu. Yu save, taim you laikim wanpela gavman sevis long gavman opis, na sapos yu kisim save gut long Tok Pisin bilong wokman bilong gavman ya em toromoi, wan tu ya, bai yu kisim wonem samting yu laikim stret isi isi tru.
Oops em ken go long-long tu long ol Tok Pisin bilong ol wan solwara tu ya.
Cheers to Lorenzo and wish him the success.
Posted by: Baka Bina | 30 October 2018 at 09:08 AM
There are no good booksellers in PNG Lorenzo. Lots of good writers - no bookshops.
Best to search for what you want in Australian bookshops online.
Posted by: Philip Fitzpatrick | 30 October 2018 at 08:30 AM
Right now, I am studying Bahasa Indonesia and Tok Pisin with the materials in ERIC and Pacific Linguistics.
When I reach a high enough degree of reading comprehension, I intend to compile a practical dictionary of Tok Pisin into English which include all the materials and expanded information of Oxford Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin English Dictionary Mihalic, Steinbauer and Schebesta if I get a readable scan of the latter.
I will also include Dutton and Thomas' courses with complementary notes of Highlands, coastal and downlands varieties by Laycock Wurm and Mülhausler's handbook
with quotes from Wantok, Buk Baibel and all the books, brochures and writing material I may find at second hand booksellers, open access archives or in the web.
Can you recommend me a good bookseller in Papua New Guinea which accept foreign orders?
Posted by: Lorenzo Arroyo Plaza | Bilbao, Spain | 29 October 2018 at 09:30 PM
Gaye - The Pacific Islands Monthly has been scanned and is available online at Trove.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-310385031
Posted by: Philip Fitzpatrick | 02 September 2018 at 09:23 PM
I am about to donate a blazer from the 1963 Suva South Pacific Games (the very first) to the Pacific Games Council on the Gold Coast.
I understood the fellow who sold it to me got it for shooting but the Qld Museum says there was no shooting competition at the 1963 Games. Is this correct?
One of the Google references refers to shooting. Was there? Who would know for sure? Can you help please.
Of course the man could have fibbed. I bought it in Canberra quite a few years ago. I don’t remember when. The Pacific Islands Monthly magazines could probably tell me if I had access to them.
__________
Can any reader assist? Reply using the Comment link or directly to gaye@speldewinde.com - KJ
Posted by: Gaye Speldewinde | 02 September 2018 at 06:53 PM
Hi Keith, I would very much like to see the IMF and/or the World Bank report for PNG come to the light of day. The report has already been written and submitted to the Prime Minister but he's keeping it under wraps. Can one of your writers or researchers find the report and give it the exposure it deserves?
Posted by: Eric Schering | 26 August 2018 at 06:04 AM
I am seeking details of the life of Father Glover, a military chaplain. He was known as the Flying Priest.
I would be grateful for anything. In hope of response, thepratts7@bigpond.com and
Posted by: John Pratt | 14 April 2018 at 02:46 PM
Re: Peter Mamare of Buka and also of 2PIR Wewak from about 1964-69.
May I ask for help or advice once again please?
I was a National Serviceman in Wewak [Moem Barracks] in 1966/67 and very friendly with Peter Mamare who was a Warrant Officer / Company Sergeant Major at the time.
My understanding is that Peter later left the Army; went into politics; and was assassinated at Bougainville many years ago.
I can find no Google reference to Peter at all and am wondering if anyone can point me in a direction where I might find further information.
Posted by: Rick Larsen | 03 April 2018 at 10:46 AM
Thanks for the comment about Trevor below Keith. I will follow it up and see what results.
Posted by: Rick Larsen | 03 April 2018 at 10:21 AM
Hello from sunny Barcelona. I am a documentary film maker from the UK. I was recently alerted to an incredible story from 8 years ago on the island of Buka, covered in the Post-Courier by Pat Levo.
In brief its the story of the Le Feng twins (two Chinese sex doll castaways) and their appearance on the island and the effect they had on the community.
The story appears to have the makings of a great documentary and I am about to pitch it to a couple of broadcasters here. But before doing this I want to get as much insight as I can into the episode, see if it has evolved since the article, if the police investigation was ever concluded, if anyone had firsthand experience of the events/strong opinions etc.
If you or anyone you know has further information please let me know using the Comments link.
Posted by: Joe Fletcher | 03 April 2018 at 08:12 AM
Hi Keith - I posted a comment a day or so ago on an article by Trevor Freestone titled "From Pagei to the Sea". Trevor was a teacher at Pagei at a time I visited in 1966 or 1967.
My comment was the first on that page since 2011 and I am wondering whether it might still be possible to contact Trevor. Maybe somebody knows?
_________
I haven't heard from Trevor for some time Rick. The last known email contact I have for him is trevorfreestone@hotmail.com - KJ
Posted by: Rick Larsen | 02 April 2018 at 10:54 PM
My name is Zenaleze Abage, I am a historian with the National Museum and Art Gallery here in Port Moresby.
I was wondering if you could help me with a few portraits or photographs of the first three Governors-General of Papua New Guinea:
Sir John Guise
Sir Tore Lokoloko
Sir Kingsford Dibela
They will be used for research and publications for our current project on the Old House of Assembly downtown.
___________
If you can help Zena, you can respond here or email her direct at zabage@museumpng.gov.pg - KJ
Posted by: Zenaleze Abage | 23 January 2018 at 11:20 AM
I have lost contact with George Hook, son of Walter John Hook (Wally) late of Aitape, who died at Musembelem village in 1943. I fear George may have died in Kavieng, where he was working.
If anybody can confirm George is dead I would appreciate knowing. Also if anyone has a contact address for George's sister Maria who I met in Brisbane long ago, I will be very grateful to know it. I have some documents (birth certificate and other material) that refer to her father Wally.
_________
Get in touch with me through this site if you have any information that may assist Bryant - KJ
Posted by: Bryant Allen | 19 January 2018 at 12:09 PM
I am a former colleague of Alan Ross who used to work in the PNG Forests Department. I left in 1977 but Alan stayed on for quite a long time later but is now back in Australia. I wonder if you have a recent address I can use to contact him?
I understand you are a one man band and must get dozens of (tedious?) requests like this but I would be grateful for any advice. He was a good bloke and I would like to catch up with him again
_________
If any reader can assist, let me know and I'll forward you David's email - KJ
Posted by: David Lamb | 19 January 2018 at 11:24 AM
I would like to get in contact with John Kasaipwalova regarding a 50 year reunion for our class (1968) at St Brendans College which I am endeavouring to organise for October 2018.
Would be appreciated if you could provide me with an email address for John please.
___________
jkmassim@gmail.com
Posted by: Steve Malone | 17 October 2017 at 09:36 PM
I want to make contact with a Mr John Frize, a teacher (ASOPA) who taught at Port Moresby International High (now POMIS) in 1971, then Iarowari,Rabaul High before moving to Badihagwa High around 1974 where I lost contact. Last known place of residence is Newcastle,Sydney,NSW.
Are you able to help me or point me to someone who can?
Thank you.
Posted by: Will Marakan, | 22 August 2017 at 02:16 PM
Gertrude Robson (1865-1917) - She was a teacher missionary with the Australian Board of Missions in Papua, for part of her career, where her youngest sister Louise (1876-1954), a trained nurse, also served.
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/robson-ernest-iliff-8248
I am a distant relative of these Robson women and understand Gertrude died in Papua in 1917, just as she was about to return to Australia on leave. Here is one reference to her -
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122839264?searchTerm=Robson%20Gertrude%20missionary&searchLimits=l-availability=y|||l-australian=y
I am wondering if there is a gravesite in PNG and if someone could send me a picture? I understand her body was not returned to Australia (totally understandable).
If there are any research materials I could access about Gertrude's or Louise's work, or life in general, whilst in Papua I would greatly appreciate it. The family is actively searching to see if any letters sent back to Australia may still exist.
Posted by: Julie Morris | 11 April 2017 at 04:50 PM
I am an ex from Bougainville and the Western District. 18yrs on plantations etc in Bougainville.. A few years up the Fly helping to train mobile sawmills and timber presentatin for export.
Now I am appealing to all to donate funds for a boat to carry Medical and Educationalsupplies in the Western District.
We have a 50 ft boat and are appealing for funds torefit and deliver the boat to theFly River Communities Inc which is owned by Wamki and Laurie Rasmussen contact me as below.
Posted by: Keith Courte | 19 February 2017 at 06:40 PM
I need a copy of the RPNGC police clearance form for a PNG National. Rather than phoning the office in Mosbi, if anyone has a copy they could email to me, it would be most appreciated.
bcorden@optusnet.com.au
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 24 January 2017 at 06:25 AM
Keith thanks for maintaining such an important site. I am interested to talk to anyone who knew my grandfather, John Foldi, who was district commissioner in Rabaul from 1955 to 1965 and spent around 30 years of his life in New Guinea.
Posted by: Michael Foldi | 16 January 2017 at 02:46 PM
Hey! My uncle is Adrian Hollis (still an adventurer of sorts - a gold miner in the Yukon).
If he is mentioned in one of your books - I would be interested in purchasing a copy. Please let me know.
Posted by: Jacqueline Logan | 29 December 2016 at 02:53 AM
Read in National Nov 28 of Tumat Sogolik being installed in PNG Sports Hall of fame.
Apparently he was first PNG person to win a Commonwealth Games medal when he was boxing in the Edmonton Games.
The report mentions the questionable decision that gave the gold medal to Northern Ireland’s Barry McGuigan.
I have never been a great fan of any martial arts but recalled the happiness in New Ireland when he won. He now has retired to his home on the beautiful Tsoi Island.
I just found a Guardian interview on the fight in its 2014 Aug 1st issue… "McGuigan says initially he thought Sogolik was in a different division. 'He was like a beast, an absolute beast,' he said with an incredulous expression, repeating a face he pulled 34 years ago when first laying eyes on Tumat Sogolik."
"My coaches were very clever when I asked about my opponent; they said, ‘yeah he’s OK, a guy from Papua New Guinea’. But he had knocked everybody out. He either stopped them or knocked them out. I didn’t know that.
"Later I’m looking at him and I thought, that’s the biggest bantamweight I’ve ever seen. Then he hit me in the side of the head – I thought the house had come in on top of me.
"He dropped me in the second round; my legs were all over the place. It took me 15 seconds to come round but he’s swinging these haymakers.
"I got back into it and was throwing a few more jabs but then he catches me with an uppercut, boom. I didn’t go down but it was the hardest I’d ever been hit as an amateur.”
In The National report, the silver medal winner mentions the Queen and this is confirmed at websites.sportstg.com where they wrote she actually came to his room in the Sports Village which Tumat said explained the red carpet he saw.
The Queen told him that she was sorry about the decision in the ring. This was as close to a formal apology as was possible. Regal protocol would have dictated that she could not say more.
The PNG shooter, Trevan Clough, who was Tumat’s roommate, was also present at the meeting.
Nice happy story from Lavongai area. I hope he enjoys many more years retirement at one of prettiest beach sites which I loved to visit.
Posted by: Arthur Williams | 29 November 2016 at 08:45 AM
I went down to my GP in Spring Hill at lunch time and he is an ex ASOPA graduate from the 1969 intake. His name is Dr John Whitchurch.
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 15 November 2016 at 05:59 PM
From the exkiap website today:
"... In 1958 my mother was a school teacher in PNG from Australia and father was a dutch sea captain. Gordon Ramsay was a Kiap to my knowledge my Godfather. He and his wife were good friends of my parents. Both my parents have recently passed away and I wanted to try and get in touch with Gordon if he is still alive. I myself am a police officer in Queensland."
Rolf Straatemeier
rlstraat@gmail.com.
Posted by: Philip Fitzpatrick | 13 October 2016 at 04:23 PM
Reports of the rebuff by staff of UPNG in dealing with seven leaders of student seeking to re-register, had me pondering.
With no recent item to which to respond, set out below is that of my ponder-trance, whether or not it fits any placement or tolerance.
Intention is that the seven leaders of students are supported, while UPNG irons out its processes and responsiveness to obligations.
Seven stanzas sufferance
Seven students scandalously
snuffed seeking supplication
supposing suspension stayed
severance seemingly sardonic
serving scapegoat sentencing
seriously strained solemnity
systematic study source-spot
snappily stoking scholarship
stubbornly stumping-up sternness
sapient-less sanctioned sacking
shackled supporters supinely
staidly sneezing suppression
snubbing sustained sobriety
serving scantly sagaciousness
scarcely silencing steadfastness
shouldered specious sophistry
signals shanghai shenanigan
solvent spiflicate spillage
shimmeringly stage-lights shining
shibboleths separating stars
startling starker-bund stigmatics.
Posted by: Lindsay F Bond | 29 September 2016 at 09:03 AM
Lucy - Mention is made of "Lt L.C. Noakes and Lt Ken Bridges" being "the last chaps of the hush-hush party" probably at Garaina, approx October 1942, on Page 140 of [hardcover]Hooper, Alan E. 1994. Love War & Letters PNG 1940-45. Robert Brown & Associates (Qld) Pty Ltd, Coorparoo. ISBN 1 86273 082 2
Posted by: Lindsay Bond | 14 August 2016 at 09:58 AM
I'm looking for information on Lyndon Charles Noakes (1914-1990). A geologist and coastwatcher in Oro during World War II. He was posted I believe to the Mambere River. Any thoughts on where I should start looking apart from the War Memorial?
Posted by: Lucy Palmer | 14 August 2016 at 06:45 AM
Keith - I merely ask a question. I believe the contributions to PNG Attitude over the years are a major and very important resource for the study of the history, culture and social studies for and about PNG.
Are they being archived for posterity?
__________
The National Library of Australia has been archiving PNG Attitude annually since 2009, when it archived our entire database from the beginning. You can see what NLA is doing here http://pandora.nla.gov.au/tep/106482 - KJ
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 03 June 2016 at 08:53 PM
And there's this update on ABC:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-25/history-of-png-kiaps-documented-online/7356286
Posted by: Michael Dom | 26 April 2016 at 06:39 PM
That's great Michael.
It starts with a version of the 1948 Declaration of Human Rights in Tok Pisin.
It reads really well.
Get behind it everyone.
Posted by: Philip Fitzpatrick | 25 April 2016 at 07:54 AM
A Tok Pisin page on Wikipedia.
I found this excellent link by accident, last modified on 11 Mas 2013, at 11:04.
https://tpi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toksave_long_ol_raits_bilong_ol_manmeri_long_olgeta_hap_bilong_dispela_giraun
Posted by: Michael Dom | 25 April 2016 at 12:28 AM
I have forwarded Dr Anne Ford's message via email Dr. Linus Digimrina.
Hopefully he can respond form his end.
Dr. Digimrina's email address is: kwebila@gmail.com
Posted by: John K Kamasua | 16 April 2016 at 02:10 PM
I note the subtle change on the menu bar today, Keith.
_________
Yes, Phil Fitzpatrick's latest Papua New Guinean novel, The Floating Island, is available for free download - KJ
Posted by: Michael Dom | 12 April 2016 at 09:13 AM
Anne Ford - I have copied your details and will try to get a message to Dr Linus Dingimrina of the University of Papua New Guinea, Anthropology and Sociology Strand.
Also, John Kaupa Kamasua, who often reads this blog, may be a more direct contact as he lectures at UPNG.
His email address is john.kaupa@upng.ac.pg. If I've spelt Linus surname correctly then his email should be similar.
Unfortunately the UPNG server is notorious for bouncing back emails or just absorbing them into the never.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 23 March 2016 at 09:50 AM
I am a researcher at the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Otago in New Zealand and I'm interested in tracking down anyone who has contacts or may have recently visited Fergusson Island in the D'Entrecasteaux.
Would you be able to pass my email address onto anyone who you think would be suitable? I'm interested in doing fieldwork in the area and would like to ask questions about village locations and facilities available.
Dr Anne Ford
Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
University of Otago, New Zealand
anne.ford@otago.ac.nz
Posted by: Anne Ford | 23 March 2016 at 07:22 AM
I am wondering if anyone can shed any light on Graham Perry who managed a plantation up in New Ireland back in the 1950s/1960s?
He was/is my uncle and I am trying to find out anything I can about him for my family tree. I was advised by Bill Gammage to contact you.
Posted by: Veronica Walsh | 21 March 2016 at 05:27 PM
That tweet map is waaaay cool, Keith!
Posted by: Michael Dom | 18 March 2016 at 05:01 AM
Hello Keith and readers and subscribers to PNG Attitude.
I am hoping that someone can help me out with any old group pics of the PNG House Of Assembly from 1964 to 1970. I am specifically interested in pics containing John Stuntz who was the member for Milne Bay from 1964. John passed away in Angeles City in the Philippines in March last year and his remembrance is in the obituaries in the 'Attitude' blog. I happened to be visiting him at the time. John was my brother in law being married to Wari Numa who was Kila's, my wife's sister. After Wari passed away John remarried in the Philippines and one of his daughters (my god daughter) is visiting with us over this coming Easter. This earlier part of John's life is an unknown to her and I would like to present her with any old pics of John that anybody may happen to have. Thanks to anybody who can assist. Rgds Dave Burrowes
Posted by: David Burrowes | 14 March 2016 at 06:49 PM
I was very proud to find three travel stories from 2015 by Daniel Kumbon, Tabitha Pangkatana and Hazel Kutkue in the Jan-Feb issue of Paradise Magazine.
I don't know if this has been celebrated in PNG Attitude yet.
Posted by: Michael Theophilus Dom | 05 February 2016 at 06:17 AM
Dear Keith, I am hoping that you may be able to confirm a rumour which is circulating here in Oz, to the effect that some sort of 75th Anniversary celebration event for the Kokoda Campaign is being planned for September 2017.
I have made enquires with the Australian High Commission both in Lae and Moresby, and have also contacted the PNG Minister for the Environment (as he is linked to the Kokoda Initiative) but so far nothing.
Have you , or your readers, heard of any such event/s?
__________
It sounds highly likely, but can a reader shed some light on this story - KJ
Posted by: J Gladwell | 28 January 2016 at 05:08 PM
Dear Keith, I wondered if you, with your many contacts in PNG, might know how I can contact some one in Pomio, either at the Catholic Mission or in a school?
I would like to find out what happened to some of my Grade 6 students who went to Rabaul for high school. Any advice would be appreciated.
____________
Can any reader assist Ed contact his former Pomio students? - KJ
Posted by: Ed Burke | 25 January 2016 at 11:14 AM
Fear is mortal man’s greatest enemy!
It was a lazy Thursday afternoon, 31st December, 2015. The summer heat was just easing away. I was returning from feeding Blacky, Browny, Whitey and Henny Penny, and Boskey the cat, to a waiting group of excited girls, Lungu, Kambi, Jossie and Ruth. I was going to drive them to Kings Park that evening for the New Year Fireworks.
I was waiting for my connection bus and thinking of my excited girls at the same time. A few metres from where I was three St Johns Ambulance staff were skilfully stabilizing a young lady who seemed to have fainted at the bus station, then wheeled her into the ambulance.
Everything happened so swiftly and neatly. Eventually, the young lady who was playing a leading role jumped into the driver’s seat and drove away. I finally had a sigh of relief as if the patient was me or one of my relatives or friends. I knew the patient was now in good care.
Some thoughts quickly ran through my mind as I continued to sit waiting for my bus:
Someone must have called an emergency number.
On the other hand, someone was waiting and answered the call immediately.
Help was sent to the scene.
The victim was stabilized.
The vehicle was specially built to wheel the bed out and then in with the patient strapped on it.
The young lady will be treated at some hospital somewhere soon, and she will be well again.
Then, at the end of everything, someone is going to pay for all that service and convenience.
That someone is the recipient of those services, the patient.
Almost immediately, I was reminded of the almost K10,000 I paid for medical insurance. I thought, hmm, maybe it is during times like this that I will appreciate having paid such an amount of money to some insurance company who ‘God knows what else they do with such money they collect from everybody else’.
Then I told myself, hang on, just how likely is such an incident ever going to happen? If it does happen, how many times can it happen? Will it ever happen at all? What would have happened if I used that money to do something else instead? What would have happened if such an incident really happened and I did not have an insurance cover?
Then I thought of how we do it back home, where everyone chips in and helps during emergencies as such, some even giving their last toeas at the expense of their families’ well-being. And then I also thought of how easily friends and relatives get upset when their friends and relatives do not come to their our aid in times of need such as a medical emergency or even death, ‘haus krai’.
My thought did not stop. I went on further to think of my subsistence farmer parents, their parents, and their parents parents, and how they never had to set aside some pigs, ‘kina shells’, or cassowaries, for such emergencies.
They never fainted while planting a garden, never chopped their hand off while cutting wood in the bush, or hunting. Mothers gave birth naturally. There was no need for c-sections, except on very rare occasions where such was required, costing the life of the mother or child or both.
Today, we have so much happening in the name of Health insurance, Travel insurance, Life insurance, even Pet Insurance for the likes of Blacky, Browny, Whitey, Henny Penny, and Boskey, plus all other forms of insurances.
While I appreciated what had happened before me in saving that young lady's life, I walked into my connection bus, still puzzled as to whether mankind is saving or destroying itself more out of fear of the ‘what-if’.
Fear is mortal man’s greatest enemy.
Posted by: Elizabeth Bakri Dumu | 03 January 2016 at 04:19 PM
There is an article by Robert Waddell entitled Local Government Policy in PNG 1949-1973 published in the Australian Journal of Politics & History back in April 2008. The PDF is available from the Wiley online library and may provide Grant Selmes with some further information covering post war administration in PNG.
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 26 December 2015 at 09:44 PM
I have just noticed that the Larry Danielson album, Travelin' Music, is available on iTunes.
I can vaguely recollect my brother saying he was deported for a short while over the Streets of Mount Hagen song.
Another colleague of my brother, Steve Lewis, who worked with ANZ, had the task of repossessing Larry Danielson's vehicle.
Some other names from that bygone era I have met include:
Keith Tetley
Seth Grady
Mike Breden
David and Liz Trenerry (Ex Shell)
Vic Jacobs (SP)
Jerry Farramus (SP)
Peter Colley (SP)
Graham Dunnage
Errol Dutton
Brian Hull
Liberty Vallance
Richard and Debbie Kelly
Robert Suckling
David Everson
Jim Sinclair
Sudsy Saunders
Manbat Wayne Bruce
I managed to obtain a copy of the SP book entitled The First Thirty Years, which was written by Jim Sinclair. It features the Jumbo expedition up the Highlands Highway and I have a copy of one of the marketing brochures, which were distributed throughout the villages leading up to the event. Many children still use it to recall their birth dates as either before or after jumbo.
My nephew, William Togu, recently graduated with a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Unitech in Lae.
Happy New Year.
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 26 December 2015 at 07:00 AM
"Damagement". What a wonderful word - I can't wait to use it somewhere.
Posted by: Phil Fitzpatrick | 25 December 2015 at 04:00 PM
I have recently discovered this blog and it provides me with so many fond memories of my late brother, Ron Corden.
Ron arrived in PNG back in 1968 and worked for the PNG Investment Corporation until independence in 1975.
He then became corporate secretary for SP Brewery under Bruce Flynn and then worked for the PNG Water Board and ended up at Goroka City Council before returning to Australia.
Ron passed away in September 2005 and is buried in Tamworth NSW, where his daughter lives. His colleagues included Warren Pearson, John Tideman, Chris Ashton, Brian Gray and many of the Burns Philp and Steamships damagement.
I spent four years in Lae between 2006 -2010 with Trukai Industries, reporting to Phil Franklin.
I notice Peter Ryan passed away recently and always enjoyed his articles in The Spectator Australia and have an extremely informative Encyclopaedia of PNG, which he edited.
Despite many of its social problems PNG is such a fascinating place and many of its people are so warm and friendly. I really enjoy the blog and can remember so many of Ron's recollections, particularly involving Larry Burton Danielson. I have a vinyl copy of his infamous album, Bloody Port Moresby.
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 25 December 2015 at 02:31 PM
I was hoping that you might be able to connect me with the journalist Sinclaire Solomon. We shared a house together in Goroka in the late 1970’s along with journalist Tim Grimwade.
I am coming to PNG next week on business for a week for the first time since 1979 and I was trying to track down Sinclaire to see if we could catch up. Any assistance you can provide would be great.
Posted by: Tim Roberts | 01 December 2015 at 01:15 PM
Hello. Thank you very much for this blog which is a wonderful source of information. I just had a question. I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a definitive or well regarded history of Australia's administration in PNG from say after WW11 til Independence? Thank you very much.
Posted by: Grant Selmes | 22 November 2015 at 03:19 PM
Anyone have information on Charles Beckett who was a gold miner in Edie Creek, Wau and Bulolo in the 1920s, 1930s? He was reportedly also a coast watcher in WW2. He was the father of Dr. Halley Beckett who was my father. I always heard stories of Charlie Blake, Sharkeye Park, Errol Flynn and various others.
Posted by: Michael Beckett | 12 October 2015 at 11:05 PM
PNG Attitude is an excellent blog, I took so long finding out.
Posted by: John Sliviak | 04 August 2015 at 03:39 PM
That's a hell of a list of people seeking help for one reason or another.
Maybe PNG Attitude needs a dedicated seeking help heading?
Posted by: Phil Fitzpatrick | 23 July 2015 at 09:33 AM
Hello Keith - My name is Barbara and I am working on a research project about an Australian family who lived in PNG, 1951 to 1978.
I would like to connect with people who have lived in either Port Moresby or Samarai and/or have been to Woodlark Island.
As your blog attracts so many readers, I was wondering if you could help me.
Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it. With gratitude.
Posted by: Barbara Maerkl | 22 July 2015 at 05:09 PM
I am writing a book on the life of Father John Glover, a Catholic priest in New Guinea in World War II.
I am writing you because I would like to locate a photo of the memorial that was erected in honour of him in the 1960s in Kainantu, Eastern Highland Province.
I lived in the highlands of New Guinea from 1985 – 2000, but never saw this memorial. Recently the Kainantu Government Council wrote me requesting additional information about the memorial.
They saw my book online and they wrote after they damaged the memorial in a construction renovation and are looking for information so it can be reconstructed.
Any help you can give me is appreciated. I have been in touch with a nephew of Father John Glover, but he has limited information and no photograph of the memorial either.
Posted by: Chuck Micheals | 19 January 2015 at 12:24 PM
Does anybody know my late father, Keith Buxton.
__________
I knew him well in Chimbu, Paul. I'll drop you an email - KJ
Posted by: Paul Buxton | 13 January 2015 at 06:57 PM
One of our readers, Rev Neil Harvey, is trying to get in touch with Darusila Arazi, originally from Rabaul and who worked with the Department of Education for many years. Can anyone assist?
Posted by: Keith Jackson | 13 January 2015 at 05:24 PM
The state of the coffee industry in PNG really needs looking at Pana.
I suggest you take up Keith's offer and write an article for Attitude on what you are doing.
The submission to the Senate Committee covers such projects as yours in general terms with its advice about specifically targeted provincial projects coupled with transparency and accountability.
Posted by: Phil Fitzpatrick | 05 January 2015 at 08:30 AM
Keith, I need to send you a powerpoint on a village coffee project I began about 18 months ago in Sydney to help village farmers earn more for their coffee.
The website is village-coffee.com , better deal for growers. If you could, I would appreciate if this could be included as an idea for aid funding here on your Australian Senate committee presentation.
The funds are required here for marketing of our coffee which I've already began with my own little funds but requires aid to boost what has been done so far.
This will in fact help the farmer and the economy. I will send more details on what I'm trying to do without much help from our PNG government except for Governor Gary Juffa who sees this vision as the best for his people and rest of PNG coffee growers.
_________
The Senate committee is not looking at specific projects but at developing an overall policy approach to Australian aid, so it is not the place for your proposal. If you wish to write an article about what you're doing for PNG Attitude, we'll be happy to publish it. You can email me through a link in the About section of the blog (top left) - KJ
Posted by: Pana Wiya | 05 January 2015 at 07:15 AM
Hullo Keith and the PNG Attitude site.
I was so moved by your small article on Brian Halesworth. I knew you both in PNG in the sixties, and Lester Goodman and family.
Brian and I were romantically involved for some time, until I 'got religion' and was steered in completely the wrong direction by this event. I have never ceased regretting it, and continue to mourn what I lost.
I say 'I' because, as you accurately state, Brian's great love was Tanya. I saw Brian several times over the years. I only wish things had been different.
I have written about the years I spent in PNG and will look and see if there is an appropriate place to enter that chapter of my life in The Crocodile.
I was delighted to read everything in your website and thanks for publishing.
Posted by: Dr Denise Wallis (née Koop) | 18 December 2014 at 09:40 AM
John, well said.
Let us stick with what we can manage and make changes as we progress.
Posted by: Bernard Yegiora | 03 November 2014 at 04:01 PM
Hi Keith - I stumbled through your blog a few days ago and I'm really enjoying everything in here.
Regarding the post by Glenn Twomey about John Fowke's book 'Kundi Dan', I would really want to have a copy of that book if some are still left.
Thanks.
__________
I'm pretty sure you'll be able to secure a copy from Pacific Book House at http://www.pacificbookhouse.com.au - KJ
Posted by: Zotu Hizoke | 03 November 2014 at 03:24 PM
Marlene has a point here, but I share the following points to support the current form. There must be a single winning entry for each of the category under the PNG Crocodile Prize.
I think several prizes lessens the significance of the first prize.
The incentive of the prize and the mentoring and feedback writers get over the course of the year should all contribute to enhancing the quality and competitiveness of entries.
I have been challenged through the feedback and responses to look at the materials I am presenting.
I also think creativity and innovation are best nurtured and supported through a one-entry win literary competition.
The other thing is that I can learn from why an award was given to a particular writer for his or her article in a certain category.
The comments and citation for the winning article become lessons and guide me. And because judging is independent and by some of the best in the business who have had many years of writing, editing and publishing.
Writing is a special journey. It must not stop for many who missed out on a prize or their work not included in the anthology. It must not only be about the prize, but the culture of writing.
Of course to get a prize is the ultimate aim of every writer but the Crocodile Prize must be about the best in PNG writing. Anything less will take us back to the days when many writers struggled to find good avenues for even publishing. (Maybe that is an overstatement).
The Crocodile Prize is not a workshop or a training avenue for writers. It is a competition, and the prize that is awarded must go to the best entry.
I am pretty comfortable and it makes sense to maintain the current form.
This to me will improve the quality of writing in the country.
These are only my perspectives as a contributor to the Crocodile Prize.
Posted by: John Kaupa Kamasua | 04 August 2014 at 05:57 PM
Thank you Keith for clarifying that. And once again thank you for keeping all this together.
Posted by: Marlene Dee Gray Potoura | 04 August 2014 at 11:36 AM
Hi PNG Attitude. The Crocodile Writing Prize is great and the Anthology is just superb. But I have realised that so many outstanding stories are not commmended properly. K5000 for one story is a bit too much.
Why can't there be a second and third prize in each category. And also give commendation certificates for maybe another three outstanding stories in each category.
This way, so many good writers would be encouraged and they would feel some kind of achievement. My thoughts are based on what I have seen and observed.
____________
Thanks Marlene. They are good suggestions and we certainly have given thought to a range of prizes and also to commendation certificates. It all depends on our need to, at this stage, keep the organisation simple and our workload manageable. Last year, the Prize came very close to failing. This year it has been put back on track. As the administration of the Prize strengthens - and there is still a long way to go in this respect - we can add new activities and changes in structure to improve it -KJ
Posted by: Marlene Dee Gray Potoura | 04 August 2014 at 10:06 AM
DAVE BINDING RIP
I found your website while searching for my father in law who died last Sunday.
Dave was a Stockport boy who followed a dream to the other side of the world and then gave his life outside work to enriching the lives of PNG youth via his lifelong passion, football.
His PNG football CV incorporated Ela Beach, Westpac United and then national youth coach, where his teams gave Oz a bloody nose!
He was awarded the PNG Independence Medal for his contribution to football and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Posted by: Jeff Naylor | 02 August 2014 at 06:11 AM
With the PNG team in Glasgow it's right to be reminded that PNG has it's own tartan.
http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=5871
Scots wae hae!
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 24 July 2014 at 04:58 PM
I am looking for Chris Warrilow with whom I spent several weeks on a patrol out of Erave in January 1965.
I was a medical student at the time and he really opened my eyes to the wonders of the territory.
I have recently found some old photographs and would love to get in touch with him. Does anyone have his contact details?
___________
David - The email address we have is chris_warrillow(at)hotmail.com - KJ
Posted by: Professor David Bryant | 24 July 2014 at 12:30 PM
ABC to slash 80 staff - mostly from Radio Australia and the Asia/Pacific news desk. And the Australia Network is dead.
A sad day.
Well at least PNG Attitude is going from strength to strength.
http://mumbrella.com.au/abc-makes-first-round-cuts-80-jobs-expected-go-238241
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 14 July 2014 at 03:47 PM
Hi Keith - In both my PC and Mac, for 'PNG Attitude' articles, the Post and Preview buttons are mostly in-operative, yet on the 'All about PNG Attitude' page, these are operable. Any clues?
___________
Can't explain that, Lindsay, not a problem I've encountered previously. As a work around, if you want a comment posted, email it directly to me - KJ
Posted by: Lindsay F Bond | 02 July 2014 at 09:01 PM
Good advice Keith. But a book is a considered effort, maybe involving years of work. Twitter is off-the-cuff comments often with no consideration. And my how the great have fallen.
Rupert Murdoch Verified account @rupertmurdoch
777crash confirms jihadists turning to make trouble for China. Chance for US to make common cause, befriend China while Russia bullies.
http://www.twitter-fail.com/
__________
Try @colvinius @1petermartin @johnquiggin @justiniannews and @tonyhwindsor and use them as an intelligent person's guide to what lies beyond in the links - KJ
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 26 June 2014 at 10:12 AM
In the last few weeks we have been intrigued by the Twitter phenomenon (which being an old fart hadn't caught my attention).
My first reactions are it is a combination of pub talk and the externalisation of inner voices. Maybe a new-tech combination of both?
There's everything on Twitter from the whimsical to the downright depraved and calls for violence from people who have never been hit in the face by a banana leaf.
But see it for what it is. Mostly verbal diarrhoea.
http://bps-research-digest.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/the-science-of-how-we-talk-to-ourselves.html
___________
Go to a bookshop and you'll see the trash and the treasures. Treat Twitter the same way. Select who you follow carefully and you'll find yourself connected to a wonderful trove of information - KJ
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 26 June 2014 at 09:38 AM
I don't know about Ray Noble, but apparently Tommy Dorsey performed at a concert party for the troops in New Guinea. It's mentioned here -
"'Boredom is the Enemy': The Intellectual and Imaginative Lives of Australian Soldiers in the Great War and Beyond" By Dr Amanda Laugesen.
..and was heard by none other than Smoky Dawson
And for some light relief, here's Private Les Homsey doing the Hula as part of a ballet concert party in Port Moresby. Not quite sure what the troops thought of ballet, but Les seems to be having fun.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/026036/
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 16 June 2014 at 06:18 PM
Arresting news about PNG on ABC Radio at 1pm today?
Posted by: Lindsay F Bond | 16 June 2014 at 01:14 PM
Here's a question. Did Ray Noble with Dorsey ever record a song about New Guinea?
___________
Can't find one, Peter, but the tunes of the Dorsey band were certainly broadcast throughout the south-west Pacific, including by Tokyo Rose - KJ
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 11 June 2014 at 05:01 PM
Hi, am writing a book about my very close mate Utula Samana.
I spent 10 years as his provincial secretary and kiap and attended his funeral in Lae.
It was great to hear some great stories I can use.
I am in PNG often working for the people and especially Bougainville where I also married and children were born.
It's great to help PNG's wonderful people.
Posted by: Goetz Gus Schweinfurth OBE | 11 May 2014 at 09:51 PM
I want to make an observation on the current crisis in Ukraine.
President Putin has tested President Obama long enough to know that Obama is not a warmonger like his predecessor Bush.
For instance, Obama publicly announced that use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime in Syria would be crossing a 'red line' that would attract immediate military intervention from the US, but when the Assad regime did use chemical weapon against its own citizens, Obama failed to keep his word.
Now Russian military is occupying Crimea region in Ukraine. The tension is very high. Ukraine government has mobilized its army and has asked US and the West for help. But Obama and the West are not taking the same step late President Kennedy took back in 1963 during Cuban missile crisis by blocking Soviet ships from entering Cuba but instead talking about imposing economic sanctions on Russia, which Russia is not very busy.
China and other emerging powers are closely watching how the US and West are handling issues around the world. What appears now is that President Obama seems to be presiding over the decline of the US world hegemony.
The next power to dominate the world is China. The US dominates the world with both its eyes and ears open, but China will dominate with its eyes open but ears closed.
Posted by: David Gonol | 05 March 2014 at 01:57 PM
Keith - tell Ingrid I've sent a comment to her blog.
Good show!
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 20 February 2014 at 01:21 PM
Meow, meow, meow.
Is the ending I recall.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 28 December 2013 at 07:44 AM
Keith - this is a Kuman nursery rhyme. They should be remembered. It should be sung.
Go-go seven mile walking down the road
I saw a pretty girl walking on the road
I have no money to pay the bus, so I walk on the road.
Go-go seven mile,
I saw pretty girl walking on the road
I have no money to pay the bus,
So I walk on the road.
Where's your money?
In my pocket.
Where's your pocket?
I forget it.
You silly pussy cat.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 27 December 2013 at 06:58 PM
Would you believe it? I'm having an argument with Rose about how to pronounce 'tomato'.
She had a US English teacher, so bugger it, it's tomayto and potaytoe and Guard instead of God and all manner of other obscenities.
Let's call the whole thing off.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 27 December 2013 at 05:39 PM
KJ, try to stay away from social media sites.
If one posts on too many of them, people of a nefarious bent can piece information together and cause one much grief. Any info you post is the property of the site, whose owners can then use as they see fit. (Read the fine print.) Mailing lists for example are worth big money in this day and age.
Remember, if you are on a public domain site and you are not paying, then you are the product. I worked in the computer industry (engineering) for thirty years, so I will not touch such sites with a 40 foot pole. ie. Facebook, You Tube, Twitter et al.
Maski. Em laik bilong wanwan ah? Sampela man nogut wokim "identity theft" long yu. Em orait O?
Yu lukaut long nau.
Posted by: Ralph Hamilton | 02 December 2013 at 01:49 AM
Keith, I am liking the new website look. Full marks.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 11 November 2013 at 07:07 PM
Thank you editor.
My comments are summarised by statements in the 'Structure' section of this article. You just knew where to tap from a crowdy world. It's an amazing and beautiful initiative. It is like poetry.
Thank you so much.
PS: By the way does the blog name signal balance representation enough, between the two countries?
__________
The blog name is what it is; the blog philosophy is one of cultural equivalence. I'm generally pleased with how it all works. And often pleasantly surprised - KJ
Posted by: Steve W Labuan | 11 September 2013 at 10:23 AM
I stumbled upon this blog accidently and have been hooked since.
I suggest we could have a Facebook page so we can easily "share" and "like" the page for convenient access.
I am overwhelmed by the contributions that I had read and I'm writing a personal life story for contribution.
________
Thanks, Chris, I look forward to your contribution and welcome to our readership. As for a Facebook page, I am flat out keeping this blog and the associated Twitter account afloat amongst my other life obligations, so I might pass on that for the moment - KJ
Posted by: Chris Oroho | 11 September 2013 at 09:46 AM
Hi, I have several hundred copies of John Fowke's book, 'Kundi Dan' that I want to give away to an interested party.
I've tried Johns old email address to offer them back to him but is no longer current.
Can you please pass this message onto John or distribute to see if any of your readers are interested. Must be picked up from a Toowong office by Friday 17 May.
__________
I'm sure readers will get this message, Glenn, although the deadline seems a bit tight. You can contact John at zaukave@optusnet.com.au - KJ
Posted by: Glenn Twomey | 13 May 2013 at 10:40 AM
Keith - can anyone fill me on Andy Anderson (or Andersen), once of the Tapini Guest House.
I knew him but my diaries are not with me at the moment.
I remember visiting him in Long Bay. He used to be the Kiap at Tapini.
___________
Can any reader give John a steer? - KJ
Posted by: John Pasquarelli | 22 April 2013 at 05:04 PM
I was on the 7th E Course with Gordon Shirley in 1964 and left PNG in 1981.
I returned to Bogia in 2010 for a visit and to Rabaul last year for Anzac Day.
Rabaul Teachers' College was part of Malaguna Tech and the Tech School is still operating although most of Rabaul is now deserted.
We stayed at the Rabaul Hotel (previously Ascot), one of the few buildings left in Mango Avenue.
Posted by: Barry Smith | 24 March 2013 at 09:13 PM
Whilst serving in the Bulolo area in 1942, Dalkeith George Noel Chambers enlisted in the NGVR. He then transferred to the AIF and was posted to ANGAU.
He was later seconded to Z Special Unit and later to the Allied Intelligence Bureau where he was with the US forces for the landing at Cape Gloucester.
He was discharged from the Army in 1946 with the rank of Temporary Major and returned to his home city, Melbourne.
I can find little else about him other than reference to a Dalkeith George Chambers who was born about 1915 and who died in Hastings, Victoria, in 1985.
Posted by: Ross Wilkinson | 24 March 2013 at 02:34 PM
Bob, could that have been Ludi Schmidt who lived in Wau in the early '70's?
Posted by: Paul Oates | 24 March 2013 at 12:53 PM
John Fowke - I spotted your mention of Ludwig Schmidt. I've often wondered what became of him, but never made any serious effort to find him.
He was the bridge builder par excellence who worked with me in building the road over Daulo Pass in 1953-54. We got on well - he had quite a philosophical bent at times.
What do you know of his subsequent life and movements - or can you give me a lead to anyone who may know.
Ludi, to be fully accurate in the pages of PNG history, is (or was?) Ludwig Schmidt Junior.
Posted by: Bob Cleland | 24 March 2013 at 10:44 AM
I was approached a year or three ago by a lady of the same family who works for Patrick Killoran, Banz Kofi, in his office at Kagamuga.
I was able to provide her with a photograph, and memories from my talks with late Dan Leahy of Korgua and Kuta back in around 1990.
The Leahys notably Clem and Joe, both present in Mt Hagen area today, all believe that Dan’s recollection that the Pora/Schmidt family is descended from Dal Chambers is correct.
I expect that the present-day descendants of Father Ross would also be able to confirm this – they are present in Mt Hagen today.
Dan and Mick Leahy were in close contact several times with Ludwig Schmidt as he moved thru the Hagen area and on to Wabag and Maramuni and would have known if he had left a child behind him.
I also found a reference to Dal Chambers’s war-service which I passed on to the lady mentioned above. I know nothing of his life after the war, or indeed if he survived it.
On page 146 of my book KUNDI DAN there is a photograph of a group at Mt Hagen on the old Mogei airstrip taken in 1938. Included in the group are both Dal Chambers and Mrs Chambers..
The book is available from Patrick’s café at Kagamuga and from the Christian Bookshop in town.
Posted by: John Fowke | 24 March 2013 at 06:58 AM
I'm wondering if you have any information on Dal Keith Chambers, OIC Mt Hagen 1938? We have been told he was Paul Pora's father.
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Can any readers assist? - KJ
Posted by: John Pora Schmidt | 23 March 2013 at 01:53 PM
Tally ho old chap!
Posted by: Michael Dom | 17 March 2013 at 07:44 PM
Holmes convulsed in terror as the spiked mask bore down upon his face. Herr Shitler laughed.
"And now my friend you will know what it it to be spiked, ja?"
But at this moment, as the spikes were about to pierce Holmes' face, the steam pipes erupted in a cascade of boiling gas.
Holmes managed to free himself from the shackles.
"Watson, you took your time!"
"Elementary dear Holmes. I had to find the right spanner."
But Herr Shitler had escaped.
"Quick Watson - grab your revolver, the hound is down there!"
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 17 March 2013 at 07:12 PM
Anyone want to hear more about Sherlock Holmes in PNG?
He had a third adventure, you know.
It's all about stealing artefacts and selling them to western museums. But there is a sinister side to the trade which involves skulduggery, deception and even murder!
The case is afoot.
Posted by: Peter (Arthur Conan) Kranz | 17 March 2013 at 06:00 PM