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.
Regular 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.
That post-independence silence denied what had been a great friendship and a close relationship.
So, propelled by the development of social media, 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, and those beyond who feel a connection with PNG.
To a large extent we have managed to address this challenge. The blog shows this as it moves towards 16,000 articles and 50,000 comments, a daily readership of about 3,000 and a Twitter following of some 7,500.
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 have pretty much set aside the many projects we previously undertook 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 that 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, creativity, hopes, whatever.
We want Papua New Guineans to know that there are many Australians, and other people throughout the world, who are mindful of and sensitive to 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. In earlier and more energetic days 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. Age has wearied us somewhat.
That said, our primary function has always been the exposition of words and ideas - and 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 may be worthwhile. Amongst our readers are many people in positions where they can achieve great good, 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. The blog evolved and changed to adopt a wider and more complex brief, but its foundation culture remains.
STRUCTURE
PNG Attitude is not a formal organisation. It is one publisher, hundreds of contributors and 10-15,000 readers, averaging between 1,500 and 3,000 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 relies 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 good working knowledge of the laws that seek to stop you from untruthfully or maliciously 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 rarely experienced - the character assassination, offence and ill temper that characterises some social media.
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. Contributors and commenters 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 are almost always 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 seem to 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 since we first occupied this space in February 2006.
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 careful 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 in you 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 may ensue. However, it will probably 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 benefiting from it in some way. 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 AM FRSA FAIM
Publisher and Editor
Published January 2011
Updated October 2013
Updated January 2015
Updated February 2017
Updated February 2018
Updated September 2019
Updated March 2021
Updated May 2022
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.
___________
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
KJ - the link to the full Dr Schram story isn't working and the comments seem to have been disabled.
Suggest you get your IT guys to do a security audit, and reset your passwords.
_________
The matter has been taken up with Typepad - KJ
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 10 March 2013 at 08:53 PM
Something strange going on as I cannot access our original Albert Schram piece to post a comment. Someone or some thing is blocking me. Extraordinary on my own blog. However, this work around will suffice....
__________
2nd Deportation of Unitech VC Albert Schram
Hello Keith, This is Harry Egimbari. I am a student from Unitech PNG). This email serves to inform you of the above if you have not been alerted yet.
Sir, it would be greatly appreciated if you run anything regarding this Vesuvian issue as we need as much publicity as we can get.
Right now the atmosphere on campus is eerily sombre on the matter mainly in the student lodges which I suspect is due largely to a lack of information.
A small group of students in response are currently using the information on PNG Attitude and other sources, print and electronic, by linking to on small but significant Facebook group pages and also printed/ xeroxed and pasted on bulletin boards and water cooler-esque places.
So Keith, please help us to help ourselves.
Thanks,
Harry Egimbari (hegimbari@gmail.com)
_________
I have asked Harry to provide us with more information - and I have asked Albert to submit an update of his situation for publication, Mysterious and mysteriouser - KJ
Posted by: Keith Jackson | 10 March 2013 at 08:05 PM
Hear! Hear!
The students are really getting stuck into it.
More power to them.
Now we need articles from them.
Posted by: Phil Fitzpatrick | 06 March 2013 at 09:41 PM
Bernard - Good to see some of your students taking up the challenge and making thoughtful comments. More power to them.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 06 March 2013 at 06:31 PM
Thank you Peter. PNG Attitude has come a long way.
I was doing research about PNG when I first discovered the blog, in 2010 I believe.
I salute KJ and his marvellous effort so far.
Posted by: Bernard Yegiora | 03 March 2013 at 10:56 AM
Bernard - I for one am happy to help. One idea that broadens the mind is coming to terms with older literature.
One great book I can recommend which bridges the gap is Mister Pip. Then read Great Expectations and you see where Lloyd Jones is coming from.
But I'm sure you have this covered. Anyway - all the best for you and your students.
Arthur Conan Kranz.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 02 March 2013 at 12:13 PM
Peter, that will be awesome.
All these students have access to computers and the Internet. Soon they will be getting their laptops from the University, especially those who have paid their fees in full.
Written communication is just as important as verbal, non-verbal and visual communication.
On PNG Attitude we have a lot of skilful writers. My vision is for you skilful writers to mentor our young minds through your writing.
Also I want to build this culture of reading, something that most Papua New Guineans do not like doing. The more my students read, the more they understand their community, country and the world they live in.
As of this year onwards PNG Attitude will feature in all the courses I teach. So I hope all you old chalkies, scholarship writers and KJ keep us entertained.
Posted by: Bernard Yegiora | 02 March 2013 at 11:51 AM
Great idea Bernard. Maybe some contributors would be willing to 'mentor' some of your students or at least engage with them to discuss the background to stories, motivation to write, style etc. Some of us are old chalkies.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 02 March 2013 at 02:08 AM
Congratulations on this innovative course criteria Bernard.
Welcome to Attitude class.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 01 March 2013 at 09:45 PM
I have cleared some workload and have created time for myself to get back into blogging, something I enjoy doing.
The purpose of this email is to inform you that I have incorporated PNG Attitude into my student assessments for this academic year.
Students enrolled for the year one course CA 121 -Communication Skills are instructed to read 10 articles from the blog and write one comment on each article starting in Week 4 (this week) up to Week 14.
After commenting, the link to the article and comment will be emailed to me for analysis and marks. This assessment is worth 10%.
Names of students;
1. Rozabelle Hota
2. Joyce Bagi
3. Robert Jikavi
4. Ben Akuani
5. Kaludia Pirit
6. Nathan Gabara
7. Vero Kaupa
8. Triscilla Waikasi
9. Sedrick Mora
10. Sharlene Kendo (2 comments so far)
11. Lei Atua
12. Jerilee Diaram
13. Timothy Poroda
14. Joanna Mogerema
15. Nigel Gagau
16. Richard Ponja
17. Beatrice Yokondo
18. Lithiana Nondebia
19. Colleen Ambrose
20. Annsli Kabekabe
21. Rosemary Kaiye
22. Monica Jean George
23. William Gende
24. Josiah Pup
25. Neil Yamalu
26. Desmond Kuluwah
27. Sam Nevegapa
28. Jocabeth Yuasi
29. Arthur Igag
30. Jerome Aiake
31. Fidelis Lai
32. Kialo Kui
33. Talsha Bannick (1 comment so far)
Thus, more traffic coming your way.
_________
I have responded to Bernard and his students: "I look forward to reading and sharing your students’ ideas and opinions – and also to lightly editing their work when required! I also wish you and them luck in this important course. Communication skills are the bedrock of all good human relationships." - KJ
Posted by: Bernard Yegiora | 01 March 2013 at 04:07 PM
I believe KJ's vision is that PNG Attitude should be an all-round magazine of PNG/Australian interests, encompassing news, current affairs, the arts, opinion, sport and entertainment and accessible to people of all ages.
As such we should pray that age cannot wither her nor custom stale her infinite variety.
And we should welcome robust debate, art and humorous diversions and strange oddities, and not take aim at each other.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 25 February 2013 at 05:12 PM
I'm looking for Chris Andrews (full name, Christopher Robin Andrews) who was a member of the Papua New Guinea Constabulary, probably as early as the late 1950s.
My brother Alan and I were childhood friends of Chris in Singapore in 1941 when the Japanese invaded.
Chris was probably born around 1936, either in Singapore, Palestine, or the UK.
His father was an officer in the British Army and was killed just before Singapore fell in 1942.
My family lost track of Chris in the 1950s and would like to re-establish contact if Chris is still alive.
Can you help me? Can you give me some advice of where to go next?
__________
If any reader can assist, simply leave a comment on the site - KJ
Posted by: George Thompson | 25 February 2013 at 04:03 PM
Proud to be part of this dynamic team. Thumbs up Keith for establishing PNG Attitude.
I believe in the next 5 years PNG Attitude readers and contributors will be doubled.
Keep up the tireless efforts Keith.
Posted by: Joe Wasia | 21 February 2013 at 03:00 PM