Compiled and edited
by Loch Blatchford
PROLOGUE
When a devastating crash of the PNG Attitude blog in early 2023 erased every image and link and came close to destroying the entire content of the site, I did not realise that the PDFs that comprised The Blatchford Collection had also been lost.
And I did not know that Loch Blatchford, who had gathered, reviewed and abstracted some thousands of documents to build the Collection, had also experienced a quite separate and serious technical problems that had compromised his assiduously curated project.
The Blatchford Collection is probably unique and it is certainly the largest compilation of archival materials relating to the pre-independence Papua New Guinea education system ever brought together in one place.
The bulk of the Collection comprises letters and other documents from the files of the PNG Department of Education as it was before 1977, two years after Papua New Guinea's independence on 15 September 1975. These documents have been supplemented by material from other PNG government departments and from a number of private collections.
Loch has managed to restore a substantial body of work from the original Collection published in PNG Attitude, being abstracts and citations from the period 1944-61. Whether the period 1962-70 and beyond can be reproduced is at this point not known. It will require reading, summarising and organising two filing cabinets containing eight linear metres of documents. Time is now a major enemy.
Keith Jackson
14 May 2023
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THE COLLECTION
The bulk of The Blatchford Collection comprised letters and documents from the files of the PNG Department of Education before 1977. This has been supplemented by material from other PNG departments and from the private collections of Bill Groves, John Gunther, Geoff Roscoe, Les Johnson, Ian Howie-Willis, Dick Ralph and Dick Pearce. Material from Hansard, reports to the United Nations and clippings from PNG and Australian newspapers were also included.
Coverage includes files held at the PNG National Archives in Waigani. Every government department archive was searched and everything relating to education recorded. At the time, two papers were produced for the Research Branch of the PNG Department of Education: ‘Files on Education held by Other Departments at National Archives, Waigani’ [16 February 1977] and ‘Educational Papers Located in Files Held by Other Departments at National Archives, Waigani’ [17 May 1977].
The Collection also included material after 1977 (mostly collected in Australia) and from private collections that included little of the day-to-day workings of the Department of Education.
The Collection records the day-to-day running of the Education Department and incorporates a great deal of information about the Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA). Noted on each document is its source: either a departmental file and folio number, an accession and box number, or the name of the private collection. Where the document existed in more than one place, both sources were noted on the copy.
The material is loose-leafed, organised chronologically and kept in manila folders. Each folder holds approximately three months of material and the folders are housed in four metal filing cabinets.
The material is ordered by year, month, and then day. For example, material summarising 1960 comes before 1 January 1960 and an article printed in March 1960 is placed before 1 March 1960. Papua Annual Reports and New Guinea Annual Reports are placed at the start of the period they cover. Books, theses and dissertations covering a broad period are placed at the beginning of the collection.
PNG newspaper clippings have been interwoven with the correspondence. Some have been thermos-copied rather than photocopied. These items are fading and some are difficult to read. They may need to be recopied if they are not to be lost.
Reports, conferences, seminars, and journals have been placed in the correspondence files and can be located by the date of the meeting or the report’s publication date. This is to allow researchers interested in a particular period to have a single point of access to all material for that period.
Interviews were held with various education and government officials and, although tapes are included, the quality has not been checked for 20 years and rats used some of them for macramé. Transcripts were made of the more important interviews and these are included in the collection.
The originals of the tapes are held at the University of Sydney, lodged there by its then Head of Education, John Cleverley. I presume they are in the University Library.
The transcripts of interviews are at the beginning of the collection and are in alphabetical order. The list includes transcripts of interviews undertaken by other researchers such as Tim Bowden, Don Christie and Ian Howie-Willis.
The ABC, through Tim Bowden, was particularly co-operative and provided copies of tapes and interview summaries from its ‘Taim Bilong Masta’ and ‘Imperial Australians’ projects. These are located with the other taped and transcribed material.
The collection includes biographical material on approximately 300 people associated with PNG. This material has been assembled from books, journals, Education Gazettes, applications for promotion, and the Executive Assessment Scheme.
Although I was not specifically collecting material on tertiary education, I have included the material collected by Ian Howie-Willis for his doctoral thesis. I was given total cooperation by all officers and departments in PNG, and by private individuals in Australia.
The Commonwealth Archives was another matter. I managed access to Les Johnson’s and John Gunther’s collections but attempts to gain access to the Department of External Territories files were denied. Access to these files would enhance the Blatchford Collection.
Loch Blatchford
17 May 2023
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1944
Department of External Territories (1941-1951)
In Australia’s Commonwealth government, responsibility for administering the Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea was the Department of External Territories, formed on 26 June 1941 when it took over functions previously administered by the Territories Branch of the Prime Minister's Department. Its headquarters were located in Barton, a suburb of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.
The department was dissolved on 11 May 1951, with the establishment of the Department of Territories.
Over this initial 10-year period, the Department of External Territories was the responsibility of five Ministers of escalating seniority:
Allan McDonald, Minister (1941)
James Fraser, Minister (1941–1943)
Eddie Ward, Minister (1943–1949)
Percy Spender, Minister (1949–1951)
Richard Casey, Minister (1951)
During this period, the department had two public service heads, designated as Secretaries in the Commonwealth government:
Frank Strahan (1941–1944)
James Reginald Halligan (1944–1951)
Information from Wikipedia
Territories under Labor & Eddie Ward
The incumbent Labor Party retained office in the 1943 general election, and Edward John (Eddie) Ward (profiled by R McMullin in Australian Dictionary of Biography, volume 16, 2002) was demoted to the portfolios of Transport and External Territories on 21 September 1943. He remained in External Territories until the defeat of the Chifley Labor government in 1949. Ward was not a popular figure amongst Australians in the territories and his Liberal successor fared no better.
"The Labor government went out of office with a shameful record of Territory mismanagement behind it. The Labor record is being perpetuated by the Liberals while the Territory slowly rots away from under us." (‘Not Worth a Mention’, Editorial, South Pacific Post, 16 November 1951, p 8)
Upon the election of the Liberal Party's Robert Menzies in 1949, Percy Spender was made Minister for External Affairs (19 December 1949–26 April 1951) and Minister for External Territories. The Australian 'Territorians' were apprehensive that Labor would be returned at the 1951 election and so would Ward. But Menzies was firmly in command as he continued what would be a record term (1949-1966) for an Australian prime minister. There would be no repeat performance for Eddie Ward.
"If the country swings back to Labor we will again be saddled with Mr Eddie Ward. The policy of the Labor government was disastrous so far as the Territory is concerned and it was a difficult task that faced Mr Spender when he assumed office.” (‘Appeal to Electors’, Editorial, South Pacific Post, 22 March 1951, p 8)
Note on Dr John Thompson Gunther (1910-1984). Director of Public Health in PNG, 1949-1956. Assistant Administrator 1957-1972. Vice-Chancellor, University of Papua and New Guinea 1957-1972. Gunther was a special representative at the United Nations in 1965 when Australia was under pressure to give Papua New Guinea independence.
Note on WC Groves. Mrs D Groves to RC Ralph, 17 October 1971. Mrs Groves answers a series of questions on her husband’s career. Groves born Ballarat Victoria 18 August 1898, died London 11 July 1971. Mrs D Groves to M Duncan, 13 February 1972. Mrs Groves makes some observations on Meg Duncan’s draft MEd thesis.
The ASOPA Story, 1925-1944
1925 - Australian Government announces establishment of a cadetship scheme in which five or more Cadet Patrol Officers, after a period of practical training in PNG, are selected each year for further training by the Department of Anthropology at Sydney University.
1941 – Alf Conlon joins the Australian Army from his job as Sydney University's manpower officer, selecting or exempting students from military training. The Army Signals Unit constructs the huts on Middle Head that will become the ASOPA campus. They use land cleared for a golf course.
1942 – On 11 February civil government in PNG is suspended and the Cadet Patrol Officer training scheme managed by Sydney University ceases. Conlon appointed chairman of Prime Minister John Curtin's Committee on National Morale “which carried some vestige of the authority of the PM, whom Conlon knew”. Conlon, now a Major, appointed to head the Army’s Research Section. John Kerr joins as Assistant Director.
1943 - Conlon transferred to the staff of the Army’s commander-in-chief, General Blamey, who reconstitutes Research Section as Directorate of Research. Blamey seeks Conlon’s advice in handling intricate political relationship between the high command and the Federal government. Conlon's propensity for informal contacts, deliberate avoidance of regular channels of communication and command, and neglect of proper procedures and records leads to his activities and the Directorate being regarded with suspicion and dislike by official bodies. “People of irreproachable good faith denounced him as a charlatan. Yet, he remained Blamey's confidant”.
1944 - Conlon becomes Director of Research and Civil Affairs: “It had an uneasy relationship with the military”. Army announces Army announces it will establish the School of Civil Affairs under Conlon to train service personnel in colonial administration in PNG. Hon Camilla Wedgwood joins Directorate as an anthropologist: “On army bivouacs in PNG, where she served intermittently in 1944-45, when offered a cigarette by her young cadets her reply was: 'No thanks, I roll my own'”. She died of lung cancer in 1955.
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Sogeri Education Centre
'The Development of the Sogeri Education Centre as a Teacher Training Institution' comprises notes and a draft of a 59 page self-published book by RC Ralph. The documents cover every aspect of the Education Centre, including the finest detail such as, “His Honour then presented each of the students with a certificate (printed by the Government Printer, Port Moresby) and a ten-shilling note (new if possible).”
The Director of Education wrote to the Treasurer on 12 December 1946: ”There are three sections:
The General Development of the Sogeri Education Centre from 1944 to 1947;
The Development of Policy and Plans for Teacher-Training to the end of 1947;
Teacher-Training at Sogeri from 1948 to 1951.
Ralph’s main sources were the files of the Department of Education and footnotes were provided.
Correspondence & Papers
Administration Pre-War Teachers. Lists names of 16 native teachers, schooling, dates and places of service, current posting.
B Morris to CCG Abel, 24 May 1944. ANGAU planning an undenominational and secular Central School for 200 students near Port Moresby. Perhaps 50% of students will become teachers. Site available, buildings in existence but need boys 15 - 17 years with Standard V and working knowledge of English. After 1 June 1944. Can the missions help?
FN Boisen to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Monthly Report June 1944, 1 July 1944. Central School Sogeri: Situation and General Description, Staff, Activities During Month Students, Grounds and Gardens, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, School Stores, Sporting Activities, Technical Training, Lighting, General.
FN Boisen to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Monthly Report July 1944, 4 August 1944. Central School Sogeri: Staff, Enrolments, Organization, Agriculture, Grounds and Gardens, School Stores, Sporting Activities, Lighting, Water, Technical Training, Visitors, Religious, General.
FN Boisen to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Monthly Report July 1944, 15 August 1944. Sogeri enrolment increased to 75 students including 14 being coached for Medical School.
FN Boisen to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Monthly Report August 1944, 5 September 1944. Central School Sogeri: Staff, Enrolments, Organization, Agriculture, Grounds and Gardens, Buildings, Native Labour, Sporting Activities, Lighting, Technical Training, Visitors, Religious, General.
FN Boisen to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Monthly Report September 1944, 6 October 1944. Central School Sogeri: Staff, Enrolment, Organization, Agriculture, Grounds and Gardens, Buildings, Native Labour, Technical Training, Hygiene, Religious, Sporting Activities, General.
DDCA to HQ Southern Region, Papuan Central Training School, Port Moresby, 30 October 1944. Now 92 boarders. Asks District Officers to make known the desire for former Grade Vs who are under the age of 19 years and to facilitate their movement to your HQ.
AR Buckland to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report October 1944, 6 November 1944. Central School Sogeri: Staff, Enrolment, Organization, Agriculture, Grounds and Gardens, Buildings, Native Labour, Hygiene, Religious, Amenities, Visitors, Health of Students, General.
AR Buckland to Staff Officer Civil Affairs ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report November 1944, 6 December 1944. Central School Sogeri: Staff, Enrolment, Organization, Agriculture, Grounds and Gardens, Buildings, Native Labour, Hygiene, Religious, Amenities, Visitors, Health of Students, General.
AR Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Report on New Site Proposed for Papuan Central Training School, 28 December 1944. Buckland recommends against moving the school from Sogeri to Taurama Road approximately 4 miles from Moresby.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1945
The ASOPA Story, 1945
School of Civil Affairs established at Royal Military College Duntroon. Alf Conlon persuades External Territories Minister Eddie Ward to ensure the School continues after the war. On the first course, staff outnumber students 47-40. Conlon has made many enemies and his influence wanes as the war ends and the Directorate is disbanded. He is promoted to Colonel just before going on the retired list. John Kerr is appointed Chief Instructor at the School, which moves to Holsworthy. Meanwhile, the Army Signals Unit buildings on Middle Head that will become the ASOPA campus are used to house Italian internees employed as maintenance workers.
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Correspondence & Papers
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report December 1944, 6 January 1945. Staff (European and Native), Enrolments, Organisation, Students’ Annual Leave, Agriculture, Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds, Native Labour, Health of Students, Religions, Amenities, Visitors, Stores and Transport, General.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report January-February 1945, 5 March 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report March 1945, 7 April 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report April 1945, 5 May 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report May 1945, 5 June 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
EJ Ward, Policy Speech, Second Reading of the PNG Provisional Administration Bill, Commonwealth of Australia, Parliamentary Debates, 4 July 1945.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report June 1945, 5 July 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
JR Halligan to WC Groves, 27 July 1945. Groves Collection Box 5 File 28. Halligan sent Groves a copy of the advertisement for PNG Department of Education position. The advertisement appeared in The Sun, 28 July 1945.
CH Wedgwood, 'Suggested Organisation of Native Education in New Guinea', August 1944, seven pages. Setting up and organisation of a Department of Education. Organisation of Native Schools. Adult Education for Natives. Education of Chinese and Half-Castes. Education of White Children. Pre-Requisites to the success of a Native Education Policy.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report July 1945, 15 August 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
WC Groves to JR Halligan, early September 1945. On 30 August Groves sends telegram to Halligan applying for Director of Education position that closes 31 August. He also rings Halligan to explain the circumstance, which is that up until a couple of days ago he was uncertain if he would apply as his 17-year-old daughter was dying in hospital. This letter is a formal application and includes referees, career, publications etc. Wants salary of position raised as it is supposed to be an important position but currently received less than Director of Agriculture.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report July 1945, 15 August 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
Note: The Australian Government established a Provisional Civil Administration which took control of the whole of Papua and a portion of New Guinea in October 1945, the remainder being taken over in June 1946.
JK Murray, Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, 16 October 1945. Murray swears to do right to all manner of people in the office of Administrator of the Territory of Papua-New Guinea.
EJ Ward to JK Murray, 27 October 1945. Ward advises Murray that the Governor General has approved Murray’s appointment as Administrator. The Premier of Queensland has been asked to release Murray as from 11 October 1945. Salary £2,000 pa with £500 per annum entertainment allowance and 20/- travel allowance in PNG and 30/- outside. 6 weeks leave per annum. No tax.
Territory of Papua, Government Gazette No. 1, 7 November 1945. Proclamation that the Papua-New Guinea Provisional Act 1945 commenced on 24 October 1945 and appointing Murray as Administrator on and from 11 October 1945.
AH Buckland to DDCA HQ ANGAU, Papuan Central Training School Report November-December 1945, 8 December 1945. Same as 6 January 1945.
AH Buckland to JK Murray, File NE 43 – Monthly Reports, 10 December 1945. Sends Murray copies of all monthly reports on the Papuan Central Training School Sogeri since its inception.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1946
The ASOPA Story, 1946
Civil government is restored to PNG. Federal Cabinet approves the interim establishment of ASOPA. Colonel John Kerr is demobilised and becomes Principal.
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Correspondence & Papers
Trusteeship Council, Questionnaire, undated. Part I Introductory Descriptive Section, Part II Status of the Territory, and Its Inhabitants.
JK Murray, Administration Policy, 25 January 1946. Script for New Guinea film. Quotes Mandate. Education and language important.
Department of External Territories, Native Education Papua-New Guinea, 14 February 1946. ₤31,497 spent on Native Education to year ending 30/6/41. Gives history of approach to education. Teach English. Current plans.
United Church, Draft of Report to Government on Education, Medical etc, 22 February 1946. 5 pages. Vernacular. Assisted Primary Schools. Curriculum. Boarding Schools. Printing. Medical. Transport. Mails. Radio. Flying Doctor.
JK Murray to WC Groves, 6 March 1946. Telegram to Groves: ‘Am very glad to know of your appointment, which will assist the Administration very greatly in realising its objectives.’
JR Halligan to WC Groves, 6 March 1946. Halligan informs Groves that his application for Director of Education successful.
Methodist Mission, Suggestions for Consideration of Matters Affecting Missions and Government in Eastern Papua, April 1946. 4 pages. Vernacular. Assisted Primary Schools. Curriculum. Boarding Schools. Technical Subjects. Printing. Mission Trainees and Outside Employment. Suggestions re Government Aid to Schools.
AH Buckland, Papuan Central Training School Report January – March 1946, 3 April 1946. Staff (European and Native), Enrolments, Organization, Royal Papuan Constabulary (classes for them), Agriculture, Medical and Hygiene, Sports and Amenities, Religions, Supplies and Transport, General.
AH Buckland, Papuan Central Training School Report April 1946, 5 May 1946. Same structure as above. Groves Collection Box 5 file 28, 5 - 20 May 1946.
Groves received LWOP from Victorian Education Department to go to PNG from 7 - 20 May, ‘in connection with establishing the Department of Education and preparation of financial estimates.’
WC Groves, Proposed Organisation and Functions of the Department of Education, 16 May 1946. Groves consulted Government Secretariat and Heads of Departments on ‘broad policy.’ A 12-page paper was submitted to Administrator for his consideration with copies to Heads. Paper went to meeting between Minister and Missionary reps in Sydney 1 July. Groves will not be available to take up appoint until June. He wants more money and a couple of Education Officers to assist him.
ASOPA, Syllabus of the Short Course, June 1946. 4 pages detailing content and number of lectures in the following areas: Comparative Colonial Education, Anthropology, Geography, Tropical Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Scientific Method, Elementary Medicine, Practical Admin, Law and Government, Machinery of Administration, Pidgin English, and Papuan Languages. June 1946.
Note: The Australian Government established a Provisional Civil Administration which took control of the whole of Papua and a portion of New Guinea in October 1945, the remainder being taken over in June 1946.
AH Buckland, Papuan Central Training School Report April 1946, 5 June 1946. Same structure as 5 May.
JR Kerr to JK Murray, 6 June 1946. Mills has suggested a School (ASOPA) Journal. Wants 400 words from Murray and list of people to receive Journal.
JK Murray to JR Kerr, 25 June 1946. Murray forwards his Journal article. ‘The almost universal acceptance of the idea that the interests of the natives are paramount…is found to be lip service.’ ASOPA prepares and orients people for PNG. ‘There has been no development of greater consequence in the history of the Territory (to meet this need) than the formation of ASOPA.’ Mentions the South Seas Regional Commission, Australian Medical School, agriculture, need for English, exploration, and dovetailing the NG economy into the Australian economy.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1 July 1946 to 30 June 1947.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1946 - 30 June 1947.
Commonwealth of Australia, Discussions with Representatives of Mission Organisations, Sydney, 1 July 1946. Minister Ward, PNG Director of Education Groves, PNG Director of Health Gunther, and J Brack (Department of External Territories) met with 22 mission representatives in Sydney for a preliminary discussion of plans prepared by the Director of Education. Further discussions to be held in the Territory. 6-page summary of plan and discussion. Plan approved in principle.
AH Buckland, Papuan Central Training School Report June 1946, 5 July 1946. Same structure as 5 May.
AP Elkin, General Notes as a Result of My Recent Visit to Papua, New Guinea, 13 July 1946. Was encouraged by the outline of policy and the present degree of its implementation. Almost total neglect of Education by the previous Administrator. Essential to set up some Administration schools asap. Desire of natives to be taught English.
AH Buckland, Papuan Central Training School Report July 1946, 5 August 1946. Same structure as 5 May.
JK Murray to JE Jones, 24 August 1946. Director of Education expected to arrive today. Housing shortage in Port Moresby.
JK Murray to Chairman Methodist Overseas Mission Papua, 31 August 1946. Camilla Wedgwood a lecturer at ASOPA undertaking a survey of education activities in Papua with approval of Minister.
Staff Conference of Heads of Departments on Occasion of the Visit of Mr JR Kerr Principal of ASOPA, 5 September 1946. Subject was ASOPA and its relationship with PNG. School would be associated with the School of Pacific Studies in the National University. Gives history of school. Established by Cabinet decision. At Duntroon by Army Directorate of Research with intention to convert to civilian school.
JK Murray was first Chief Instructor. Gives history and proposed developments. Lists members of the interim Council. 6 pages.
CH Wedgwood, Papua: Reports on the Mission Schools – Anglican Mission, Visited August/September 1946. 16 pages.
WC Groves to All District Officers, Native Education, 26 September 1946. No comprehensive plan for education yet. Meanwhile Groves proposes to appoint an Area Education Officer to each District. A conference to be held with Missions in October. Groves proposes, in 1947, to establish Area schools enrolling up to 100 students at each at Rabaul, Morobe, Wewak, Madang and possibly New Ireland. Two European teachers at each. Also, Technical Training Centres at Lae, Rabaul, Port Moresby and Madang or Wewak. Three European staff for each. Asks District Officers to find buildings for the schools and houses for the staff, desks, etc.
WC Groves, Organisation and Functions: Department of Education, 4 October 1946. 23 pages. Approved in principle by Administrator and Minister. Nucleus of a departmental HQ organisation has been established. Teaching staff being sought by advertisements. Start made on drafting legislation and curricula. Outlines: A. General Matters. B. Organisation and Administration: 1. Divisions of Educational Organisation: General Division, Technical Training, Special Services, and Female Education. 2. Standards of Education and Types of Institutions: Native (Sub-Primary, Village, Area), European, Chinese. C. Relations Between Government and Missions in Education: The Area Ed Officer, Curriculum and Research, Broadcasting, Publications. Appendix lists rates of pay, HQ Structure, Estimates for 1946-47.
Administration Missions Conference, Draft Agenda - Education, 10-11 October 1946. Includes background papers from the 4 October Organisation and Functions paper.
Administration Missions Conference, Record of Proceedings, 10-12 October 1946. Lists all participants. Murray said ‘to lay the foundations of co-operation and give the Missions an opportunity to learn the Administration policy and proposals for development. In the fields of education, health, and agriculture. Education was main subject of the conference. Wealth of information on education available overseas. Intended to set up an Education Advisory Committee which would include Missions, women, and later natives. Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme. Missions to be given copies of syllabus for various schools. Much disagreement concerning Government to train teachers. Catholics against. Others want a period of theological training. Education of girls discussed. Instruction to be in vernacular in village schools and English in higher schools. Bishop Strong moved a message to the Prime Minister and Minister for External Territories ‘expressing its sincere appreciation of the policy for Education, Health, Agriculture and Rehabilitation as outlined to it.’
JK Murray to All Members of the Public Service, The Organisation of the Administration in Papua-New Guinea with Special Reference to the Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of District Officers in Relation to the Various Technical Officers Posted to District Staffs, 11 October 1946. Outlines the pecking order. Mainly focused on duties of District Officers. 7 pages.
JK Murray to The Secretary Department of External Territories, Courses at the Australian School of Pacific Administration, 11 October 1946. All officers need at least 4 months at ASOPA or Sydney University. Murray needs another 100 patrol officers as new areas being opened. E.g., Central Highlands.
JH Jones, Circular Instruction CA 7. 14 October 1946. Says Commissioners and District Officers oversee all Government activities in their respective spheres.
WR Humphries to JK Murray, 5 November 1946. Murray in Canberra. Humphries wants Murray to ask Minister to appoint Humphries as Director of District Services. He is now Director of Native Labour.
JK Murray to WR Humphries, 11 November 1946. From Canberra Murray informs Humphries that Minister has approved appoint of Jones as acting Director of District Services.
JK Murray to C Wedgwood, 11 November 1946. Murray in Canberra, Wedgwood in Papua. Murray looking forward to Wedgwood’s report. Murray hoping to go to Tasmania for a break. Note: An information paper was sent Tasmanian newspapers on 18 November informing them Murray there. Gives some PNG background.
Examination of the Organisation of the Australian School of Pacific Administration, 23 December 1946. Examines the history, present position and future needs and makes suggestion concerning relationship between the School and the National University, the academic program for next 5 years, and necessary financial arrangements. Lists staff. 13 pages.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1947
The ASOPA Story, 1947
On 12 April 1947, Cabinet approves the permanent establishment of ASOPA. PNG Administrator JK Murray tells Eddie Ward (Minister for External Territories) that ASOPA should have a research function otherwise Australia will have nothing more than “mid Victorian colonial administration” in PNG. ASOPA moves to temporary premises in two Quonset huts at George’s Heights and then to Middle Head. Kerr says: “The idea of ASOPA was opposed, and opposed in influential quarters. Attempts were made to bring the whole academic venture to an end.” It is taken for granted that ASOPA’s destiny is to become part of ANU.
In December, Eddie Ward visits ASOPA and says the government realises the need for thorough training of all administrative personnel in New Guinea. He says ASOPA is now on a firm footing. Kerr decides to resume practice at the NSW Bar and resigns as Principal. It is likely he smelt defeat over proposed ASOPA legislation that would see it cut off from academia: “[He] lost the will to fight the bureaucracy.”
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Correspondence & Papers
GH Gibson, A Survey Report in the Field of Education - Kavieng Area - 1947, 29 January to 1 April 1947. A 19-page report including 5 pages of recommendations for the commencement of educational projects.
JK Murray to L Mair, 14 January 1947. South Seas Regional Commission negotiations commence in Canberra on 14th. Groves will act as adviser to the Minister on educational matters. Pressure for ASOPA to be within the National University. Very desirable. Lack of supplies and shipping. Some areas only under Gov control for 6 months.
Courier Mail, Fuzzies Short of Houses, 20 January 1947. JK Murray arrived Brisbane from Port Moresby 19th. Labour shortage in PNG because the natives have gone home to repair their houses.
Draft Cabinet Submission on the Australian School of Pacific Administration to Support Cabinet Agendum, circa February 1947. Submitted by the Minister EJ Ward. Outlines the history of ASOPA including 1 March 1946 Cabinet submission, Minister’s 16 December 1946 letter to National University Interim Council and RC Mill’s reply of 24 January 1947. The Minister is asking for legislation for ASOPA to come under National University and to move to Canberra.
JK Murray, The Formation of the South Pacific Commission, Talk on ABC 9PA Port Moresby, 21 February 1947. Gives background to the establishment of the Commission, who attended Canberra conference (Groves went) what went on, and outcomes.
JK Murray to SDA Mission Port Moresby, 22 February 1947. Administrator not keen on Solomon Islanders coming to PNG to teach.
JK Murray to EJ Ward, 2 April 1947. Murray thoroughly in agreement with the draft Cabinet Agendum and supporting Memorandum and hopes it will go to Cabinet early.
WC Groves to the Director, Commonwealth Office of Education, Sydney, 8 April 1947. Tells of his plan to recruit 20 CEOs a year and wants Commonwealth Office [of Education] to see if places can be obtained for them to undertake part of their training at State Teachers College at start of 1948.
JK Murray, The Provisional Administration of the Territory of Papua-New Guinea: Its Policy and Its Problems, John Murtagh Macrossan Memorial Lecture, 22 to 24 April 1947. 71 pages. Preface mentions ASOPA, its history, staff, and its predecessor the Allied Land Forces Headquarters School of Civic Affairs. The Introduction describes the country. Other topics covered are: Climate, Communications, Mapping, and Population. Part I deals with NG and the Commonwealth, International Obligations, and Activities of the Provisional Administration. Part II covers Some Problems of Social Policy including Health, Education (8 pages), Native Labour, and Race Relations. Part III Economic Problems, Part IV Political Development, Part V Conclusion, Appendix 1 United Nations Articles, Appendix 2 Declaration Regarding Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Recommendations to the Minister for External Territories of the Committee appointed by him to consider proposals for the future of the Australian School of Pacific Administration, circa April 1947. Gives membership and their positions, background to ASOPA, Minister’s negotiations to include ASOPA in ANU, committee estimates ASOPA could grow to one or two hundred students taking diplomas and degrees, recommends establishment of governing body and appropriate legislation.
RC Mills to JK Murray, 24 April 1947. Attached is a copy of the recommendations to the Minister from the Committee appointed by him to consider proposals for the future of ASOPA.
EJ Ward, Address by Minister for External Territories, the Hon EJ Ward, to Parliament, Canberra, 1 May 1947. Knew nothing of the Territory when appointed. Sought expert advice. Directed that Education held conferences with missions.
JR Kerr to JK Murray, 5 May 1947. Sends Murray a copy of the letter to Goodes mentioned below.
JR Kerr to H Goodes, 5 May 1947. Goodes was a member of the committee to recommend on future of ASOPA but missed the meeting. Kerr informs him of committee’s deliberations. Recalls that the ASOPA Research Council met on 20 April 1947 and recommended, amongst other matters, that it be s replaced with a governing body and if its recommendations are not given effect they would like to be disbanded.
EJ Ward to JK Murray, 11 May 1947. Ward thanks Murray for notification of Second Conference with Missions and give extracts from his 1 May 1947 speech to Parliament.
JK Murray to GJ McLaughlin, 14 May 1947. Outline living conditions in PNG and its major towns. ‘Not too much published favourable to the present Australian Government or to the [TPNG] Administration.’
JK Murray to TP Fry, 14 May 1947. Murray thanks Fry for a list of heads of the old German New Guinea Company. The list is from 1886. Also, a chronology of the histories of NG and Papua plus supporting summary and a list of Lieutenant Governors and Administrators.
R Melrose to JK Murray, 21 May 1947. From Department of External Territories. Recruiting difficulties. Minister off to Geneva with Halligan.
JK Murray, Address to the Second Conference of Missions and the Administration, Port Moresby, 21 May 1947. Quotes UN Articles. Some history. Slow progress. Proposed that ASOPA award diplomas and degrees.
Conference of Representatives of the Administration and Missions, 21-28 May 1947. Chaired by Groves. A great deal of material is held concerning this conference, including the following papers: List of Participants, Agenda, and Papers Presented. Summary of Proceedings. Lists participants, procedures, and resolutions. Resolution 11 states, ‘That an early draft of the proposed Education Ordinance and Regulations be circulated among Mission bodies for consideration and suggestions.’ Administrator’s Opening Address. Introductory Statement by Director of Education. Commonwealth Reconstruction and Training Scheme. Broadcasting. Visual Education. Cooperative Movement
Minutes of Second Administration Missions Conference, 21-28 May 1947. Pages 56 and 73 to 75 only. Copied from Groves Collection Box 1, File 14. Deals with Mission Education and the desire for compulsory attendance.
RC Mills to WC Groves, Cadet Education Officers – Facilities for Training in Australia, 22 May 1947. Replying to G’s 8 April 1947 letter. Did not approach States because he feels CEOs should come to Sydney, perhaps live at ASOPA with long course POs and travel to Sydney Teachers College. Kerr and Prof McRae favourable. Applicants should be of university standard as Kerr wants ASOPA to be equivalent to university.
JR Kerr, Proposals for Cadet Education Officers, 22 May 1947. Summarizes Kerr’s conversation with Dr Robertson, C/W Office of Ed. concerning Groves’ proposals. Sent to JK Murray who passed it to Groves for his info. G refers to it in his 30 May letter to Mills and 28 June reply to Kerr. Gives history and future of field officer courses at ASOPA. Groves’ plans are similar: 3 months at ASOPA, field work, and one year at a Teachers’ College. Kerr wants 2 years training for CEOs. Robertson agrees. Kerr also suggests that, in addition to the ‘emergency’ CEO scheme, others be recruited to join District Service Officers to commence a 3-year degree at ASOPA (within ANU), in 1948, and then do their Teacher Training course. 2-year trained CEOs could return to ASOPA to complete a further 2 years for a degree.
WC Groves to RC Mills, 30 May 1947. Reply to Mills’ 22 May 1947 and Kerr’s summary. Two-year course acceptable as long as includes teacher training and relevant sections of ASOPA colonial courses (not much law). Bond them for 4 years. Prepared to come to Australia to discuss. Hopes for first batch by end of this year. (Takes 3 months to recruit). Send them to PNG first to see if they fit in. Can’t afford to waste resources educating them if won’t stay. Sharing hostel accommodation with other NG trainees ‘most desirable.’ Very critical of State trained recruits who have no colonial education, ‘virtually nothing to contribute to the educational challenge in such countries as this.’ JK
Murray to Secretary, Department of External Territories, Grants to Missions in Respect of Health and Education Work, 4 June 1947. Lists grants to each Mission. Total of ₤12,000 for education.
KS Cunningham to WC Groves, circa June 1947. C thanks G for a copy of his ‘Data Paper on Native Education in Certain South Pacific Territories’ and asks about possible position for his daughter. See reply 13 June.
WC Groves to KS Cunningham, 13 June 1947. Groves replying to Director of Australian Council for Educational Research, Melbourne. Cunningham wants information on possible position for his daughter, who is completing Anthropology degree, Sydney University. Groves says one year at Sydney Teachers College, some months at ASOPA. Groves’, ASOPA plans still under discussion and will to go to Minister for approval. Hope to be in operation beginning 1948.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Cadet Education Officer Training, 13 June 1947. Groves asks for radio to be sent to Colonial Department Institute of Education University of London. He wants air mailed, all avail material on courses to train Colonial Education personnel for use here in training CEOs.
RC Mills to WC Groves, Cadet Education Officers – Facilities for Training in Australia, 13 June 1947. Reply to Groves’ 30 May letter. Wants Groves to come to Sydney to have discussions with him, Kerr, and McRae. Cabinet has directed that ASOPA appoint a council; Mills is chairman. Cease negotiations with Elkin. McRae can adapt his courses. Halligan abroad but come to Sydney end of July anyway.
WC Groves to His Honour, The Administrator, 28 June 1947. Copy of following letter to Kerr.
WC Groves to JR Kerr, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 28 June 1947. Reply to Kerr’s 22 May 1948 letter to JK Murray. Groves preparing proposals for ‘enlistment of Cadets on a two-year training basis, leaving consideration of long-range training plans until our urgent needs are met.’ Groves expects to be involved in the framing of any training syllabus, even at university level.
WC Groves to His Honour, The Administrator, Cadet Education Officers – Training in Australia, 1 July 1947. Groves supplies Murray with copies of letters to Mills, and Groves’ replies, and refers to Kerr’s letter and Groves’ reply. Groves says he cannot go to Sydney until September 1947. Groves is off to Rabaul and Morobe for the next 3 weeks and then a few weeks in Moresby. Would like Murray’s views. Murray noted his approval for September and wants to see Groves mid-August (after Murray’s visit to Australia) to discuss the trip. Note on letter dated 28 July 1947.
WC Groves to RC Mills, 1 July 1947. G tells Mills he has sent background to Murray but will not be able to come to Australia before September.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1947 to 30 June 1948.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1946 to 30 June 1947.
JK Murray to Government Secretary, 9 July 1947. Murray considers the terms ‘Boy,’ ‘Boss-Boy,’ ‘Kanaka’ and ‘Boong’ to be objectionable and in conflict with the spirit of the native welfare and social development programme. Circular to be issued.
KS Cunningham to WC Groves, 15 July 1947. Cunningham thanks Groves for proposals for training of Native Staffs.
JK Murray to M Fletcher, 25 July 1947. Notes for Miss May Adamson who is to speak on NG. Summarizes history of PNG, UN Articles, conditions, progress. 4 pages.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Cadet Education Officers: Visit of Director of Education to Australia, 21 August 1947. Groves leaving for Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne 14 September and returns 26 September. Asks for bookings to be made and Department of External Territories, Sydney, and Canberra to be advised. Contacting ASOPA and Commonwealth Office of Education personally. Will request Department of External Territories advise Minister of outcome of Sydney conference. Will arrange for CEO adverts to be placed according to decisions made Sydney.
WC Groves to Director, Commonwealth Office of Education, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 21 August 1947. In Sydney 14 to 19 September. Asks for conference to be organised then to Canberra to have the proposals approved by Minister. Has received from London a copy of courses conducted for colonial personnel. Prior to his departure Groves will prepare a general outline of the proposals from his point of view that may be accepted as a basis of the discussion.
WC Groves to The Principal ASOPA, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 21 August 1947. The same letter was sent to Director of the Commonwealth Office of Education.
JK Murray, Memorandum on the Policy of the Administration, Government House, Port Moresby, 8 September, 1947. 12 pages. Sets out in a concise form the broad lines of the Territorial policy, which has been evolved. Guided by the UN Charter, the Ministers second reading speech in connection with the P-NG Bill, the International Labour Organisation etc. Need staff, both in quality and numbers. For expert guidance in native affairs – which conditions the success of our efforts - the research, library, advisory and teaching facilities of ASOPA will be fully utilised. The document says the Native Education Programme is designed to raise the educational level of the mass and provide specialized training for a few. European and Chinese education will be separate from Native. The document is in the file below.
Conferences – Administrator, 8 September, 1947. Accession 244 Box 163 File GH 1.4 Pt2.
GT Roscoe, Memorandum to Director of Education, Cadet Education Officers, 9 September 1947. Roscoe wants CEO training to pay particular attention to teaching of English, and Manual Arts. Adverts to stress necessity of a marked degree of personal qualities: initiative, adaptability, enterprise, high professional and personal integrity, idealism tempered by appreciation of practical situations.
TL Robertson, Training of Education Officers for Papua – New Guinea, Notes on Conference of 14/9/47, 15 September 1947. Groves, McRae, and Robertson present. Groves wants 20 CEOs. 5 women and 15 men. Minimum of 18 years and of matriculation standard. McRae and Robertson said this will restrict him to university failures, retarded students, or vocationally maladjusted people. Pay ₤300 to ₤372 for males and ₤238 to ₤310 for females. Teachers College cost of ₤30 per annum to come out of salary. Emphasis on early primary school. Groves hopes to send someone to London to become lecturer in Colonial Education at ASOPA. Groves has definite ideas on what courses his cadets are to take.
Cadet Education Officers, 23 September 1947. Draft paper summarising proposed CEO course. 3-year bond.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Cadet Education Officers: Training – Sydney Teachers’ College, 23 October 1947. Groves has been sick and busy so nothing done re selection and training for CEOs. To be done next few days. Need Ministerial approval for the general plan proposed and subsequent advertising.
Draft of Proposed Letter to Director General of Education for New South Wales from Secretary, Department of External Territories, Sydney. Training of Cadet Education Officers for Papua-New Guinea, 23 October 1947. Asks approval for 12 to 15 places at Sydney Teachers College in 1948. Fees will be paid by students. Assumes some CEOs will be graduates and will undertake Diploma of Education at Sydney University. Includes the Brief Summary mentioned below.
Territory of Papua-New Guinea, Cadet Education Officers: Brief Summary of Proposed Course, 23 October 1947. To commence 1948. 1 year Sydney Teachers College. Then 1 year of ASOPA and University of Sydney (Department of Anthropology) course. Include short courses on 16mm projection, handicrafts, Boy Scout or Girl Guide training, and broadcast observation.
JK Murray to Secretary, Department of External Territories, Cadet Education Officers: Training – Sydney Teachers’ College, 27 October 1947. Murray forwards copy of Groves’ 23 October letter, draft for Secretary Department of External Territories, and Brief Summary of Course (all mentioned above). Need to exert pressure on Minister for Education to release places as NSW has teacher shortage and needs the places. McRae in support. He is Head of teacher training branch of NSW Department of Education and in charge of 5 teachers’ colleges.
WC Groves to CR McRae, 25 October 1947. Groves sends McRae a copy of draft for Department of External Territories to send to NSW Director General.
JK Murray, Statement by His Honour the Administrator for Station 9PA, 27 November 1947. Historical differences between Papua and New Guinea. Now under one Administration.
JK Murray to EJ Ward, 28 November 1947. Encloses copy of [ABC Radio] 9PA statement made following Ward’s announcement that he will recommend to Cabinet that the two territories should have a common administration.
Prime Minister (Chifley) to J McGirr (Premier of New South Wales), Training of Cadet Education Officers for Papua-New Guinea, 28 November 1947. Asks for sympathetic consideration for placement of about 15 CEOs at Sydney Teachers College in February 1948.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Cadet Education Officers, 5 December 1947. Groves been too busy to forward material on CEOs. May not be enough time for CEO appointments to be made in time for Sydney Teachers College course. Suggests CEOs do the second year of ASOPA in 1948 and Sydney Teachers College in 1949. Attaches details of the course and draft advert.
Draft of Advertisement. Territory of Papua-New Guinea. Department of Education. Cadet Education Officer, 5 December 1947. Same as usual but now wants 4-year bond.
PNG Department of Education, Cadet Education Officers. Proposed Plan and Training, 5 December 1947. 5 pages spelling out CEO training in detail including: Purpose of Plan. Qualifications. Age. Course of Training: One year of Diploma of Education at Sydney University or Sydney Teachers College followed by one year of ‘Native Education and Culture Contact’ involving short courses at ASOPA, Anthropology Department Sydney University, seminars on Culture Contact and Education, language studies and phonetics, mass literacy and adult ed, Missions and Native education, education policy in P&NG - past and present, Native Art and Music. Also, 16mm projection, tour of special schools, school broadcasts, handicrafts. Supervision of training. Allowances. Fees. Accommodation (hostel at ASOPA). Surety Bond (4 years). Leave. Salary after Course. Selection. Also discussed roles Prof Elkin and Dr A Capell could play in training CEOs.
Note: I have an undated page 5, which appears to be from this period. This suggests that in the second year the cadets undertake a brief course at ASOPA and then from early March to end of May they go on patrol in PNG. It expressed the hope that after graduation and some years in PNG cadets would return to ASOPA for 6 to 9 months for a “Refresher Course”, when ‘he will have leisure to read, and perhaps write up some of the material which he will have gathered during his years of service in the field.’
JK Murray to Secretary, Department of External Territories, Cadet Education Officers, 30 December 1947. Murray forwards copy of Groves 5 December letter and draft advertisement. Says plan for training coming but advert matter of urgency.
Commonwealth Office of Education, Minutes of Meeting of Executive Council of the Australian School of Pacific Administration, 16 December 1947. Topics: Legislation (Prime Minister’s view), Biological and Soil Surveys, Torres Islands Visit, Appointment of Tutor, I Hogbin Visit to PNG, Letter from C Wedgwood.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1948
The ASOPA Story, 1948
The first civilians enrol at ASOPA training for patrol officer and magisterial duties. PNG Administrator Colonel JK Murray addresses the School: “Time is moving faster in New Guinea than the Europeans. Our aim and obligation in native administration is to work ourselves out of a job.” In PNG these liberal views are rewarded with the soubriquet ‘Kanaka Jack.’
Alf Conlon is appointed acting Principal for 12 months. “Even [his] staunchest supporters later agreed that this appointment was disastrous. The man who at his best was a creator of big ideas and a ‘hidden persuader’ in getting them acted upon was hopeless as an administrator”. Conlon is interested in a permanent position as principal, which he hopes will give him continuing influence over PNG policy. He complains that “the colonial leathernecks who try to tell us that the School is no good at any rate...do everything in their power to prevent us from getting the necessary authorities to take such reasonable steps as would make the School into something we would all want to see”
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Correspondence & Papers
L Deakin, A First Tropical Nature Study, Longmans Green and Co, London, 1948. Ralph Collection. A small book of 122 pages. A teachers’ aid providing information for lessons on such topics as crabs, snakes, flowers, beans, corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, snails, cocoa, palm nuts, and peanuts.
R Ralph, Handwritten notes on his stay in PNG, 1 January 1948. Ralph Collection. Six pages. Written in December 1970 but placed in 1948 as this was the period to which he refers. Ralph was appointed in 1947 and arrived 1 January 1948. Some of his observations include:
On my arrival as Inspector of Schools I was briefed by William Charles Groves, first Director of Education and an amazing educator, a man who deserved my great admiration. P1.
Education in PNG had little in common with Australian education: ‘There were no traditions, good or bad; no precedents, no rules or regulations.’ P1.
Situations continued to arise which puzzled me. Why, in native schools, were the first two years taken by Mission Schools, in either a child’s own or a mission-imposed vernacular? To what curriculum did all missions work in the schools, or did each have a curriculum of its own; or any curriculum? Why were so many missionaries suspicious of or antagonistic to a Government Inspector of Schools? P1 & 2.
I was pitch-forked into Native Education at grass roots level, and had to learn native education the hard way. Rarely did I fail to have in my pocket a copy of “Overseas Education” or some book or other dealing with education in the early stages of European-native contact in some country or other. There was not much available; but these were read and re-read and gradually adapted to the needs of the situation in the Territory. P2.
I found myself first engaged in drawing up a Curriculum for all European Schools, intended to be a sort of common denominator syllabus of work that would enable a pupil from a Territory Primary School to fit into any Australian State system of secondary education. Long before the Director agreed to adopt the primary curriculum for the N.S.W. Department of Education. (That was, I think in 1952.) P2.
Towards the end of the War, there was a total, or almost total, absence of any effort whatever to educate the young in schools, whether Government or Mission. But even whilst the Japanese were still in New Guinea, a ray of sunlight shone through the gloom to herald a new renaissance, and a military-sponsored school for native leaders began at Sogeri. This school was taken over when the new Department of Education for the joint Territories was set up and became the nucleus or focal point of departmental development. P3.
To Murray (the Administrator), “education” was not the formal schooling of his Papuan but the widening of his mental horizons, which … confused “education” with “benefits,” medical, agricultural, social. P5.
When Ralph arrived, Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe was the Chief Inspector and Assistant Director, and later to succeed Mr Groves as Director. P1
R Ralph, Handwritten notes on three topics relating to Sogeri, 1948. Ralph Collection. The Women’s Section, Handcraft for Male Students, and Church Services. Ralph says, "he need for married women to be trained so they could help their husbands, was so great the experiment was tried, of training wives with their husbands."
There was a staff of three. One European Officer, one married native woman, one single native woman. Both native women were still receiving instruction in teacher training. The students consisted of 20 married women with 16 children between them. Malaria, pneumonia, and the lack of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish was a difficulty. P1.
The program consisted of two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. Supervision was given in house cleaning and home craft. The programme included English daily, Agriculture, Sewing, Laundry, Handcraft, Singing, and Sport. P2.
Handcraft for Male Students. Weekly lessons of one hour covering such topics as Fish Net Making, Knotting, Dyeing with Local Dyes, and Sandals from Bark. P3
Church Services. Permission was received to attend regular weekly church services as the spiritual aspect of life played a big part in the lives of the students. P4.
R Ralph to M Duncan, Undated but refers to this period. Summarizes Ralph’s early postings.
The Australian School of Pacific Administration, Calendar 1948. File: ED7 1-7 Pt 1. Also, in Accession 244 Box 171 File 135. Gives dates for Short Courses 9 and 10, the Long Course, a Refresher Course, and a Course for Natives.
Department of Education, Regarding Religious Education, 1948. File ED 2072. A circular to parents to give their permission for their children to attend religious instruction, carried out by clergy, in Government Schools.
Department of Education, Information Paper for Applicants for Appointment as Cadet Education Officers, circa January 1948. File: ED7 1-7 Pt 1 & 2. Five pages outlining educational aims, conditions in PNG, wages, and Cadet training courses. It was given to each person applying for a cadetship. The advertisements appeared in Australian metropolitan newspapers on 14 February 1948. The information paper is summarized below.
‘The Department of Education is an entirely new Department of the Administration. Prior to the War of 1939-45, the major educational activities both in Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea were in the hands of the religious Missions. The policy now adopted for the combined Territory includes the vigorous development of a broad programme of education controlled and directed by the Administration, in which the Missions will play a large part.’ P1.
‘The Department of Education is charged with the provision of educational and related facilities for Europeans, Asiatics, Natives and persons of mixed race, both children and adults. The Department is organized in four Divisions namely: -
- General – primary schooling as well as higher education and pre-vocational training of a non-industrial type. Its primary concern, however, is with the general educational programme for the mass of the people.
- Technical – organizing and supervising instruction in such subjects as woodwork, metalwork, engineering and electrical mechanics and allied trade work. The present Technical Training Centres are organized under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme.
- Special Services – broadcasting, visual projection, physical education, library services, scouting, music, art, and handicraft.
- Female Education and Welfare – takes care of special educational and related interests of women and girls, including homecraft and infant welfare, the latter in association with the Department of Public Health.’ P1.
‘There are a few thousand Europeans and Asiatics in the Territory and over a million Natives so most Departmental officers are bound to be actively associated with Native work.’ P1.
‘Plans provide for sub-primary education for Natives in Village Vernacular Schools, rising to primary in Village Higher Grade Schools. This work is now, and for many years must remain, in the hands of the Missions. Area Schools, District Central Schools, and Higher Training Institutions of multi-purpose type, administered by the Department, provide for higher primary, secondary, and professional education respectively. These types of institutions may be duplicated by the various Missions.’ P1.
‘The broad objectives of the educational programme are Universal literacy – not necessarily in English; the conservation of all that is good in Native culture – art, music, handicrafts, social life – and its adaptation to the changing environment and conditions resulting from the impact upon the Native people of European civilization and culture. In practical terms, the purpose is to improve health, nutrition, and general social and economic standards, through a broad, locally adapted programme of education.’ P2.
‘This year, 1948, a Training Centre for Native Teachers has been opened, where seventy trainees will do a full-time course for twelve months.’ (Plans to extend it to two years.) P2.
JK Murray to Government Secretary, 3 January 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Deals with plans for ASOPA to ‘be used to the maximum extent possible for the training of Officers for the Administration of the T of PNG.’ Wants Groves to discuss Cadet training with Kerr, the ASOPA principal.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 15 January 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Reply to Murray’s 3 January letter to Government Secretary and summarises Groves’ Sept 1947 trip to Australia to discuss ASOPA, and his suggestions for Cadet training for 1948/49. Groves suggests, for 1948, cadets do an orientation course at ASOPA, go to New Guinea for 5 to 6 months, and then go to Sydney Teachers’ College.
Department of Education, Religious Instruction in Administration Schools, Minutes of Meeting 23 January 1948. File 2072. Departmental reps were Groves (Chair), Roscoe, and Ralph. Mission reps were Rev H Palmer and Father McEncroe. Principles governing religious instruction in Administration Schools were agreed.
JK Murray to JT Wallace, 27 January 1948. Accession 244 Box 168 File 1.9.2. Last para spells out lack of progress and difficulties faced by PNG Education Department.
JK Murray to JR Kerr, Cadet Education Officers, 28 January 1948. Accession 244 Box 171 File 7.5. Asks for course details.
Department of Education, Cadet Education Officers, c February 1948. Probably prepared as background for advertisements. Details salary, qualifications and age required of applicants, training to be undertaken, probationary period.
Memorandum on the Recruiting and Training of Officers for the Education Service of Papua-New Guinea, circa February 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. 14 pages which outlines the Type of Person Needed, the Age of Recruits, Academic Qualifications, Methods of Recruitment, Selection, Bonds, Ability to Return to an Australian Education Department, Training Courses at ASOPA, and Sydney Teachers College.
WC Groves, Memorandum to All Education Officers: Cadet Education Officers, 16 February 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Advertisements appeared in Australian metropolitan newspapers 14 February seeking 15 men and 5 women to train at ASOPA from May to August, then to PNG until on to Sydney Teachers College in 1949.
JR Kerr to JK Murray, Cadet Education Officers, 17 February 1948. File ED 7, 1-7.Pt 2. Replying to Murray’s 28 January letter. Kerr expects Cadets to attend Short Course 10 in June. Kerr’s plans are fluid and courses could be developed in collaboration with the PNG Department of Education.
Attendance of Administration Personnel at the Australian School of Pacific Administration, Circular Letter from the Office of the Administrator, 21 February 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 1. 4 pages concerning courses and syllabi.
WC Groves to the Government Secretary, Cadet Education Officers - Course at ASOPA, 8 April 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 1. Reply to Circular Letter of 21 February. Says Cadets available for June course.
Cadet Education Officers, Undated 1948, File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Summary of male and female wages as cadets, training at ASOPA, probationary period, and where to apply.
WC Groves to JR Kerr, 8 April 1948. Accession 244 Box 171 File 7.5. 12 applicants for Cadet positions. 2 are women graduates who are also trained teachers. Julius and Groves will attend the ASOPA course in June and Groves may give some lectures.
Public Service Inspector’s Office to Secretary, Department of Territories, Territory of Papua-New Guinea: Appointment of Cadet Education Officers, I June 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 1 Interview report on a CEO applicant, JEN Sutherland who has been recommended for appointment.
JR Halligan to JK Murray, Cadet Education Officers, 10 June 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Summarises the results of CEO interviews. Only one applicant, Mr WB Wilson, accepted appointment. Eleven withdrew, one had an unsatisfactory interview report, and one an unsatisfactory medical report. Three are still being processed.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Cadet Education Officers, 1 July 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Only one CEO attended Short Course 10. The rest withdrew. The ₤500 surety and four years bonded service probably the reason. The Secretary of Department of External Territories asks why have a surety. Was Groves’ idea but he now wants it scrapped.
CH Wedgwood to WC Groves, undated but received Moresby 26 July 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Miss W. arrived in Australia two weeks earlier. She met CE Beeby in Paris. Will plan a course of training for CEOs and go to Port Moresby to discuss it with Groves. Also establishing an education section in ASOPA library. She thanks Groves for books and papers for the library.
ST Jones to JK Murray, 31 August 1948. Accession 244 Box 171 File 7.2. Jones was Registrar at ASOPA. He reports on the recent ASOPA Council Meeting. To recommend to Minister that Alf (Conlon?) be appointed principal for 12 months. John Kerr left for Suva last weekend.
Précis of Administrator’s Conference held in the Conference Room, Government House, Friday 3 September 1948. Accession 244 Box 163 File GH 1.4 Pt2. PNG Departmental Heads present. Groves the Education representative. Unlikely Minister will visit in 1948. Discussed the Estimates, Police Force, Air Services, and Subsidies to Missions. Groves stated that the Missions had received ₤35,000 grants for Education. The highest Mission individual grant was ₤4,000 and the lowest ₤250.
T Pyman to JK Murray, 8 September 1948. Accession 244 Box 168 File 1.9.2. From Department of External Territories. Concerns nominations for positions to South Pacific Commission Research Council. Groves and Cottrell-Dormer suggested. Groves anxious to have the services of a competent linguist. Dr Stefan Wurm suggested. ‘If you want him get him but tell Department of External Territories as little as possible. ‘What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve for.’
WC Groves to Dr Phillips, 22 September 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Dr Phillips was principal of Sydney Teachers College. Groves thanks him for agreeing to train CEOs. Groves proceeding on 4 months leave to Melbourne in October but will probably call in to meet Phillips. Groves asks if a missionary can sit in on practice lessons to learn something about teaching before going to PNG.
WC Groves to JK Murray, 11 October 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 2. Extra copy on Accession 244 Box 171 File 7.5. Wedgwood had sent her long-term CEO training proposals to Murray and Groves. Groves says need short course to get CEOs to PNG asap. Groves is preparing such a course. Dr Robertson and Prof Mills getting involved. Groves will meet with them.
ST Jones to WC Groves, Cadet Education Officers, 12 October 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 1. Advises that Phillips says places are available at Sydney Teachers College in 1949 for CEOs Hammersley, Sutherland, Thompson, and Miss Couper. These could be joined by Wilson, who is completing Short Course 10. Also possible for Miss Bullen and Miss Parsloe to do Diploma of Education at Sydney University. Suggests Groves takes official action with NSW Department of Education and Sydney University to enrol the CEOs.
WC Groves to ST Jones, Cadet Education Officers, 20 October 1948. File ED 47/A/1-7. Groves informs the ASOPA Registrar that he had radioed Department of External Territories on 28 September with a request to enrol CEOs into Sydney Teachers College and Sydney University. Five trained teachers have been recommended for appointment at Education Officers.
WC Groves to TL Robertson, 25 October 1948. File ED 7, 1-7. Pt 1. Robertson was at Commonwealth Office of Education Sydney. Groves sent him all he had prepared on CEO plan. Groves had been sick in Canberra and now back in bed in Port Moresby.
WM English to District Education Officer Rabaul 28 October 1948. Accession 244 Box 168 File 1.9.2P. The ADO, Talasea New Britain, apologises for the standard of students sent to Rabaul. He also lists complaints against the Roman Catholic Mission saying the Mission is opposed to Government schools and refuses to administer Communion to students attending Government Schools and there were not uncommon and frequent rumours of threats of “dire consequences after death” to children who did not attend Mission Schools.
AA Conlon to JK Murray 1 November 1948. Accession 244 Box 171 File 7.5. Conlon says if we use Wedgwood’s memorandum as a basis for planning, we can make our plans immediately. He is very critical of Groves. Conlon feels that "Groves’ attempts to avoid using the school at any price will only result in considerable further delays...Groves cannot possibly succeed in circumventing the school."
Précis of Administrator’s Conference held in the Conference Room, Government House, 9 December 1948. Accession 244 Box 163 File GH 1.4 Pt2. PNG Departmental Heads present. Roscoe the Education rep. Six bursaries have been approved but none awarded and no standards set. Murray wants them awarded.
Acting Administrator to JK Murray 31 December 1948. Accession 244 Box 168 File 1.19.2P Murray in Melbourne. Roscoe says he could use fifty CEOs. The proposal has been radioed to Halligan. Education Department decided some time ago to have Education Ordinance drafted by Crown Law Office in PNG rather than wait for the legal committee in Australia. First draft has gone but amendments need to be made concerning compulsory education and whether sectarian or non-sectarian religious ed in school.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1949
For 1949 information concerning the Sogeri Education Centre refer to ‘RC Ralph, ‘The Development of the Sogeri Education Centre as a Teacher Training Institution’ located under ‘1944 Pre- and Post-War Summaries’
The ASOPA Story, 1949
The Papua and New Guinea Act gives ASOPA statutory recognition. Teachers are being orientated at the School. Reg Halligan, Head of the Department of External Territories, reviews ASOPA and criticises its research aspirations, its ambitious educational goals, its cost and its pretensions. He concludes it is a self-serving institution. He writes of ASOPA staff: “Not understandable how so many experts in teaching Territorial Administration were produced in such a short time with no background”. Conlon loses interest and scarcely takes any part in the affairs of the School for the remainder of his term as acting principal, and thus ends any influence he may have exercised in New Guinea affairs. In September Conlon’s principalship ends: “an unsuccessful and unhappy principal of ASOPA” .
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Correspondence & Papers
Principal ASOPA to RC Mills, 10 January 1949. He met with Minister Eddie Ward and Acting Minister Cyril Chambers, who is off to PNG shortly. Discussed appoint of WS Arthur (approved) and Wurm (deferred). Also, Administrator’s proposal to enlist 50 teachers for immediate training (deferred). Ward wants ASOPA Council tenure reduced from 3 to 2 years so succeeding ministers have more control of membership.
GT Roscoe to WM English, Native Education – Talasea, 19 January 1949. School has never been visited.
C Julius, Education and Mass Communication in Papua-New Guinea, February 1954. Presented to Seventh Pacific Science Conference, New Zealand, 1949. Eight pages on Publications, Wireless Broadcasting, and Visual Aids.
J Taylor to JK Murray, 3 February 1949. Looks like Murray was in Goroka in December 1948. Acting Minister Cyril Chambers here for 2 hours the other day. ‘A crude sort of fellow … might get things done…does not approve of our native policy.’
CM Goode to His Honour, Debate on Papua and New Guinea Bill 1949, 15 February 1949, Acting Minister Cyril Chambers gave second reading speech and justified the administrative union of PNG and the official majority on the Legislative Council.
Bishop Sorin to Director of Education, 20 March 1949. Objects that mission schools for ‘Asiatics or Malays or Half Castes’ shall not be entitled to grants-in-aid if operating near an Administration school. To go to His Honour for consideration.
RC Ralph to Director of Education, 24 March 1949. Ralph was OIC Education Rabaul. Wants clarification of school hours. Roscoe the Acting Director of Education says 25 hours minimum.
JK Murray to James McAuley, 26 March 1949. Undesirable to have ASOPA move to the Territory. Wonders whether we over-emphasise the bad living conditions, the drinking habits, the discontent and low morality of Moresby.
M Keich to His Honour, 11 April 1949. Wants information about establishing a mission station.
RC Mills to WC Groves, 20 April 1949. Asks for 1800-word statement and photos for the Commonwealth office of Education’s journal ‘Education News’.
WC Groves to Acting Government Secretary, NZ Evangelistic & Publication Association, 29 April 1949. Details government assistance to missions asked for in Keich’s letter of 11 April 1949.
JK Murray to M Keich, 10 May 1949. Forwards Groves information of 29 April 1949 together with information from other departments. Notation that the mission was never heard of again.
JK Murray to J Burton, 10 May 1949. Dr Laubach of Lutheran Mission demonstrated in Lae his methods of making adults literate in a short period. Impressive. Also asks for consideration for Reverends Strauss and Streicher to stay in Territory to help Education work.
JK Murray to the Director District Services and Native Affairs, Baptist New Guinea Mission, 20 May 1949. Requests that assistance be given to the missionaries to find a suitable location to establish themselves.
Précis of the Proceedings of the Administrator’s Conference, 20 May 1949. Accession 244 Box 163 File GH 1.4 Part 1. Gives attendance (including Roscoe Acting Director of Education). Murray wants a submission on a proposed secondary school finalised by 23 May 1949 and sent to Department of External Territories and provision made for it in the 1949-50 Estimates.
Précis of the Proceedings of the Administrator’s Conference, 27 May 1949. Accession 244 Box 163 File GH 1.4 Part 1. W Steele representing Director of Education. Roscoe not at the conference. Steele doesn’t know of progress of the secondary school plan.
JR Halligan to JK Murray, 20 May 1949. Approval for Reverends Straus and Streicher to return to Territory.
L Villiers to JK Murray, 21 June 1949. Villiers writing thesis on ‘Education in Papua-New Guinea’. Wants introductory letter to Camilla Wedgwood at ASOPA.
JR Halligan to JK Murray, Australian School of Pacific Administration – Committee to Examine and Recommend, 21 June 1949. Wants the name of the Administration representative for the Committee and whether that person can come to Sydney or Canberra for a few days at short notice.
JR Halligan to William Dunk (Chairman PSB), 21 June 1949. Asks whether RF Archer and P Curtain could be made avail to sit on ASOPA Committee. If not, whom do you suggest?
JK Murray to the Secretary Department of External Territories, Executive Council for the Territory, 24 June 1949. Notes attempts to bring the P and NG Act into operation 1 July 1949 and proposes all Departmental Heads plus four District Officers become the Executive Council.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1 July 1949 to 30 June 1950.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1949 to 30 June 1950. Note: The Trusteeship Council of the UN made arrangements to send a visiting mission to the four Trust Territories in the Pacific, the first on the spot examination of the Australian Trusteeship, to take place between 10 May and 27 June 1950. Ref Ian Downs’ book, p70.
JK Murray to Camilla Wedgwood, 2 July 1949. Introduces Villiers of PNG Education Department to Wedgwood to assist with his thesis.
Camilla Wedgwood to JK Murray, 17 July 1949. Wedgwood will help Villiers. She too was at Institute of Education in London.
WC Groves, Syllabus for European Schools. Classification of Pupils, 26 July 1949. Gives starting ages for each grade 4+ Prep and 5+ Grade 1.
TPNG, Constitution of Ministerial and Inter-Departmental Committees to Plan the Development of Papua and New Guinea, 1 Aug 1949. Prime Minister suggests replacing 1947 Departmental Committee with Ministerial Standing Committee (Membership) to consider plans for development of the Territory and report to Cabinet, and an Inter-Departmental Committee (Membership) to undertake investigations and prepare reports for Min Standing Committee, and report on plans and proposals prepared by the Administrator. Then gives 3-page history of 1947 Departmental Committee. Filed under ‘1944 Pre and Post WW2 Summaries.’ (Next entry is 26 September 1949.)
T Pyman for MW Hope (Allied Commission for Austria) to JK Murray, 5 August 1949. Both ASOPA and Groves want the services of Dr S Wurm (studies native languages and problems). Summarised correspondence back and forth. Wurm wants to know if he is to be offered employment and where.
WC Groves to Director Commonwealth Office of Education, 9 August 1949. Been out of the Territory a large part of the time since your letter (Mills to Groves 20 April 1949) but will try to write article soon.
JK Murray to RD Wright, 19 August 1949. Jones, Director of District Services just back from conference in Australia in regard to the School (ASOPA). Arthur and Mills were there. It was unanimously recommended to the Minister that the School be continued, whereas it looked as if there was quite a prospect that the recommendation would be to the contrary. Hope the Minister will approach you for position on Council. Alf (Conlon) gives up the reins next month.
DOET to JK Murray, 30 August 1949. As I have heard that Alf Conlon has left the School could you finalise something for Wurm. Would like Gunther to go to South Pacific Commission Conference in Noumea starting 26 October 1949. Will be absent from Canberra for 2 or 3 months from middle September 1949.
WC Groves to a/Government Secretary, 1 September 1949. Replying to Sorin’s letter of 20 March 1949 and recommending that no special subsidy be paid to the school. See below for reason.
WC Groves Bishop Sorin, 1 September 1949. The Government could not be expected to maintain its own school and subsidise a denominational one in the same area. From this time there is a flurry of correspondence between the Missions, Groves, Murray, DOET and the UK on the question of aid to Mission education. I have not listed these but they are available if you want to see them. Also refer to Roscoe’s letter to Director of Education of 19 November 1949 and Irvine to a/Gov Sec 23 November 1949.
JK Murray to FB Phillips, 6 September 1949. Little reference on ABC or in papers to the commencement of permanent Administrator or visit of Governor General. “It does look as if only the things which are useful, or can be made useful, in discrediting the present Australian Government receive much space.” Head, the new Public Service Commissioner, arrives end of week. The conference called to consider the future of ASOPA recommended continuance which takes a load off my mind. Thought cadets might have to go back to Sydney University taking courses not designed for them.
TPNG, Reconstitution of Ministerial and Inter-Departmental Committees to Plan the Development of Papua and New Guinea, 26 September 1949. Halligan called the meeting at Min’s request. Those present. Approval for Committees will have to come from Cabinet. Draft submission has been prepared. Functions of Committees and program of work to be undertaken. Annual Revenue of Territory 1945 to 1949 including Commonwealth contribution and Territory Revenue. ₤15 million to be spent on buildings in the 4 next 5 years including ₤7million on hospitals. (Now see memo to Leeson 10 October 1949)
JK Murray to T Pyman, 10 October 1949. Wurm’s appointment. Murray says, “after so much effort being made to get his services to Australia, there must be a resolute antipathy to the appointment somewhere.” Murray has recommended Gunther, Groves, McAdam and Granger as associate members of the South Pacific Commission Research Council. Forsyth has been to PNG.
JK Murray to I Leeson, 10 October 1949. Alf Conlon. Murray says, “I do not know quite when he left the school, or the circumstances under which he did it … I am quite sure that Alf did a good job there, even though there was some friction at the finish. Someone said to me, not so long back, that he has more streaks of genius in him than any other person he knew, but that occasionally the machine could not keep up with the fast pace.” Looks as though the third Inter-Departmental Committee will get the opportunity to do something, the earlier ones looked to me as if strangulation of a slow type prevented them from functioning. (See 18 October 1949 for next reference.)
JH Irvine, Conference of Education Officers of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, Staff Memorandum No 13 of 1949, 14 October 1949. To be held Sogeri Jan 1950 on all aspects of education activities and to coordinate the work and organisation of the Divisions of the Department. All must attend. Suggest items for discussion.
EJ Ward, Programme of Work for the Inter-Departmental Committee, 18 October 1949. Cabinet approved the Committee. Gives membership. No Education representative. Directs the preparation of a balanced 5-year plan. (Now to 1 November 1949)
JK Murray to The Secretary DOET, Curfew, 19 October 1949. 9 pm curfew. Trusteeship Council wants it lifted. Murray says could be pushed out to 10.30 pm but no power to do so until he gets an Executive Council.
JK Murray to EJ Ward, Australian School of Pacific Administration, 22 October 1949. Murray has seen report of the Committee appointed by Chambers to consider matters related to ASOPA. “As you know I have always considered that continuing the Military School as a Civil one was a statesmanlike action and I know that you will ensure that the School has good opportunities for doing its work with officers of the Administration and other people interested, including the Missions. It is now essential to finalise details regarding the School so that the staff know precisely what their engagements are.” McAuley had been there for six years on a year-to-year basis. Could lose him and Wedgwood. The home for the School was presenting a lot of difficulty. Murray would like a Cabinet decision on the matter. The home for the School was presenting a lot of difficulty. If the school could, on a Cabinet decision, be given the position on Middle Head for five years (without any question of reconsideration of the matter again except in the case of war), it would be able to settle down under conditions which are good. Of course, if a permanent and suitable home is available so much the better.
JK Murray to FB Phillips, 22 October 1949. No word yet of the Executive Council. Abstracts. Missions Conference, November 1949. Education Policy, Ordinance, Grant-in-Aid, Review of Departmental Programs, Mass Education and Mass Literacy, Social Welfare, Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme, Village Schools.
Missions’ Conference, Abstracts, November 1949. Accession 244 Box 163 File GH 1.4 Part 1. Topics included: Educational Policy, Education Ordinance, Grants-in-Aid, Review of Education Programme, Mass Education and Mass Literacy, Education and Social Welfare, Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme, and The Village School.
JR Halligan to JK Murray, Determination of Policy for the Development of Papua and New Guinea, 1 November 1949. Advises Murray of Cabinet approval of Inter-Departmental Committee.
JK Murray to EJ Ward, 4 November 1949. “I do hope that you will, before the hurly burly of the election and despite your heavy duties, be able to give decisions concerning the ASOPA so that it will have the stability that it has not yet had, and which it needs so much … Apparently the continuance of the School on its present site has been arranged for since Mr. Chambers was definite that the School must get out by June. It is a good site and I am not sure that, apart from the viewpoint of immediate convenience, the Services have really decided what they need in view of the almost unpredictable form a new war may take. It is possible that the location of Service Units at Middle Head Middle Head has not much to be said for it under likely conditions.”
Acting Government Secretary to Rev HT Shotton, 3 November 1949. “It is considered likely that there will be a change in the scope and organisation of the School … a change in the training of your staff (be) deferred until the future scope of the ASOPA has been decided.”
EJ Ward to JK Murray, 14 November 1949. Murray’s points raised 4 November: “I … shall be pleased to give the matter my immediate attention.”
GT Roscoe to Director of Education, Inspection of Roman Catholic School for Chinese, Rabaul, 19 November 1949. “The Mission was not willing to permit any of its schools to be inspected, which were not being assisted by Government subsidy. I shall, however, pay a courtesy call.”
JH Irvine to a/Government Secretary, Subsidies - Anglican Schools, 23 November 1949. This matter is to be the subject of a special conference between the Administrator and Administration Officers Friday. Will also be dealt with very fully at the forthcoming Mission’s Conference.
JR Halligan to His Honour the Administrator, 25 November 1949. Final meeting of Commonwealth Executive Council, prior to the elections, will take place in Melbourne, Wednesday 30 November 1949. Anticipate it will be possible to appoint following members to the Exec Council for a period of 6 months.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Methodist Mission of New Zealand, Bougainville, 29 November 1949. Lack of confidence in Mission’s accounting of CRTS funds.
Gore to Administrator, Radiogram, 30 November 1949. Names appointments to Executive Council for period not exceeding 6 months. Groves appointed.
JK Murray to Lucy Mair, 20 December 1949. “We have just had a change in Government, really a political landslide.” “So much to do … that our achievements still look rather small.” Commonwealth Government very good, even generous. £3 million per annum for a population of 1 million. Still not recruiting anything like the numbers we need. First batch of 15 to complete 2-year ASOPA course arrive March 1950. 15 more have completed first year and 15 drawn from the field to go down in February. 23 cadets to arrive Xmas after completing orientation course. Will spend some weeks in Port Moresby doing course to acquaint them with various departmental requirements. Then 18 months in PNG and back to ASOPA for 2-year course.
WC Groves, Syllabus for European Schools – Social Studies, Staff Memorandum No 16 of 1949, 29 November 1949. Syllabus issued 17 March 1948 to be destroyed. This one replaces it.
________________________________
DOCUMENTS FROM 1950
For 1950 information concerning the Sogeri Education Centre refer to ‘RC Ralph, ‘The Development of the Sogeri Education Centre as a Teacher Training Institution’ located under ‘1944 Pre- and Post-War Summaries’
Correspondence & Papers
WC Groves, Induction Course for Medical Officers, 1950. Groves outlines provision of schooling including correspondence courses, introduction to Department of Education and aims.
C Julius, The Village School, 1950. Presented to the South Pacific Conference, 1950. 5 pages.
WC Groves, The Teaching of Rural Subjects, early 1950 [or late 1949]
Camilla Wedgwood, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, 1950. Notes prepared for ASOPA. 36 pages.
EJ Ward to JK Murray, 9 January 1950. Expresses his appreciation of the cooperation of yourself and officers of the Administration during my term of office … which I am sure will have had an effect on the future welfare of the inhabitants.
WC Groves, Conference of Education Officers, 9 January 1950. Groves invites department heads to opening speech by Administrator on 16 January, and ‘to any other sessions in which you may be interested.’
Department of Education, Policy on Education, 16 January 1950. This 10-page document presented to the Conference of Education Officers states that Cadet Education Officers with Leaving Certificate or equivalent will follow a two-year course of training designed in three stages. (i) Special training in subjects connected with the Territory, the Natives, and the policy of the Administration; (ii) A period of actual experience with the Department of Education in the Territory; (iii) A year of professional training - (a) for graduates, the course for the Diploma of Education at the University of Sydney; (b) for non-graduates, a special primary teacher's course at Sydney Teachers' College.
Conference of Education Officers, 16-21 January 1950. Approximately 100 pages. The works: timetable, representatives, who presented what. Papers presented: Administrator’s Opening Address, Teacher Training, Policy on Education, Departmental Organisation, Native Education Institutions, An Ordinance Relating to Education, Agriculture, Teaching of Rural Subjects, Grants In Aid to Missions, Ethics and Morals, Mass Education, Mass Literacy, Messrs Laubach and Capell, Social Welfare, Welfare of Women and Girls, Periodicals the Dept Subscribes to, Establishment of Area Education Centres, Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme.
JH Jones, Planning and Development, 25 January 1950. Wants to know when the 7-year plan requested on 19 September 1949 will be ready. (Groves’ reply 11 March 1950).
GT Roscoe, Mass Literacy in TPNG, 20 June 1982. Roscoe talks of the visit to PNG of Dr Laubach at the invitation of the Lutheran Mission, and with Administration support. 3 pages.
Syllabus for Primary Schools – Social Studies, 30 January 1950. Outlines content for Grades I to VII. 2
Department of Education, Appendix to Social Studies Syllabus for European Schools, probably 30 January 1950. 39 pages of historical material for Grades IV to VII. Good stuff if you want to know the history of Discovery, Coastal Exploration and Colonization of PNG, The Chinese, Christian Missions, Economic Development of PNG, The Pacific War, World War history, Government in PNG during the War, UN and Trusteeship, Geography of PNG. Much detail e.g., “January 23rd, 1942, Japanese capture Rabaul. 1,399 Australian soldiers, against 17,000 Japanese. No.24 Squadron RAAF, comprising 4 Hudson bombers, and 20 Zero fighters. Group Captain JM Lerew’s last signal, ‘Morituri te salutamus’ (‘We who are about to die salute you’). 1,037 Australian casualties, 7,000 Japanese. Japanese atrocities against military and civilian prisoners.” Similar detail on world military history from WWI to VP Day 15 August 1945.
EAF Head, Comments Regarding the Administration, 31 January 1950. Asks all Departments whether they have gagged staff from speaking to the media when on leave.
JK Murray to Senator R Kendall, 31 January 1950. “Strategically the territorial problem could hardly be more disturbing than it is… Recently there have been statements that first Dutch New Guinea and then the whole of New Guinea, including the Eastern half, ‘belong’ to the United States of Indonesia… We should endeavour to have Dutch New Guinea kept as a Dutch colony, or as a Dutch Trusteeship, or as an American Trusteeship. The last mentioned, I think, if it could be arranged, might be the ideal answer since it would tend to link our interests with the power of America.”
Acting Government Secretary to Director of Education 2 February 1950. Wants recommendations on how Departmental policy will be coordinated with the Administration policy at the District level.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, 3 February 1950. No circular or instrument has been issued informing officers not to discuss Administration matters.
JK Murray, to JR Foldi, 8 February 1950. Murray will send information on assistance to Missions. “I would be glad if you personally would endeavour to ensure that only the friendliest relationships persist between the Administration, its officials and the Missions and their personnel. We can do so much by pulling together, exploring our differences in a friendly way whenever this becomes necessary.”
JR Halligan to JK Murray, 14 February 1950. Minister is opposed to any appointment of a Crown Law Officer to the Executive Council.
JK Murray, to JR Halligan, 18 February 1950. Murray makes case for appointing a Crown Law Officer to the Executive Council.
WC Groves, Grants-In-Aid [GIA] to Missions for the Financial Year 1949- 1950, Circular Memorandum, 21 February 1950. As a result of discussions at the recent Administration/Missions Conference, GIA will be provided in respect of specialist European staff and the computation on a mathematical basis in relation to the types of school operated by the Missions and the numbers attending such schools. 5 pages.
JK Murray to Lonergan, Functions of Departments, 18 February 1950. Murray wants to obtain from Heads the direction of their function and in what way they should be varied. To go to Executive Council.
JR Halligan to JK Murray, 23 February 1950. Replying to Murray’s 18 February. Halligan has listed the matter to be discussed with the Minister on Murray’s visit to Australia.
WJ Goodes to Secretary DOET, Australian School of Pacific Administration Regulations, 24 February 1950. Goodes suggests changes to Regulations.
WC Groves to Secretary for Planning and Development, Seven Year Plan – Department of Education, 11 March 1950. Held up owing to the preparation of the Estimates. Every effort to effect early submission.
JK Murray to Hon PC Spender, 14 March 1950. Representatives of the American Lutheran Mission in PNG met with Murray expressing concern for their $US1 million investment in Madang and Finschhafen in view of the political situation in Dutch New Guinea. “I said that the immediate political risks were not great… That the safety of their Missions depended, in part, on the support given by the United States of America to the status quo.”
SA Lonergan to Heads of Departments, Functions of Departments, 17 March 1950. Murray is in Australia. Lonergan forwards Murray’s 18 February request for information on functions.
JK Murray to RJF Boyer (Chairman ABC), 22 March 1950. Was fortunate in seeing the Prime Minister, Fadden, Casey, and Francis as well as having sessions with Spender and I feel that the Cabinet is well aware of NG needs. “We all feel some concern here with regarding to developments in Asia and south of it but hope that the Australian Government will do everything possible… It should be a good thing for the Territory that its Minister holds the portfolio of External Affairs as well as External Territories.”
Hon PC Spender made first visit to PNG on his way back from the Philippines. Arrived 29 March and left 13 April 1950, Ref I Downes book p 69.
Interview with the Honourable Minister for External Affairs and External Territories, Conference Room Government House Thursday 30 March 1950. Groves told Spender that it was difficult to indicate particular problems of present urgency, since the problems of his Department arose from day to day as part of the routine development work of the Department. Groves wished to bring to notice that the Department interpreted education as wider in its functions than in Europe … broadcasting, publications, films, Public Library, native arts, crafts, music … regarded as indispensable. Spender asked Groves if he had made recommendations as to the general nature of the education scheme that he had in mind. Groves informed Spender that a very detailed report on the five-year plan of his Department has been made. Spender wants to see it. Groves said that there had never been any explicit approval by External Territories of this policy and because the policy had the approval of the Administrator, the Dept has assumed that it was acceptable. Groves said that at the moment he was not particularly worried about the lack of staff but he was worried about accommodation. Groves also mentioned Cadet Education Officers. A plan had been approved 3 years ago but to date only four Cadets had been put into training for the two-year course involved. DOET could do a good deal more to develop the scheme so that Groves could be guaranteed a continuing inflow of young specially trained personnel. Groves hoped that specific action would be taken in ample time to enable recruits to be sought from the current school leavers.
JK Murray to Hon PC Spender, 5 April 1950. “In connection with your desire that before you leave the Territory you should have before you a list of the matters which require finalisation or decision, the following represents a comprehensive statement.” 32 items were listed, No7 relating to the appointment of a Principal at ASOPA. This list reached PNG August 1950 and Rowley had been appointed.
JK Murray to ML Tyrell, 14 April 1950. Spender has been in PNG recently.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Functions of Departments, 14 April 1950. Groves attached a 3-page document outlining: 1. Introductory 2. General Review 3. Break-up of Functions: Education Ordinance, General Education, Special Services, Technical Training, Social Welfare, Liaison with Missions, Female Education, Extra-Departmental Activities, Library Services, Administration. Sub-headings were provided.
JK Murray to Hon PC Spender, 24 April 1950. Murray received a letter from someone suggesting Maude might be offered the position of Principal of the School of Pacific Administration. The unknown source states, “I asked Maude whether he would be interested in the position of Principal at the School and he said he was. In fact, he is quite keen on the idea. I think he would be the right man for the position – so do Miss Wedgwood and Arthur and Kerr. Maude cannot apply of his own motion, but must be asked for.” Murray passed these comments to Spender commenting, “I have full confidence in his ability and his suitability otherwise for such a position.”
Department of Education, Grants to Non-Government Schools in the British Colonies, May 1950. Give information on the situation in places such as Uganda, Nigeria, India, Kenya, and Delhi.
United Nations Visiting Mission to Trust Territories in the Pacific, New York 1951. The United Nations Visiting Mission arrived Rabaul 10 May 1950. The mission visited Rabaul, Bougainville, Manus, New Ireland, Wewak, Madang, the Central Highlands, Morobe and Port Moresby. Has map of their tour. It left for Australia on 14 June, where it remained until 27 June. It met with Spender and others. Its report firstly covers its terms of reference, itinerary, and general considerations, and in separate chapters deals with Political, Economic, Social, and Economic Advancement.
JK Murray to J Jones, 2 May 1950. Asks Jones to represent him at ASOPA Council meeting on 9th because Murray has to meet mission in PNG on 10th. Murray supports Wedgwood’s continuance as a lecturer. “With regard to Agenda Item No 4, Hostel, please adopt an attitude which will result in students being reasonably well housed at a cost which will not make attendance at the School an additional burden on the students, beyond which they are required to cover during their residence in the Territory. You know how important it is that comfortable and reasonably priced accommodation be available for our married students, so I strongly support anything which is likely to bring about a desirable state of affairs in this regard.” Agenda Item No 1, Teaching Staff – Consideration of Applications. Murray supports Maude for Principal and includes his 24 April letter to Spender.
JK Murray to Hon PC Spender, 5 May 1950. Murray advises Spender that Jones will be representing him at the ASOPA Council meeting on 9th. Asks Spender if he could see his way clear to approach Maude with a view of taking up the Principal’s position … “it would be helpful in determining the matter of the Principalship, regarding which there is some urgency
RC Mills to Director of Education, Grants to Schools, 23 May 1950. Outlines the system followed in the UK.
JK Murray to JR Halligan, 21 September 1950. Refers to ASOPA Council meeting of 23 May 1950. Halligan was Chairman. Wedgwood, McAuley and Parkinson appointments were recommended. Nothing on appointment of a Principal.
JK Murray to JR Halligan, 23 May 1950. “I understand that, early in the life of the Mandated Territory, the then Administrator (General Wisdom) was given a series of secret instructions bearing on matters of policy and that these instructions have not been countermanded or withdrawn and, presumably, may still affect policy in relation to the Territory… I would be pleased if you would be good enough to forward to me all such instructions of which I may not be aware.” Note: There was other similar correspondence around this time but, as there was no clarification of the matter under discussion, the correspondence has been omitted from this summary. For more, contact Loch Blatchford care of ASOPA PEOPLE
Hon PC Spender, Ministerial Statement on Policy Towards External Territories, 1 June 1950. Since June 1946 the Australian Government has made available ₤11 million to re-establish the administration of the Territories. “Our purpose…to protect the welfare of the native inhabitants and, at the same time, to serve Australia’s security interests…” The Government has appointed a ministerial standing committee (me, Treasurer, Minister for Commerce and Agriculture, Minister for National Development) to assist in the preparation of material for the consideration of the Government. “The broad objectives of the education programme of the Territories are universal literacy and the development of the native people as a community within their own environ including all aspects of native culture. To this must be added such instruction as will assist the native to adjust his mode of life to the changed conditions resulting from contact with civilization and culture.”
Hon PC Spender, Trusteeship in New Guinea, 1 June 1950. 5 pages. Gives statistics on schools and enrolments. Details mass education, literacy (Laubach’s visit). Last year native village councils were established. Soon Legislative Council to be established and will have 3 native members.
Hon PC Spender, Australia’s Policy in Relation to External Territories, 1 June 1950. 23 pages. Received PNG Department of Education on 6 June 1950. “…our first and constant interest must be the security of our own homeland and the maintenance of peace in the area.” The task, the war, our purpose, limit of labour, economic relations with Australia, reconstruction, PNG wealth, shipping, timber, native labour, Customs, copra, land, War compensation, education, Missions, health and medical services, public works, site to replace Rabaul, transport services, Administration, defence and security, and finance. “A decision has been taken to abandon the Rabaul area (because of 1937 volcanic eruption) and transfer the Administrative Headquarters of the New Britain District to the Kokopo area about twenty miles away.” Excellent summary of history of DOET, too much control from Canberra, proposal to give more authority to the Administrator (currently PNG has to submit to Minister for approval expenditure exceeding ₤5,000), Heads of Departments and District Officers. Is appointing two Deputy Administrators. Proposes interchange of officers between PNG and Canberra, as well as PNG and areas under the British Colonial Office and NZ. Approval given to establish a secondary school at Wau.
JK Murray to AA Conlon, 2 June 1950. Lonergan has gone to New York. “He has a much closer contact with people and things up here than Halligan… It looks as if the School of Pacific Administration is getting a firm basis on which to work.”
Territories to Administrator, 2 June 1950. Radiogram appointing member to Executive Council “not to extend beyond 30 September 1950.”
JR Halligan to JK Murray, 16 June 1950. Not aware of any secret instructions.
EAF Head to the Director Department of Education, Classification of the Public Service of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 29 June 1950. Outlines education positions and salary levels approved by the Minister on 23 June 1950.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1 July 1950 to 30 June 1951.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea, 1 July 1950 to 30 June 1951.
White to the Administrator, 12 July 1950. 6-page letter from the president of the SDA Coral Sea Union Mission expressing loyalty to the Government. White is concerned “with the possible attitude of the native people in the event of the present international situation deteriorating still further and spreading more widely… My observations have led me to believe that should this territory be invaded by soldiers with coloured skin, backed by subtle propaganda, the percentage of disloyalists would be high.”
GT Roscoe to the Government Secretary, District Ordinance, 13 July 1950. Concerns the coordination of policy in each District but really is about the power of District Officers. Gives example of Chief Inspector of Schools being kept waiting outside DO’s office for 45 minutes while the DO gossiped and joked with his clerk. Roscoe says: DOs should refer education matters to Department of Education not Director of District Services and Native Affairs. Education representatives should not have to go cap in hand to DO for items of Department expenditure from Department votes. DO is not competent to inspect a school and should not take it upon himself to establish a school. Roscoe was acting Director of Education. (See Murray to Burns 21 November 1951)
JK Murray to All District Officer, 18 July 1950. Murray sent the SDA letter of 12 July to all DOs commending the suggestion “that government personnel embark upon a not-too-conspicuous yet nevertheless very thoroughgoing campaign to bring to the people under their care understanding and an appreciation of British rule, particularly emphasizing in appropriate terms the fact of its being sound in principle and wholesome in application.” Murray directed his personnel “to embark on such a campaign at once and continuously, but tactfully and not ostentatiously.” Murray sent copies to the Government Secretary, the Director of District Services and Native Affairs, and the Parliamentary Under Secretary.
PC Spender, Statement by the Minister for External Territories, 19 July 1950. Reports progress in PNG since his policy statement of 1 June 1950.
Acting Government Secretary to His Honour, 24 July 1950. General Wisdom maintained a secret file, which was kept in his safe Rabaul. “I have little doubt but that such instructions were contained in correspondence which would be filed on a secret or confidential file on each subject in the Department in Australia.”
RC Mills, Grants to Schools, 16 August 1950. Mills forwards information on India and advises of report on Nigeria.
GT Roscoe, Department of Education: The General Division, 26 August 1950. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers' Induction Course No 3.
C Julius, Research Officer, 26 August 1950. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers' Induction Course No 3.
BA McLachlan, Department of Education: Women’s Branch, 26 August 1950. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers' Induction Course No. 3.
Department of Education: Special Services Division, 26 August 1950. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers' Induction Course No 3.
WM Archer, Handicrafts, 26 August 1950. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers' Induction Course No 3.
Department of Education, Brief Statement of Policy on Education, 26 August 1950. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers' Induction Course No 3. “Asiatic schools are maintained where population warrants. The syllabus closely follows that in use in European schools, with such adaptation as is necessitated by the children’s limited knowledge of English and the special needs of their environment… Separate schools may be established for the children of mixed race, but in general it is deemed most undesirable to prolong their status as a separate group in the community.”
Acting Government Secretary to all Heads of Government, Plans for Development of the Territory, 2 September 1950. “In accordance with decisions made at the Administrator’s Conference on the 31 August 1950, would you please forward your Departmental Developmental Plans over the next seven years to the Acting Secretary, Planning and Development, no later than 6 September 1950.
JK Murray, to JR Halligan, 21 September 1950. Halligan was Chairman of ASOPA Council. Murray understands that the Wedgwood, McAuley and Parkinson appointments have been made. No Principal appointed. Murray is willing to act as a member of a small committee to finalise recommendations [Note: Murray was supporting Maude so if Murray was on selection committee, he could promote his candidate]
South Pacific Post, Issue No 1, 26 September 1950. SPP commences printing. Murray starts the presses rolling.
South Pacific Post, An Informed Public is Vital to Defence, 26 September 1950, p 1. Editorial: “The noisy Dr Soekarno – whom many experts regard as a Kremlin puppet – is threatening violence unless the Dutch hand over their New Guinea territory to the newly weaned, and yet undisciplined, United Stated of Indonesia. His deadline is December 31 this year Here in P-NG plans are being made to prepare an adequate defense of the islands. Canberra at last appears to have realised that these islands are not the Commonwealth’s first line of defence but the last.”
Department of External Territories, Minute Paper for the Executive Council, Subject: Territory of Papua and New Guinea Appointment of Members of the Executive Council, 25 September 1950. The Governor-General, WJ McKell, approved the membership (gives list) for a period not extending beyond 31 March 1951.
JR Halligan to His Honour, 28 September 1950. Refers to Halligan’s radio no 873 of today’s date and advises appointment of Executive Council members. Niall, McCarthy and Foldi, who were recommended by Murray, were not appointed.
South Pacific Post, Deputy Administrators to be Appointed, 6 October 1950, p 1. The Department of External Territories has called for applications for two Deputy Administrators to assist Murray.
JR Halligan to JK Murray, 10 October 1950. “Principal. The Public Service Board has approved the appointment of a Permanent Member of the Commonwealth Public Service… and subject to the acceptance by the appointee the appointment should be completed within a few days.” Approval of McAuley’s appointment is expected within a few days. Temporary appointment of Wedgwood has been completed, Council’s recommendation of VH Parkinson was not approved by the Minister. No more appointments until new Principal can consider the Council’s recommendations.
Acting Government Secretary to GT Roscoe, 18 October 1950. Press Releases. Policy matters must be made by the Administrator. Matters of public interest to be made by Departmental Heads.
Information on Progress Made in Relation to the Items Mentioned in Letter 218 of 5th April Originated by His Honour the Administrator and Addressed to the Minister for External Territories, possibly late October or early November 1950. I say possibly October/November 1950 because Murray in his letter to Halligan of 21 September talks about appointing a Principal, whereas letter of 10 October says announcement due within a few days and this document says Rowley has been appointed. Question 7. CD Rowley has been appointed Principal of ASOPA, J McAuley as Senior Lecturer in Colonial Administration, Miss Reay as Lecturer in Anthropology and Miss Camilla Wedgwood as Lecturer in Native Education. (From other semi-personal correspondence addressed to Your Honour, it would seem that Miss Wedgwood has accepted a post at the Edinburgh University). As yet no appointment of Lecturer in Law. Question 24. As recently advised by the Prime Minister as Acting Minister for External Territories, the Wau High School will not be built this year. ₤125 to each approved student to assist with schooling in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Face Up to Duties in Islands, 3 November 1950, p 1. Senator JH O’Brien who visited the Territory was not satisfied with Australia’s role. He told Parliament, “We have a sacred trust… Our fitness to administer can be challenged in the UN Trusteeship Council. Need a bold and progressive program of development.”
JH Jones to Director of Education, Programme for Development, 3 November 1950. DOET has put to Cabinet Sub-Committee for consideration of gross expenditure in the order of 350 to 400 over the next twenty years. Provide, with as much accuracy as is possible not later than 10 November 1950: What expansion (if any) in the Education Department’s teaching staff will be necessary in order to achieve by 1970 the native educational standards it is considered feasible to aim at in the development program? How many schools are to be built by 1970?
JK Murray to CD Rowley, 4 November 1950. Officers returning from Australia informed Murray of Rowley’s appointment. Congratulations and successful and happy career. No doubt you will wish to come to NG to make yourself acquainted with the situation. We will be very glad to welcome you.
South Pacific Post, Claims of Territory, 10 November 1950, p 1. JB Howse told Parliament that Australia must stop thinking of its Territory as distant lands. We are fully alive of the defence requirements up there. We might have to rely on NG to provide many of our tropical requirements in the event of war shutting off supplies to Asia.
South Pacific Post, One Man Show, 10 November 1950, p 8. Editorial: These islands need a voice in Canberra; the problems of defence and development must be kept in the spotlight.
WC Groves to Secretary for Planning and Development, Programme for Development, 16 November 1950. a) Expansion of teaching staff by 1970? Europeans 500. Asiatic and Mixed 40. Native 1,200. b) How many schools are to be built by 1970? Primary (Higher Village) 480. Primary (Area) 40. Secondary 10. Higher Technical 10. Manual Training Annexes 80.
WC Groves, Departmental Activities, 1951, Circular Memorandum No. 62 of 1950, 16 November 1950. Groves has recently returned to duty from Australia. Has undertaken a comprehensive review of the present activities of the Department, with special reference to the availability of staff and accommodation for 1951. The extension of educational activity originally planned for 1951 not possible. The number of exit-trainees from Sogeri and Kerevat will be barely sufficient to replace wastage and maintain our existing commitments, and output will be smaller in 1951 than this year. “…it will be necessary to recall for service in Papua those primary teachers formerly serving in the Territory of NG who have fulfilled their two years of service away from home.” Extensive recruitment campaign for European officers will be initiated, probably in the early months of 1951. Appointments likely completed May 1951, when it is proposed that most of the appointees shall spend the remainder of 1951 at ASOPA undergoing a twoterm course in Native Education. These officers will not be available for posting until 1952. The position is aggravated by the fact that more than 30 officers are due for leave during 1951 and it will not be possible to supply replacements for some of these unless new appointees are available. “I feel justified in planning a large extension programme of educational activities to begin in January 1952. The intervening period must be one of maintenance and consolidation with only such extension as our limited available resources make possible.”
WC Groves to Director of District Services and Native Affairs, Activities of Department of Education, 21 November 1950. Gave 150 copies of CM No 62 to be distributed as widely as possible to field staff. “I am naturally feeling disturbed at the view, apparently widely held among District Service personnel, that this Department is not measuring up to its responsibilities.” Groves wants those concerned to be aware of the circumstances impeding extension and development.
J Goodwin to JK Murray, 21 November 1950. Methodist Overseas Mission affirms their purpose to co-operate with the Administration for the welfare of the people of Papua.
JK Murray to Sir Alan Burns, 21 November 1950. Replying to a letter of 25 October 1951. “The Executive Council has been considering the suggestion that the prestige and standing of District Officers have been allowed to decline.” … “I am hoping that the taking over of the CRTS activities by the Department of Education in their technical schools will meet the desire for the [UN] Mission for the training of technicians, mechanics, carpenters and skilled workers in part.” … “The two positions of Deputy Administrator have been advertised. Applications closed on 27 October but owing to the absence of the Minister no decisions were made. It is probable that this matter will be dealt with in the near future, Mr Spender having returned to Australia at the end of last week.”
South Pacific Post, Principal of P. A. School Here on Visit, 1 December 1950, p 4. CD Rowley of ASOPA visiting Hagen, Madang and Wewak.
South Pacific Post, Man With Two Jobs, 1 December 1950, p 8. Editorial says that a separate portfolio should be established for External Territories. Menzies linked External Affairs with External Territories. “It becomes clearly obvious that the two portfolios are too much for one Minister.” Spender promised many changes. He was here in April. It is now December and very little has been done. More power should be given to the Under Secretary and the Administrator. The Under Secretary does not appear to have the power to make decisions. Matters usually settled by the Minister have had to be referred to Cabinet. The Administrator is similarly handicapped … decisions could be made far quicker and better at Government House Port Moresby.
A/Crown Law Officer to Official Secretary Administrator’s Office, Religious Denominations, 20 December 1950. Eight religious denominations declared by the Administrator by notice in the Gazette to be recognized religious denominations. The Church of England, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran and SDA on 23 March 1936. The Presbyterian on 2 April 1938. The Assemblies of God and the Baptist on 1 December 1949.
South Pacific Post, Spender Promises Arbitration, 22 December 1950, p 3. When PSA General Secretary, John Irvine spoke with Spender in Canberra it was “extremely obvious that Mr Spender is anxious to have the greater degree of routine Territory matters transferred to an authority in the Territory.” Mr Spender was at the time temporarily holding 5 portfolios. Mr Spender said that in his opinion the Territory itself should be able to settle a lot of the matters now referred to himself and the DOET.
JK Murray to SA Lonergan, Administrative Arrangements, 23 December 1950. Murray wants to know the Administrative Arrangements, approved in early 1946, concerning the functions of the various Departments. Regulation No 9 of Public Service Regulations says, “The functions of each Department shall be such as the Administrator from time to time directs.” Note: Looks like Head, the Public Service Commissioner, has got up Murray’s nose. Head had earlier requested the departments to indicate their present functions and recommended variations. Murray feels this is up to the Administrator and DOET.
JK Murray to CD Rowley, 29 December 1950. I have been giving a good deal of consideration to the matter of sending people from the Department of District Services to the Long Course in 1951. One of the considerations involved will be just what happens in Dutch New Guinea within the next few weeks. At the moment I feel that the Administration should not commit itself to sending any people away to the Long Course since the situation seems to me to be pretty grim and we are short of people of even limited experience what seemed to me the essential jobs. There are now two Long Course groups at the School and, at the end of 1951, we should receive about 30 officers back which will alter the whole position.” The PSC is counting on around 15 officers going to the Long Course. Mr Champion would feel a great measure of relief if he did not have to make the officers available for the first year of the Long Course in 1951. I take that there will be two Induction Courses for Cadet Patrol Officers during 1951. I could not get to the School’s Council meeting – planes affected by the weather.
N Fells to The Director Department of Education, 8 February 1951. Attached to the letter is a report on teacher training at Sogeri for 1950, and Questions, Results and Comments on the December Teacher Training Examination.
________________________________
DOCUMENTS FROM 1951
Political & Administrative Changes
In 1951 political and administrative changes occurred that were to have a profound effect on the direction and development of Papua and New Guinea. The Liberal-Country party had been in power since 1949, with RG Menzies as Prime Minister, and he was to remain so until his retirement in 1966.
On 19 March 1951, Governor-General Sir William (Bill) McKell (1891-1985), dissolved Parliament after the Senate failed to pass the banking bill. Shortly thereafter, Percy Spender, Minister for External Affairs and Minister for External Territories (19 December 1949 – 26 April 1951) was appointed Ambassador to Washington to be replaced by RG Casey (26 April - 11 May 1951) when he, in turn, was replaced by Paul Hasluck (10 May 1951 - 18 December 1963).
The election of 28 April 1951, saw the Menzies government returned, this time with control of the Senate. Menzies announced his new cabinet on 10 May and 46-year-old Paul Hasluck was appointed Minister of the Department of Territories, which replaced the Department of External Territories.
The new Department undertook the administration of the Northern Territory as well as the external territories. Hasluck served as the minister in charge of the administration of Papua and New Guinea for the next 12 years. .
Hasluck had not sought or even thought about the portfolio of Minister for Territories and his appointment came as a surprise. He knew little about Papua and New Guinea, had taken little interest in it and said that if the appointment had not been made, he probably would never have had any part in its history.
As an undergraduate Hasluck had taken a course that included content on British colonial history and his master’s thesis on Aboriginal affairs policy in Western Australia argued that State policies of protective segregation had failed and should instead be founded on principles of legal equality and citizenship rights, with special measures to raise the living standards of Aboriginal people to those of modern Australian society. Assimilation was to be the foundation of the policies he supported in later public life.[1]
Moving to Canberra in 1941 to take up a senior position with the Department of External Affairs, Hasluck was initially unimpressed with the public service. Unable to get on with his superiors, he complained that he was often given inconsequential work, and privately contemplated a return to Perth and to journalism.[2] In his position he had come across some matters dealing with colonial trusteeship but had been content to leave work in this field to others. Meanwhile Hasluck was developing a reputation as an ‘efficient, reliable, and intelligent’ officer but his relationships with staff were often difficult, even acrimonious.[3]
Serving as an Australian representative at the United Nations in the mid-1940s and Hasluck says he was more interested in power politics and security, and international economic relationships. Described as ‘cold, meticulous, and sparing of praise,’ his colleagues saw him as developing ‘an excessive punctiliousness’. He became frustrated by what he viewed as Evatt’s erratic ways, particularly his failure to instruct his staff properly and his tendency to ignore the formal public service channels of advice.[4]
Summarising his knowledge of Papua and New Guinea, at the time of his appointment, Hasluck said he would not have known anything more than the average graduate about New Guinea or dependent peoples. [5] Hasluck also felt little zeal for his new job. It was not a post to his liking but he was stuck with it for the next 12 years “as no other Minister would touch the job with a barge pole.”[6] The position of Minister for Territories was not highly esteemed and of scant political significance. The position of Secretary of the Department of Territories was similarly regarded.
A stickler for administrative efficiency and with firm ideas about the relative roles of the public service and the minister, Hasluck nevertheless regularly intervened in departmental matters and expected his officers to conform to his standards of professionalism.[7] Historian Hank Nelson noted Hasluck’s aptitude for hounding and harrying senior public servants (Nelson 1998, 154).
While to his colleagues Hasluck could appear ‘brusque, demanding and aloof’ (Bolton 2014, 476) and acerbic and withering in his judgements, with his family and friends he had ‘a positively mischievous sense of fun, a mind immeasurably well stocked from reading and reflection, with immense discretion, loyalty and tact'.[8]
Hasluck approached Menzies a couple of days after the swearing in to find out what was expected of him, but Menzies was of little help. Hasluck was told he would find his own way as he went along. The first thing to do, Menzies said, was to get a permanent head for the new department. Few were interested in the position as, in terms of salary, the position was amongst the most junior group of departmental heads. WE Dunk, Chairman of the Public Service Board, suggested as possibilities JR (James) Halligan, Secretary of the Department of External Territories, and CR (Cyril) Lambert, head of the Northern Territory Division of the Department of Interior. ‘Other senior public servants would not be interested in going into the backwaters of Territories.’[9]
Halligan had been assistant secretary in the Department of External Territories since 1942 and was its secretary from 1944 to 1951. Halligan’s biographer, RC Thompson, said Halligan was a 'workaholic' with definite opinions who enjoyed good relations with his ministers. For all that, Halligan was an unimaginative bureaucrat, inclined to stubbornness, who showed no evidence that he read the growing literature on colonial administration. To Hasluck, Halligan was 'a devoted, likable and thoroughly good man, helpful, warm-hearted and kindly', but Hasluck also saw him as 'a dutiful man for pushing files around.... so long as the top paper on a file had some suitable minute on it, initialled and dated, he felt that the immediate needs of administration had been achieved'.[10] Halligan was passed over as departmental secretary of the new department because, Hasluck said, ‘He would not help me break new ground.’
Hasluck considered Lambert to be forceful, industrious and widely experienced in public service practice. Hasluck felt he might be more difficult to manage but he would be more likely to get work done as he had the reputation of being able to tackle a tough problem and straighten it out in an intensely practical way. Hasluck recommended Lambert to Cabinet and he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Territories on 28 May 1951. Lambert held this position until 1964.[11]
Next to come under scrutiny was the Papua and New Guinea Administrator, JK Murray, who managed to retain his position for a further 12 months. On his retirement, Murray revealed that the Menzies Government had tried to remove him from office soon after gaining power and for the next 12 months Canberra had subjected him to an organised ‘war of words’. Murray said he regretted leaving the Territory but was relieved to ‘escape the methods and manners of the Minister and some of his senior departmental officers.’[12]
Hasluck further undermined Murray with the appointment of DM (Donald) Cleland as Assistant Administrator on 9 August[13], arriving in the Territory on 9 September.[14] Cleland’s duties included coordinating planning and he travelled extensively to acquire an intimate knowledge of day-to-day problems and gauge the trends in development.[15] In other words, learn the job and then take over.
Hasluck had arrived in the Territory on 25 July for an eighteen-day tour of Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Samurai, Wau and Menyama. Hasluck was accompanied by Lambert and his secretary Mr Hutchinson. Hasluck sought to reassure the Administration that Canberra would be supportive and encourage local initiative. “I want to see Canberra and the Territory working in close touch with each other…knowing they have our backing. I want senior departmental officials to be available to tackle any emergency on the spot, instead of at distant desks.”[16]
Hasluck said his plan was to encourage the Administration to take increased responsibility in the day-to-day government of the Territory as he had a hesitancy to sail in with the big stick until he had become personally familiar with local problems. He also hated ‘investigating committees’ preferring to ask the principals what is required and then take action without pigeon-hole hibernation.[17]
On 10 August, Hasluck told Murray the visit had been a profitable one, “both in informing my own mind and giving me a better understanding of the conditions under which government is carried on in Papua and New Guinea.”[18] Apparently all was not to Hasluck’s liking for he had appointed Cleland as Assistant Administrator to Murray the previous day.[19]
Territorial Departmental Heads appeared to be safe in their positions for the time being. Before vacating his portfolio, Spender had approved the appointment of six officers as permanent heads of their departments and Groves was one of them.[20] Nevertheless there was dissatisfaction with some sections of the Administration. As Cleland told General Sir John Northcott on 13 October 1951, “The broad organization and functions of Departments are sound, but some Departments are weak in top personnel of administrative ability and drive.”[21]
DMC Cleland to General Sir John Northcott, 13 October 1951. The Administration as a whole has come through a strenuous period… Latterly the Administration has been emerging from that period and embarking on the next stage of consolidation and development… Now however the suggested cut in the Estimates and Works Programme, can, if it becomes an accomplished fact, seriously impede this second stage. Furthermore, some (Departments) have received more financial support than others.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck Now Our Ally, 23 November 1951, page 1. Hasluck says he would like to be counted on as the Territory’s ally. Murray found CR (Cyril) Lambert, the new head of the Department of Territories, to be energetic and purposeful and Murray was no longer experiencing the difficulty in getting decisions from Canberra that he had in the past.[22]
CR Lambert to His Honour, 5 July 1951. Concerns Estimates for 1951-52. “It will be difficult for the Minister to approve your Estimates unless he can be assured that the Administration is capable of spending the amount sought and from the information you have given me, I am unable to give him this assurance.”
HH Reeve, Estimates 1951/52, 19 September 1951. The Commonwealth Treasury has determined the Commonwealth Grant to the Territory at an amount of ₤5,372,000 compared to the amount of ₤9,285,000 sought in the Estimates. The advice states that the “Grant is firm and supplementary estimates will not be permitted.” Departments were asked to make a 27% reduction in ‘Salaries, Contingencies, Miscellaneous and Maintenance’ estimates by 24 September as the Estimates Revision Committee “does not wish to be placed in the position of making arbitrary reductions.”
CR Lambert to JK Murray, 20 September 1951. Murray had sent Lambert a telegram informing him Reeve was on his way to Canberra to discuss the Estimates. “I am sorry that you did not ring me, as I could have saved you the expense of a trip which can serve no useful purpose at the moment.” Reeve rang Lambert from Sydney and “is now arranging to return to Port Moresby at the earliest possible moment to participate in the discussion with Mr. Archer and Mr. Willoughby.” “The normal procedure of discussion on estimates…was not followed.” “The Treasury then made an allocation of the available finance amongst the various Departments and Territories. It meant a drastic and arbitrary determination of a ceiling of finance available to which the Departments were required to comply by revision of their works programmes and budgets.”
South Pacific Post, Department of Administrator, 21 September 1951, page 1. Hasluck has approved the creation of Department of Administrator. Announced in Government Gazette. Administrator has left on tour of Delta area. Cleland in charge.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Department of Education, 24 September 1951. Encloses proposed variations to existing establishment. Number of Education Officers to rise from a present level of 139 to 186; total staff from 154 to 212.
South Pacific Post, Budget Hits Territory Development, 28 September 1951, page 1. Economy cuts demanded by the Federal Budget, introduced into the House of Representatives on Wednesday 26th have put the axe to development expenditure planned for P and NG this financial year. Will involve curtailment of public works, economies, possible retrenchment, increased charges for services, and possible introduction of income tax. First Assistant Secretary of DOET, CJ Archer, arrived Port Moresby last weekend to help with re-appraisal. Commonwealth grant last year was ₤4.5m, this year ₤5.3m.
South Pacific Post, MPs Pass Up Chance to Discuss Territory, 16 November 1951, page 4. No members took the opportunity to speak on NG in the House of Representatives Budget debates. PNG was barely mentioned and Hasluck wasn’t even in the House. Was in Noumea.
South Pacific Post, Not Worth a Mention, 16 November 1951, page 8. Editorial outraged that Territory only received a passing mention in budget debate and Hasluck wasn’t even there. “We are shackled to a government that hasn’t the time or interest to govern; that tosses in chicken feed subsidy and authorizes a bunch of Federal bureaucrats to tell us how to spend it… We must use every channel possible to get a greater measure of self-government. In this regard the Legislative Council, used properly, could put us on the right track…. The Labor government went out of office with a shameful record of Territory mismanagement behind it. The Labor record is being perpetuated by the Liberals while the Territory slowly rots away from under us.” Murray said that the "appropriation is not as much as we hoped to have this year and means we will not be able to extend much, if at all".[23]
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Review of Establishment, 13 October 1951. 7 pages. Groves supplies more details for information requested by Head on 6 October 1951. He gives the proposed percentage reduction for each item of expenditure and the effect of these reductions. E.g., Bursaries and Allowances for Secondary Education – Reduction 22%; Amount of subsidy to be reduced to 100 and no new cases granted assistance. Subsidies for Schools – No more subsidized schools can be opened. Native Teachers – Reduction 17%; All promotions to be cancelled and no more teachers with dependants to be appointed. Maintenance of Students in Native Schools – Reduction 20%; Closing down of some boarding schools and retrenchment of married students.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Organisation, Staffing and Allied Matters relating to the Functions of the Department of Education in this Territory, 21 July 1951. In an 8 page document, Groves asks for an urgent meeting to discuss “a number of matters vitally affecting the present activities and the future of this Department.” Deals with staff shortages. One typist for the whole of headquarters. Unless provision is made for the full 20 Cadet Education Officers originally proposed by me, I shall never have that basic reservoir of specially trained teaching staff which was the foundation of my plans. Reference to your files will show you that I submitted completely revised and fully detailed recommendations for the Cadet Education Officer Scheme over two years ago. To date I am not even officially aware that my proposals have been referred beyond the Territory.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education, 23 July 1951. I have had the impression that, except for matters of immediate urgency, you did not desire to have such things (staffing requirements) pressed upon you. This Department appears to have suffered in the building-up of its effectiveness as an effective organization because of my having paid regard to your wishes and not having pressed our requirements insistently upon you. I am convinced that the tempo and range of the work of the department must be speeded up and extended according to a considered plan, and to enable us to accomplish at least some part of the Five Year Plan outlined and submitted to the Department of External Territories through His Honour the Administrator some two years ago. As no action appears to have been taken on the revised Cadet Education Officer proposals submitted about 2 years ago, could very early consideration be given to a resubmission of this matter with a view to having a batch of cadets commence their training at the beginning of 1952? If 10 could be appointed under the proposed revised plan at the beginning of 1952, it would be desirable to appoint a further 10 to commence at the beginning of 1953.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Staff: Department of Education, 19 October 1951. I feel that, from the point of view of (headquarters) staff, the Department has never been at a lower ebb than at present, with increasing work and diminishing resources to cope with it. I have no desire to harass you in your present known circumstances. But I do seriously feel that the requirements of this Department are regularly overlooked; and I do not understand why this should continue to be so.
WC Groves, To Each European Member of the Department of Education, 12 December 1951. I have personally never worked so consistently over such a varied field in any previous period of my life as I have since I took up office in late 1946.
Reorganisation of the Central Executive of the Administration[24]
The Administrator governs the Territory with an Executive and Legislative Council and eleven Administrative Departments (1. Department of the Administrator, 2. Department of the Government Secretary, 3. Department of Health, 4. District Services and Native Affairs, 5. Treasury, 6. Crown Law, 7. Education, 8. Agriculture Stock and Fisheries, 9. Lands, Surveys and Mines, 10. Forests, and 11. Department of Customs and Marine) … with assistance from elements of Commonwealth Departments. The departments function more or less independently within bounds of defined policy and Regulation 9 of Public Service Regulations reads: “The functions of each Department shall be such as the Administrator from time to time direct.”[25]
The Department of the Administrator coordinates the activities of all Departments and is a channel of communication between the Administration and the Department of Territories and between other Departments and the Administrator. The Assistant Administrator assists the Administrator, including the co-ordination of planning. He travels extensively to acquire an intimate knowledge of day-to-day problems and gauge the trends in development.
Key Personnel
CJ Archer: First Assistant Secretary, Department of External Territories.[26]
DM Cleland CBE: Appointed by Hasluck as Assistant Administrator. Biography [27]. Arrived PNG on 9 September [28]
James Reginald Halligan: Assistant Secretary, Department of External Territories in 1941 and was Secretary from 1944 to 28 May 1951.[29] Caricature and biography.[30] When Hasluck became Minister for Territories in 1951, Halligan was passed over as departmental secretary because he would not help me break new ground.’ Halligan was [31]appointed Special Adviser to Hasluck to deal with UN Trusteeship matters and Senior Australian Commissioner to the South Pacific Commission.[32]
PMC Hasluck: Menzies announced his new cabinet on the night of 10 May. Hasluck was 46 years old. Biography.[33]
Cyril R Lambert has been appointed Permanent Head of the new Department of Territories and will assume duties 31 May 1951.[34]
SA Lonergan, Acting Government Secretary May 1951, Caricature and biography.[35]
PC Spender withdrew from politics due to ill-health and was appointed as Ambassador to Washington. Spender was replaced by RG Casey, 26 April to 11 May 1951 when he was replaced by PMC Hasluck.[36]
Events
January 20-21: Mount Lamington erupts. 3,466 lives lost.[37]
March 19: The Governor-General Mr McKell dissolved Parliament on 19 March for failure of the Senate to pass the banking bill. New Parliament will sit middle of June.[38]
April 28: Election on April 28.[39]
May: Before vacating his portfolio Spender approved the appointment of six officers as permanent heads of their departments. Groves was one of them.[40]
May 11: The Commonwealth Gazette No 31 of 11 May abolished the Department of External Territories, established the Department of Territories, and appointed Hasluck as Minister. The Department will undertake the administration of the Northern Territory as well as the external territories.[41]
Mid-June: Australia’s new Parliament due to sit.[42]
September 21: Hasluck has approved the creation of Department of Administrator. Announced in Government Gazette.[43]
November 26: The Legislative Council opened 26 November 1951 with inaugural speech by his Excellency the Administrator of the Commonwealth (General Sir John Northcott), followed by a speech by Hasluck[44].
Movement of Officials
January 5 – 27: Groves leaves Port Moresby for a special meeting of the Social Development Section of the South Pacific Research Council. Will discuss Vocational Training in the Pacific. Back 27 January.[45]
May: Groves was in Noumea for meetings of the Research Council.[46]
June: Col J. Murray is off to Canberra for Jubilee Celebrations. Will talk with Hasluck and Lambert. Back 24 June.[47]
July 25 to August 12: Hasluck to arrive 25 July accompanied by Lambert and his secretary Mr Hutchinson. Will visit Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Samurai, Wau and Menyama. Will remain 18 days.[48]
September 10: Groves to represent Murray at Fourth Meeting of the ASOPA Council in Sydney 10 September 1951.[49]
September 19: Murray leaves for a 10-day visit to Kerema-Kikori starting on 19 September.[50]
October 26: Groves left Port Moresby on 26th for Noumea for 8th Meeting of South Pacific Commission.[51]
November: Hasluck on way to unveil war memorial Lae. Back 12th. No itinerary.[52]
Miscellaneous Notes
1951: ASOPA's pretensions to be a research institution are officially knocked on the head and the School concentrates on training officers to serve in PNG. [From Milestones in the history of ASOPA - Keith Jackson & Friends: PNG Attitude]
Sogeri Education Centre: For 1951 information concerning the Sogeri Education Centre refer to ‘RC Ralph, The Development of the Sogeri Education Centre As a Teacher Training Institution’ located under ‘1944 Pre and Post-War Summaries’.
Newspaper coverage: Education was not newsworthy in the early life of the ‘South Pacific Post’. Of major importance was defence: WWII was recent, Korea was ongoing, the Dutch and Indonesia were squabbling over West NG and there was the ever-present fear of communist infiltration. The newspapers of this period are full of pleas for the build-up of the Territory’s defence to protect Australia. This led to the establishment of the PNG Volunteer Rifles, which began recruiting European members in 1951, and the Pacific Islands Regiment.
Correspondence & Papers
Sogeri Education Centre, Teacher Training Class Syllabus of Study, 1951. 17 pages.
Department of Education, A Survey of four Area Education Centres, 1951. AECs are of an experimental nature. Situated at Maprik (Sepik), Kinepo (Purari Delta), Tabar (off New Ireland) and Saiho (Northern). All in operation under 18 months.
FE Williams, The Blending of Cultures: An Essay on the Aims of Native Education, PNG Official Research Publication No 1, Port Moresby 1951. First published in 1935 as Territory of Papua Anthropology Report. 41 pages including index and bibliography of Williams’ scientific writings. Was reviewed in the South Pacific Post. See entry for 18 May 1951.
R Sherer, Carpentry Notes, 1951. A book of lessons used at the Lutheran Mission Baitabag Technical School, Madang, to teach carpentry. 50 pages, in Pidgin, diagrams.
R Sherer, Carpentry Work for New Guinea, 1951. A book of lessons used at the Lutheran Mission Baitabag Technical School Madang, to teach carpentry. 108 pages, in Pidgin, diagrams.
JT Bensted, Sir Hubert Murray as I Knew Him and Papua as I Knew It, possibly December 1950. Filed under ‘JK Murray to JT Bensted, 3 January 1951’ until I can get an exact date. Bensted sent Murray a copy of notes on his address to the Pacific Islands Society. 29 pages covering: First Impressions, Monckton, Chalmers and Tomkins, Life in the Early Days, Scratchley, Douglas MacGregor, Winter, Barton, Sir Hubert Murray, The Natives of Papua, Missions, Administration Policy. Very informative and entertaining. Bensted went to Papua in 1899. Some of the more humorous anecdotes are: [1] Bensted on sport: In the earliest days there was no organized sport but later we had cricket and drinking for the men and tennis and quarrelling for the women. [2] Sir Hubert Murray: A native, when asked if he knew a particular man, replied “Knew him, I knew him well, I ate him.” [3] Sir Hubert confessed that he always had a sympathy for the man who kills another “because he talks too much.” [4] Sir Hubert was a bad writer, and actually used both hands to guide the pen, and his writing was very difficult to decipher at times. A very fine linguist and I would not like to say in how many languages he was proficient. But rather strangely he did not speak to any native in any language other than English. Probably for the reason that the Government policy was to make English the language of Papua. A man of great learning and intellectual superiority. [5] One could not help feeling amused to see (Sir Hubert) on a hot night in the lounge of Government House, crouched reading in a chair with heavy walking boots on, socks pulled up over his trousers (and it was said that he wore two pairs at times); coat collar turned up to protect his ears and neck; and an old felt hat on his bald head. And all the time feeding small chips to a stinking sandalwood fire in a dish beside him.
South Pacific Post, Education Head to Visit Suva, 5 January 1951, page 1. Groves leaves Port Moresby for a special meeting of the Social Development Section of the South Pacific Research Council. Will discuss Vocational Training in the Pacific. Back 27 January.
JK Murray to Administration Staff, DOET, ASOPA, Organisation of the Administration of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea: Functions and Responsibilities of District Commissioners and their Relationship to Department Staffs Posted to Districts, 13 January 1951. 3 pages clarifying the above. The Administrator is boss of the Territory, the District Commissioner boss of the District, and the ADO boss of the Sub-District. “All officers (other than the Head of a Department or the Commissioner of Police) visiting a District will report at the office of the District Commissioner, sign the Visiting Officer’s Book and acquaint the District Commissioner of the purpose of their visit and seek the co-operation of the District Commissioner in the course of action they propose to undertake in the District.”
South Pacific Post, Children Seek Schools Grant, 19 January 1951, p 4. Department of Education has received 116 applications for Secondary Education allowances. ₤125 and return fare to Sydney. Must have complete Grade VI in PNG or Grade V in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 20 January 1951, p 12. Charles Julius, Research Officer, Department of Education, is off for 11 months to do a refresher course in anthropology at Sydney University. Did his Masters some years ago. Note: Mount Lamington erupts 20-21 January 1951. 3,466 lives lost.
South Pacific Post, Institute Given New Name, 2 February 1951, p 5. Port Moresby Library Institute now called Port Moresby Institute. Groves president, Murray patron.
South Pacific Post, The Royal Tour, 2 February 1951, p 8. Editorial suggests the tour should include the islands. “It is our task to maintain native loyalty.”
N Fells to The Director Department of Education, 8 February 1951. Attached to the letter is a report on Teacher Training at Sogeri for 1950, and Questions, Results and Comments on the December Teacher Training Exam. Fells says, “This may be the type of thing asked for in the circular re items of interest for trainees at ASOPA.”
South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 16 February 1951, p 12. Sid Neilson back after 12 months study leave . Posted to Lae to set up school. Formerly in Manus, Madang and Port Moresby.
CD Rowley to JK Murray, 26 February 1951. Rowley has heard from Halligan that no officers can be released for the first year of two-year course. Disappointed. “I would just like to assure you that we will continue to do our best to help you in all ways we can… I have been giving some tentative thought to the question of a Council meeting. I think, however, that it would be well worth deferring it until you feel that you are in a position to come down for it. Perhaps you could give me some indication of the likely period of the present crisis and of your chances of leaving the Territory for a short time.”
JK Murray to SA Lonergan, 2 March 1951. Copy of 26 February letter to Rowley. Expects to be able to send at least 20 officers to the first year of the 2-year course in 1952.
JK Murray to PC Spender, 5 March 1951. The ABC announced yesterday your appointment as Ambassador at Washington. History will be determined more I think in Washington and New York than anywhere else, even though the war initiative may rest with Moscow. My notes say that Spender withdrew from politics due to ill-health. He was replaced by RG Casey, 26 April to 11 May 1951 when PMC Hasluck took over from him.
WC Groves, Religious Instruction in Administration Schools, Circular Memorandum No. 10 of 1951, 8 March 1951. The principles were laid down at a Conference between the Department of Education and representatives of various Missions, held at Moresby on 23 January 1948. Clergy (or nominee) have a right to give instruction at Administration schools not in excess of one hour. Parents may elect for their children to not attend.
JK Murray to EAF Head, 9 March 1951. Regulation 9 of Public Service Regulations reads: “The functions of each Department shall be such as the Administrator from time to time direct.” Murray asks Head to inform him of the functions each Department is exercising and any modifications or additions they consider should be made.
PC Spender to JK Murray, 14 March 1951. In reply to Murray’s letter of 5 March, Spender says, “I shall go to my new task with real enthusiasm.”
United Nations Visiting Mission of 1950, 15 March 1951. The Burns Report’ was debated at the 8th Session of the UN Trusteeship Council, which adopted the report and its recommendations and brought them to the notice of the administering authority.
South Pacific Post, Wanted – A Minister, 9 March 1951, p 8. Editorial wants a new portfolio for the Minister for External Territories. “It is fantastic that decisions vital to our progress should be held up while a so called Minister for External Territories is jogging through Britain, Europe or the US.”
South Pacific Post, Gales Lash Port Moresby, 16 March 1951, p 1. Kila Kila flattened. 10% of books saved.
South Pacific Post, New Mission for Sangara, 16 March 1951, p 3. Bishop Hand announced that a new mission station will be built at Popondetta to replace the one destroyed by the eruption at Sangara. Papuan teachers and 20 trainees were killed when Mount Lamington erupted.
South Pacific Post, Parliament Dissolved – Election on April 28, 22 March 1951, p 1. The Governor-General Mr McKell dissolved Parliament on 19 March for failure of the Senate to pass the banking bill. New Parliament will sit middle of June.
South Pacific Post, Appeal to Electors, 22 March 1951, p 8. Editorial: “The election will cause a further delay in the appointment of a minister to replace Mr Spender. It will also mean that decisions vital to our welfare will be shelved for some considerable time. Far worse however, it may mean that if the country swings back to Labor we will again be saddled with Mr Eddie Ward. The policy of the Labor government was disastrous so far as the Territory is concerned and it was a difficult task that faced Mr Spender when he assumed office.”
South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 6 April 1951, p 8. WP Dobbyn, who was for 2 years attached to Education Department headquarters at Port Moresby returned from leave and has been posted as District Education Officer, Lae.
JK Murray to The Secretary DOET, Report Submitted by Mr D. H. Drummond MP, 10 April 1951. The value of jungle training within the Territory for Duntroon Cadets is a matter for consideration by the Army. The universal, high speed teaching of English is not practicable at this stage, however, and vernaculars will necessarily be an important educational media, particularly in village schools, for some time.
South Pacific Post, Site for Lae School Not Decided, 27 April 1951, p 2. Groves objects to the proposed site for the European school as: too far for the children to walk; too close to the airport; children may fall over the cliff.
South Pacific Post, More Prefab May Now be Ordered, 27 April 1951, p 4. Administration is considering ordering 200 buildings. Just before he relinquished his position Spender approved the idea in principle. Also considering prefabricated school buildings.
South Pacific Post, UN Gives Verdict, 27 April 1951, p 8. Editorial: Administration has every reason to be pleased with the UN examination of the 1949- 50 report. The UN wants to see natives given a greater share in the government of the Territory - a highly questionable theory… surely the time is not yet here. We are yet only on the fringe of native education.
South Pacific Post, UN Wants Greater Use of Natives in Administration, 27 April 1951, p 2. The UN Trusteeship Council “urged the Administration to go ahead with the establishment of a Legislative Council without delay and to take steps to give greater participation of natives in Council.” It recommended, “that all necessary steps for the training of natives should be taken to enable them to take more responsible posts in the administration of the Territory.” Special mention was given to the proposed native teacher training centre at Finschhafen with the suggestion that it be finished as rapidly as possible and efforts be increased to expand teacher training throughout the Territory. Universal elementary education should also be expanded and natives be given further opportunities for secondary and higher education. The UN requires the opening of more Government schools and suggests the granting of a reasonable number of scholarships for attendance at schools in and outside of NG.
South Pacific Post, Permanent Heads Announced, 4 May 1951, p 1. Halligan has announced that before vacating his portfolio Spender approved the appointment of six officers as permanent heads of their departments. Groves was one of them.
South Pacific Post, Electors Break Senate Deadlock, 4 May 1951, p 1. Government to be returned as a result of the 28 April election. It is probable that Mr Casey will be given the external portfolio.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck is New Minister, 11 May 1951, p 1. Menzies announced his new cabinet last night 10 May. Hasluck 46 years old. Biography.
South Pacific Post, Profile, 11 May 1951, p 4. Caricature of JR Halligan, Secretary of the Department of External Affairs and biography.
JK Murray to I Hogbin, 16 May 1951. The Australian Government, as you know, has continued to be liberal in the provision of funds and, despite the defence demands, I still hope that a forward-looking policy, satisfactorily backed financially will continue to be pursued.
Estimates 1951/51, 16 May 1951. Includes monies paid to each Mission, and for what purpose, for years1946-47 to 1949-50.
South Pacific Post, Profile, 18 May 1951, p 9. Caricature of SA Lonergan, Acting Government Secretary and biography.
South Pacific Post, Problems of Educating the Native, 18 May 1951, p 1. Review of FE Williams’ book ‘Blending of Cultures: An Essay on the Aims of Native Education’. First published in 1935 as Territory of Papua Anthropology Report. 41 pages including an index and bibliography of Williams’ scientific writings. Educationists must pay regard to the society in which the pupil is destined to live. The task of education, then, is to change and adapt culture to suit the needs of man rather than fit man into any particular culture. The threefold task of education in the Territory is to maintain the effective and beneficial aspects of the native culture, to expurgate undesirable elements, and to enrich and expand the old by blending with the new. To open the gates to far wider fields of experience and knowledge, English should be taught as a second language at even the lowest school levels. Williams was killed in a plane crash in the Owen Stanley Range during the War.
South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 25 May 1951, p 11. Percy Cochrane, Bulolo school teacher going on leave to attend a course at ASOPA. Will return to the Territory next year.
WC Groves to All Education Officers, Native Village Councils, 30 May 1951. Harry Plant of District Services and Native Affairs is preparing a statement for reference to me which, when accepted on behalf of this Department, will represent the basis of our proposed future policy. Regulations under the Education Ordinance will in due course be produced to cover such policy in this connection. I propose to ask the Research Branch of Department of External Territories to undertake on our behalf a review of policy and practice in other Colonial areas. My feeling at present is that ultimately it would be best to require the Village Council to undertake from its own resources the provision and maintenance of school buildings as far as their resources make possible, and to make a direct contribution towards the salary and maintenance of native teaching staff.
Secretary Department of Territories to His Honour the Administrator, Departmental Administrative Arrangements, 2 June 1951. Murray was advised that Commonwealth Gazette No 31 of 11 May abolished the Department of External Territories, established the Department of Territories, and appointed Hasluck as Minister. The Department will undertake the administration of the Northern Territory as well as the external territories. Lambert has been appointed Permanent Head of the new department and will assume duties 31 May 1951. Halligan has been appointed Special Adviser to Hasluck to deal with UN Trusteeship matters. Will also be Senior Australian Commissioner to the South Pacific Commission.
South Pacific Post, Administrator Backs Visit by Navy Ships, 6 June 1951, p 7. ‘Show the flag’ movements of Australian warships in Territorial waters are essential, in the opinion of the Administrator Col J. Murray. Murray is off to Canberra for Jubilee Celebrations. Will talk with Hasluck and Lambert. Back 24 June.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1951 to 30 June 1952. Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1951 to 30 June 1952.
AA Roberts to Director of Education, Native Village Councils, 3 July 1951. Roberts forwards a 3-page report from DM Feinberg and says to Groves, “I think that you will be in total agreement with the views…as they seem to be very much the same as those already expressed by yourself.”
Eva Standen to Irvine, 5 July 1951. Recently Mr Roscoe kindly arranged for duplicating of 100 little story books in Bamu dialect. Arrived safely at last amid much excitement. Bright eyes and eager hands welcomed our very first Bamu talk story book, was such a thrill to us all.
CR Lambert to His Honour, 5 July 1951. Concerns Estimates for 1951-52. “It will be difficult for the Minister to approve your Estimates unless he can be assured that the Administration is capable of spending the amount sought and from the information you have given me, I am unable to give him this assurance.” Anticipated that 60 Cadet Patrol Officers will be recruited over the next 12 months.
South Pacific Post, Prefab School Buildings, 6 July 1951, p 4. The Administration has ordered from England five aluminium building units for use mainly as schools.
Department of Education, Functions, Etc, of Social Welfare Branch, 13 July 1951. Introduction, Fields of Social Welfare, The Social Welfare Machinery in the Territory, Work of the Section to Date.
FA Champion to Director Department of District Services &Native Affairs, Ref Impending Marriage of Mr C Abel, 5 July 1951. Several letters concerning Papuan opposition to Cecil Abel’s marriage to a Papuan. Mr Abel was under the impression some of their native leaders may try to overthrow the Mission by force, thus enabling them to oust the Europeans, and carry on their own affairs…time the Papuans ran Papua. Champion met with the leaders on 2 July 1951. They informed me that the greater part of the population were very much against the marriage…as it would lead to the disintegration of the Papuan race. If Mr Abel persisted in the marriage, he must leave the Mission and the District. [Note: He married and left the District.]
BA McLachlan, Female Education Division, 13 July 1951. Staff, Girls’ Schools, Women’s Centres, Handicrafts, Relations with Missions, Women’s Central Committee, Girl Guides and Junior Red Cross.
South Pacific Post, Minister Alters Tour Plans, 13 July 1951, p 6. Hasluck to arrive 25 July accompanied by Lambert and his secretary Mr Hutchinson. Will visit Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Samurai, Wau and Menyama. Will remain 18 days. “I want to see Canberra and the Territory working in close touch with each other…knowing they have our backing. I want senior departmental officials to be available to tackle any emergency on the spot, instead of at distant desks.”
WC Groves, General Information Paper for Applicants for Appointment as Education Officers, 17 July 1951. Broad programme of education, blending of cultures, Divisions, types of schools, Missions, wages. Because it is considered that educational work in this Territory cannot be approached along the same lines as those followed in normal European communities, a special course of training designed to prepare Education Officers for their work in the Territory and to give them some understanding of the principles upon which it is based, is provided at the ASOPA. It has not been possible up to date, mainly because of the immediate staffing requirements of the Department to carry on and extend is work, for all new appointees to undergo this course, but it may be taken for granted that attendance at such a course will be required. The course is of one year’s duration, and includes the history and geography of the Territory, comparative colonial education, Social Anthropology and other significant subjects. A Cadet Education Officer training plan has been drawn up. Minimum entry is matriculation but university graduates receive priority in selection. The training period covers three years and includes professional teacher training in a Teacher’ College in NSW as will as a special course of one year’s duration at the ASOPA. The broad objectives of the Territorial education programme are universal literacy, not necessarily in English; the introduction of English as a universal second language; the conservation of all that I good in Native culture…and its progressive adaptation to change.
JK Murray to WC Groves, Functions of Departments, Public Service Regulation 9, 19 July 1951. A copy of the proposed shortened list of functions, as suggested by the Public Service Commissioner is attached and each Head of Department is to submit to me his comments regarding it. Also prepare a list of Ordinances, the implementation of which is the responsibility of their Department. 12 pages.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Organisation, Staffing and Allied Matters relating to the Functions of the Department of Education in this Territory, 21 July 1951. In an 8-page document, Groves asks for an urgent meeting to discuss “a number of matters vitally affecting the present activities and the future of this Department.” Deals with staff shortages. One typist for the whole of headquarters. Unless provision is made for the full 20 Cadet Education Officers originally proposed by me, I shall never have that basic reservoir of specially trained teaching staff which was the foundation of my plans. Reference to your files will show you that I submitted completely revised and fully detailed recommendations for the Cadet Education Officer Scheme over two years ago. To date I am not even officially aware that my proposals have been referred beyond the Territory.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education, 23 July 1951. I have had the impression that, except for matters of immediate urgency, you did not desire to have such things (staffing requirements) pressed upon you. This Department appears to have suffered in the building-up of its effectiveness as an effective organization because of my having paid regard to your wishes and not having pressed our requirements insistently upon you. I am convinced that the tempo and range of the work of the department must be speeded up and extended according to a considered plan, and to enable us to accomplish at least some part of the Five-Year Plan outlined and submitted to the Department of External Territories through His Honour the Administrator some two years ago. As no action appears to have been taken on the revised Cadet Education Officer proposals submitted about 2 years ago, could very early consideration be given to a resubmission of this matter with a view to having a batch of cadets commence their training at the beginning of 1952? If 10 could be appointed under the proposed revised plan at the beginning of 1952, it would be desirable to appoint a further 10 to commence at the beginning of 1953.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Functions of Departments, 26 July 1951. Attaches a schedule of Functions and reference to Ordinances administered. 2 pages.
Organisation of the Department of Education, 26 July 1951. Diagram of structure of the Dept, from D of Ed to Assnt Dir, then Divisions, Branches, Sections. Chart ‘A’, Organisation of the Department of Education, 26 July 1951. A chart giving the various levels of Ed, Age of Students at Each Level, and Standard Reached. Also presented to the Conference of Education Officers, 9 January 1950.
Department of Education, Special Services Division, 26 July 1951. The Special Services Division formed for Visual Education, Broadcasts, Publications, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Rural Science. Outline of each. Also presented to the Conference of Education Officers, 9 January 1950.
South Pacific Post, Welcome Visit, 27 July 1951, p 8. Hasluck in the Territory. He told of his plans to encourage the Administration to take increased responsibility in the day-to-day government of the Territory and of his own hesitancy to sail in with the big stick until he had become personally familiar with local problems. He has a hatred of ‘investigating committees’, likes to ask the principals what is required and then takes action without pigeon-hole hibernation.
South Pacific Post, Legislative Council to be Formed Soon, 27 July 1951, p 1. Hasluck hoped first meeting will be in November. Aims to give increasing representation to people of Territory in their affairs and increasing participation by the native population as stressed by UN.
South Pacific Post, Speed Up Routine Administration, 27 July 1951, p 14. Hasluck says he will send officer from Canberra to the Territory to help in on-the-spot decisions of any difficulties that might arise.
Paul Hasluck to His Honour the Administrator, 10 August 1951. “…the visit has been a profitable one, both in informing my own mind and giving me a better understanding of the conditions under which government is carried on in Papua and New Guinea.”
South Pacific Post, Assistant Administrator Announced, 10 August 1951, p 1. 9 August Hasluck announced DM Cleland CBE. Biography.
South Pacific Post, Pressing Need for Greater Facilities, 10 August 1951, p 1. Including roads, buildings and more staff Hasluck said at the end of his fortnight tour.
South Pacific Post, Australia in New Guinea to Stay, 10 August 1951, p 8. Hasluck said that the Australian Government would always endeavour to honour its international obligations (to the UN) “But the decision on any matter of Australian policy including matters affecting Australia and NG is a matter for the Australian Gov and for no one else… there is no other administering authority.”
Clerk of the Executive Council to His Honour, Relationship between the Administration and the Australian School of Pacific Administration, 13 August 1951. At Meeting No 10 on 30 March 1951 the Executive Council recommended “that action be taken to bring about closer relationship between the Administration and the Australian School of Pacific Administration, in connection with the teaching programme of the School. It is considered that, under present circumstances, the School is not in a position to enable it best to serve the requirements of the Territory in the training of its officers and that the Administration, equally, is not in the best position to ensure that its needs are adequately met in the teaching of the School.” At Meeting No 11, Council agreed “that closer liaison between the Administration and the School should be maintained and that the Principal of the School should be invited to the Territory periodically to enable all problems that affect the Territory … to be fully discussed.” At the meeting Halligan suggested the formation of a sub-committee of Champion, Groves and Gunther. The views of Government Departments were sought, the matter further discussed at Meeting No 16 on 5 June, referred back to the sub-committee where nothing has happened due to periods of absence from Port Moresby by members of the sub-committee.
South Pacific Post, No Areas Now Uncontrolled, 17 August 1951, p 1. Term ‘uncontrolled’ now officially dropped. Patrol Officers can enter any areas. Some areas are ‘restricted’ as they are dangerous and non-official persons can only enter with a permit.
South Pacific Post, PSA Seeks Improved Conditions, 24 August 1951, p 3. Public Service Association has asked the Minister to give European university students the same fare and subsidy as secondary students.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Australian School of Pacific Administration, 27 August 1951. Groves to represent Murray at Fourth Meeting of the ASOPA Council in Sydney 10 September 1951. Concerned that there would be nothing decisive and final in connection with future courses, Groves has passed to the Government Secretary, to forward to Rowley, the draft report of the subcommittee referred to in letter of 13 August. The draft report will also be referred to Executive Council Meeting No 25, which meets this week. Groves would like the Executive Council’s determinations to be forwarded to Lambert before he takes the Chair at the ASOPA Council Meeting.
JK Murray to CD Rowley, 31 August 1951. Murray can’t be at ASOPA Council meeting as Cleland arrives on 9 September and must meet him and brief him before Murray leaves for a 10-day visit to Kerema-Kikori starting on 19 September. The Executive Council last Wednesday debated the needs of the Administration in courses at ASOPA and each Head of Department was very keen that the utmost should be made of the facilities you can give. The Long Course suits the needs of the Department of DS&NA and Groves is well briefed as to the point of view of the Administration and the various Departments.
WC Groves to GG Carter, 6 September 1951. Some 12 months earlier Groves had received a Syllabus of Instruction compiled by the Methodist Mission. Commenting on some aspects of the Syllabus, GT Roscoe wrote on Groves’ behalf: Page 4. “Village schools should be conducted in the dialect of that Village”. Yes, this is our official policy. “Students should be literate in a native dialect before they commence to learn English systematically.” Yes, that is also in accord with Departmental policy.
EAF Head to His Honour the Administrator, Functions of Departments, Public Service Regulation 9, 10 September 1951. Attaches a schedule of Functions and reference to Ordinances administered and advises that the list is being forwarded to Crown Law for checking.
WC Groves, Comments by the Director of Education on Documents Attached to the Agenda for the Fourth Meeting of the Council to be Held on Monday the 10th September 1951. Introductory Courses: The Executive Council Sub-Committee recommended that there should be conducted a common Introductory Course for all new entrants to the Administration service who might be considered able to profit from such a course; this course was proposed to be informative and descriptive, with no bias towards the requirements of any particular Department of the Administration… this course should be followed by a departmentally-biased course for the officers concerned, to be organised on their arrival in the Territory, in continuation of the Introductory Course which would have been provided at ASOPA. Refresher Courses: Should be provided for selected officers of all Departments… will consist no doubt of directed reading. Such a course should certainly be arranged for Education Officers, to enable them to become up-to-date in their appreciation of modern developments in Colonial Education and related matters. A volume of work being produced in this field at the moment. ASOPA would be well placed to select from this material and organize the Refresher Course. In working out the details of such an Extension course by correspondence, there should be very close cooperation between the Department here and the lecturers concerned on the staff of the School. There will be no difficulty in the Public Library Service of this Territory handling the books set aside for use by officers of the Administration in connection with Extension Courses being provided for them through ASOPA.
Minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the Council of the Australian School of Pacific Administration as Set up Under the Papua and New Guinea Act,1949, Held at Mosman on Monday, 10 September 1951. AGREEMENT. (i) THAT the Principal and Mr Groves prepare a submission on a Diploma for students in the Native Education Course to be presented at the next Council Meeting. (ii) THAT the title of the Diploma be “Diploma of the Australian School of Pacific Administration. The Council also discussed Extension Correspondence Courses for District Service Officers, and staffing for ASOPA
South Pacific Post, Mr D Cleland Takes Up New Post, 14 September 1951, p 1. Arrives Sunday. Biography. Wife arrives in a month.
DM Cleland, Reorganisation of the Central Executive of the Administration, 17 September 1951. 4 pages. The Administrator governs the Territory with an Executive and Legislative Council and eleven Administrative Departments … (1. Department of the Administrator, 2. Department of the Government Secretary, 3. Department of Health, 4. District Services and Native Affairs, 5. Treasury, 6. Crown Law, 7. Education, 8. Agriculture Stock and Fisheries, 9. Lands, Surveys and Mines, 10. Forests, and 11. Department of Customs and Marine) … with assistance from elements of Commonwealth Departments. The departments function more or less independently within bounds of defined policy. The Department of the Administrator coordinates the activities of all Departments and is a channel of communication between the Administration and the Department of Territories and between other Departments and the Administrator. The Assistant Administrator assists the Administrator, including the co-ordination of planning. He travels extensively to acquire an intimate knowledge of day-to-day problems and gauge the trends in development.
HH Reeve, Estimates 1951/52, 19 September 1951. The Commonwealth Treasury has determined the Commonwealth Grant to the Territory at an amount of ₤5,372,000 compared to the amount of ₤9,285,000 sought in the Estimates. The advice states that the “Grant is firm and supplementary estimates will not be permitted.” Departments were asked to make a 27% reduction in ‘Salaries, Contingencies, Miscellaneous and Maintenance’ estimates by 24 September as the Estimates Revision Committee “does not wish to be placed in the position of making arbitrary reductions.”
CR Lambert to JK Murray, 19 September 1951. Lambert was in Melbourne when the Fourth ASOPA Council meeting was held. Replaced by Burns. Has made a submission to the Minister endorsing the proposal for an extension service with one minor alteration. Under instructions from the Minister that special efforts be made to improve the recruiting and training of staff for the Administration, arrangements have been made to call a committee meeting 3 October. Howse, myself, Head Burns and Rowley invited to attend.
CR Lambert to JK Murray, 20 September 1951. Murray had sent Lambert a telegram informing him Reeve was on his way to Canberra to discuss the Estimates. “I am sorry that you did not ring me, as I could have saved you the expense of a trip which can serve no useful purpose at the moment.” Reeve rang Lambert from Sydney and “is now arranging to return to Port Moresby at the earliest possible moment to participate in the discussion with Mr. Archer and Mr. Willoughby.” “The normal procedure of discussion on estimates…was not followed.” “The Treasury then made an allocation of the available finance amongst the various Departments and Territories. It meant a drastic and arbitrary determination of a ceiling of finance available to which the Departments were required to comply by revision of their works programmes and budgets.”
South Pacific Post, Department of Administrator, 21 September 1951, p 1. Hasluck has approved the creation of Department of Administrator. Announced in Government Gazette. Administrator has left on tour of Delta area. Cleland in charge.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Department of Education, 24 September 1951. Encloses proposed variations to existing establishment. Number of Education Officers to rise from a present level of 139 to 186; total staff from 154 to 212.
South Pacific Post, Budget Hits Territory Development, 28 September 1951, p 1. Economy cuts demanded by the Federal Budget, introduced into the House of Representatives on Wednesday 26th have put the axe to development expenditure planned for P and NG this financial year. Will involve curtailment of public works, economies, possible retrenchment, increased charges for services, and possible introduction of income tax. First Assistant Secretary of DOET, CJ Archer, arrived Port Moresby last weekend to help with re-appraisal. Commonwealth grant last year was ₤4.5m, this year ₤5.3m.
South Pacific Post, Ordinance for Protection of Native Women, 5 October 1951, p 1. Forbids native females to be in a European residence between 6pm and 6am unless accompanied by her husband or unless written consent of the District Commissioner.
South Pacific Post, Uproar Over Question on Cleland, 5 October 1951, p 1. Question in House of Representatives. Hasluck says, “Mr Cleland possesses outstanding qualifications, including a very distinguished period as a brigadier when he was mainly responsible for the administration of NG from 1943.”
EAF Head to Departmental Heads, Review of Establishment, 6 October 1951, p 1. Each Department was provided with a list of its tentative functions, a questionnaire designed to determine a Department’s essential functions and how these would be affected by budgetary cuts, and a form to be completed to supply this information. Head wanted the information before midday 9 October 1951. The Department of Education was asked “Should it be necessary to fix a ceiling limit for the staff of your Department at 127 (inclusive of staff for leave relief purposes), what functions, establishments or services would have to be reduced or eliminated.” [Note: Groves was asking for a staff of 212. See Groves to Head 24 September 1951.]
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Executive Council, 9 October 1951. The Minister could see no reason to relate the membership of the Legislative Council to the membership of the Executive Council which is a separate body with distinct functions of its own.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, 10 October 1951. Groves supplies the information requested by Head on 6 October 1951. Groves says the approved establishment is currently at 190.
DMC Cleland to General Sir John Northcott, 13 October 1951. The Administration as a whole has come through a strenuous period… Latterly the Administration has been emerging from that period and embarking on the next stage of consolidation and development… Now however the suggested cut in the Estimates and Works Programme, can, if it becomes an accomplished fact, seriously impede this second stage. The broad organization and functions of Departments are sound, but some Departments are weak in top personnel of administrative ability and drive. Furthermore, some have received more financial support than others.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Review of Establishment, 13 October 1951. 7 pages. Groves supplies more details for information requested by Head on 6 October 1951. He gives the proposed percentage reduction for each item of expenditure and the effect of these reductions. E.g., Bursaries and Allowances for Secondary Education – Reduction 22%; Amount of subsidy to be reduced to 100 and no new cases granted assistance. Subsidies for Schools – No more subsidized schools can be opened. Native Teachers – Reduction 17%; All promotions to be cancelled and no more teachers with dependants to be appointed. Maintenance of Students in Native Schools – Reduction 20%; Closing down of some boarding schools and retrenchment of married students.
Director Department of District Services and Native Affairs (DDS&NA) to Government Secretary, Trusteeship Council, 13 October 1951. ASOPA: The Trusteeship Council was advised that ASOPA has been placed on a permanent basis. If DDS&NA staff reduced, it will be impossible to send officers to attend the two-year course, which may result in the School having to be closed.
South Pacific Post, Names of Council Members Released, 12 October 1951, p 1. Mainly heads of departments. Mission reps were Rev DE Ure (LMS), Fr J Dwyer (RC) and Rev FG Lewis (Meth). Native members Merari Dickson, Aisoli Salin and Simogun Pita. One woman Mrs Doris Booth. Biographies.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Staff: Department of Education, 19 October 1951. I feel that, from the point of view of (headquarters) staff, the Department has never been at a lower ebb than at present, with increasing work and diminishing resources to cope with it. I have no desire to harass you in your present known circumstances. But I do seriously feel that the requirements of this Department are regularly overlooked; and I do not understand why this should continue to be so.
South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 26 October 1951, p 11. Groves left Port Moresby on 26th for Noumea for 8th Meeting of South Pacific Commission. Was also there in May for meetings of the Research Council.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck to Make Brief Visit, 2 November 1951, p 4. Overnight Lae on way to unveil war memorial Lae. Back Lae 12th. No itinerary.
South Pacific Post, MPs Pass Up Chance to Discuss Territory, 16 November 1951, p 4. No members took the opportunity to speak on NG in the House of Representatives Budget debates. PNG was barely mentioned and Hasluck wasn’t even in the House. Was in Noumea.
South Pacific Post, Not Worth a Mention, 16 November 1951, p 8. Editorial outraged that Territory only received a passing mention in budget debate and Hasluck wasn’t even there. “We are shackled to a government that hasn’t the time or interest to govern; that tosses in chicken feed subsidy and authorizes a bunch of Federal bureaucrats to tell us how to spend it… We must use every channel possible to get a greater measure of self-government. In this regard the Legislative Council, used properly, could put us on the right track…. The Labor government went out of office with a shameful record of Territory mismanagement behind it. The Labor record is being perpetuated by the Liberals while the Territory slowly rots away from under us.”
WS Arthur to His Honour the Administrator, 16 November 1951. Registrar of ASOPA forwards a copy of the Minutes of the fourth meeting of the Council.
WC Groves to All Education Staff, Performance of Staff Duties in all Schools During Christmas Vacation, 20 November 1951. On duty. Can leave their station and if no work may be used by other Departments.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck Now Our Ally, 23 November 1951, p 1. Hasluck says he would like to be counted on as the Territory’s ally.
South Pacific Post, Murray’s Policy of Lasting Value, 23 November 1951, p 8. Tribute to Murray’s reign by Justice R T Gore.
WC Groves, Village Councils, 28 November 1951. FG Lewis questioned Groves on Village Councils at the Legislative Council 28 November. Groves supplied him with a copy of the provisional rules governing the arrangement between the Department of Education and Village Councils in connection with the establishment and conduct of schools of this type.
South Pacific Post, Apprenticeship Bill Passed, 30 November 1951, p 5. Introduced by Groves.
JK Murray to Dr L Mair, 3 December 1951. Gives composition of the Legislative Council. Groves a member. Opened 26 November 1951 with inaugural speech by his Excellency the Administrator of the Commonwealth (General Sir John Northcott), followed by a speech by Hasluck. The Council has sat every day since … and probably will sit until Tuesday next. There will probably be another session of about a fortnight in the latter half of February.
JK Murray to Dr L Mair, 3 December 1951. Murray on CMC Hasluck: On background, he should be a very good Minister indeed.
JK Murray to Dr L Mair, 3 December 1951. Murray on CR Lambert: He is energetic and purposeful and we are not experiencing the difficulty now in getting decisions, most of them palatable. This appropriation is not as much as we hoped to have this year and means we will not be able to extend much, if at all. The Governor of Dutch New Guinea paid a courtesy visit about a month age…I hope to return the visit early in January.
CD Rowley to JK Murray, 7 December 1951. Disappointed Murray can’t attend first ceremony for presentation of Diplomas. On the matter of external courses and examinations, we did, some months ago, prepare a plan which was approved at the last meeting of the School Council. I understand that it is still in the stage of being considered from the point of view of staffing arrangements, by the Public Service Board. Hope to visit the Territory early in the New Year. I am hoping by that time the matter of extension courses will have progressed to the stage where we could begin making arrangements in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Protest Over Delay on Education, 7 December 1951, p 1. In his maiden speech to the Legislative Council, Mr CM Jacobsen protested at the delay in announcing 1952 secondary education subsidies. The Administration raised the matter with Canberra on 30 August and sent out reminders on 15 and 24 October and 6 and 29 November.
South Pacific Post, Native Member Speaks Up on Education, 7 December 1951, p 7. Meravi Dickson wants Australian schools to open their doors to native pupils. Education facilities in the Territory for natives are not enough. Aisoli Salin agrees.
South Pacific Post, Allowances for Education, 21 December 1951, p 1. Groves announced that the Minister has approved secondary education allowance at same level as 1951 (₤125) provided it can be paid out of existing funds.
South Pacific Post, Native Education Great Need, 28 December 1951, p 6. In his Christmas broadcast to Territory, Murray emphasized the importance of education and stressed the need for natives to go to school regularly. Need many native teachers.
WC Groves, To Each European Member of the Department of Education, 12 December 1951. I have personally never worked so consistently over such a varied field in any previous period of my life as I have since I took up office in late 1946.
Notes
[1] Allbrook, Malcolm. ‘Hasluck, Sir Paul Meernaa.’ Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 19, 2021
[2] Allbrook, Malcolm. ‘Hasluck, Sir Paul Meernaa.’ Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 19, 2021
[3] Bolton, Geoffrey. ‘Paul Hasluck: A Life.’ Perth: UWA Publishing, 2014 116 In Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 19, 2021
[4] Bolton, Geoffrey. ‘Paul Hasluck: A Life.’ Perth: UWA Publishing, 2014 169, 168 In Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 19, 2021
[5] Hasluck, Paul. A Time for Building: Australian Administration in Papua and New Guinea, 1951–1963. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Press, 1976, 3-5
[6] Hasluck, Paul. A Time for Building: Australian Administration in Papua and New Guinea, 1951–1963. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Press, 1976, 6
[7] Allbrook, Malcolm. ‘Hasluck, Sir Paul Meernaa’. In Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 19, 2021
[8] Ryan, Peter. Brief Lives. Potts Point, NSW: Duffy & Snellgrove, 2004 In Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 19, 2021
[9] Hasluck, Paul. A Time for Building: Australian Administration in Papua and New Guinea, 1951–1963. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Press, 1976, 7
[10] Thompson, Roger C. ‘Halligan, James Reginald (1894-1968)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol 14, 1996
[11] Hasluck, Paul, A Time for Building, Wilke & Co, Victoria, 1976, p
[12] ‘Hasluck Impertinent, Absurd Murray.’ South Pacific Post, 11 July 1952, 1
[13] ‘Assistant Administrator Announced.’ South Pacific Post, 10 August 1951, 1
[14] JK Murray to CD Rowley, 31 August 1951
[15] DM Cleland, Reorganisation of the Central Executive of the Administration, 17 September 1951
[16] ‘Minister Alters Tour Plans.’ South Pacific Post, 13 July 1951, 6
[17] ‘Welcome Visit,’ South Pacific Post, 27 July 1951, 8
[18] Paul Hasluck to His Honour the Administrator, 10 August 1951
[19] ‘Assistant Administrator Announced.’ South Pacific Post, 10 August 1951, 1
[20] ‘Permanent Heads Announced.’ South Pacific Post, 4 May 1951, 1
[21] DMC Cleland to General Sir John Northcott, 13 October 1951
[22] JK Murray to Dr L Mair, 3 December 1951
[23] JK Murray to Dr L Mair, 3 December 1951.
[24] DM Cleland, Reorganisation of the Central Executive of the Administration, 17 September 1951.
[25] JK Murray to EAF Head, 9 March 1951.
[26] South Pacific Post, Budget Hits Territory Development, 28 September 1951, p 1.
[27] South Pacific Post, Assistant Administrator Announced, 10 August 1951, p 1.
[28] JK Murray to CD Rowley, 31 August 1951.
[29] South Pacific Post, Mr Halligan Retires 13 November 1959 p10.
[30] South Pacific Post, Profile, 11 May 1951, p 4.
[31] RC Thompson, Halligan, James Reginald (1894-1968), Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol 14, 1996.
[32] Secretary Department of Territories to His Honour the Administrator, Departmental Administrative Arrangements, 2 June 1951.
[33] South Pacific Post, Hasluck is New Minister, 11 May 1951, p 1.
[34] Secretary Department of Territories to His Honour the Administrator, Departmental Administrative Arrangements, 2 June 1951.
[35] South Pacific Post, Profile, 18 May 1951, p 9.
[36] JK Murray to PC Spender, 5 March 1951.
[37] South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 20 January 1951, p 12.
[38] South Pacific Post, Parliament Dissolved – Election on April 28, 22 March 1951, p 1.
[39] Ibid.
[40] South Pacific Post, Permanent Heads Announced, 4 May 1951, p 1.
[41] Secretary Department of Territories to His Honour the Administrator, Departmental Administrative Arrangements, 2 June 1951.
[42] South Pacific Post, Parliament Dissolved – Election on April 28, 22 March 1951, p 1.
[43] South Pacific Post, Department of Administrator, 21 September 1951, p 1.
[44] JK Murray to Dr L Mair, 3 December 1951.
[45] South Pacific Post, Education Head to Visit Suva, 5 January 1951, p 1.
[46] South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 26 October 1951, p 11.
[47] South Pacific Post, Administrator Backs Visit by Navy Ships, 6 June 1951, p 7.
[48] South Pacific Post, Minister Alters Tour Plans, 13 July 1951, p 6.
[49] WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Australian School of Pacific Administration, 27 August 1951.
[50] JK Murray to CD Rowley, 31 August 1951.
[51] South Pacific Post, Personal Pointers, 26 October 1951, p 11.
[52] South Pacific Post, Hasluck to Make Brief Visit, 2 November 1951, p 4.
________________________________
DOCUMENTS FROM 1952
Introduction
In an attempt to improve the efficiency of the Territory Administration, Minister Paul Hasluck asked EAF Head, the TPNG Public Service Commissioner, to review the state of those departments that were causing most concern. At the end of May, Head reported that he had no confidence in the organisation of the Department of Education and he proposed to undertake a thorough investigation of that Department. Cleland, the Acting Administrator, supported these views, telling Canberra that “there was a lack of direction arising primarily from no definitive objective in the policy of the department.” [1]
Key personnel
Cecil Ralph Lambert, Secretary, Department of Territories, 1951-64.
Colonel JK Murray, Administrator, retires 30 June 1952. “After six years’ service in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, first as Provisional Administrator and later as Administrator, Colonel JK Murray will relinquish his position from June 30 next.” Murray has been on leave since March and Cleland has replaced him as Acting Administrator.[2]
Ernest Alfred Francis Head, Public Service Commissioner TPNG, 1949-53.
Cecil Ralph Lambert, Secretary of the Department of Territories, 1951-64.
Dudley McCarthy, Department of Territories, 1952. In charge of a Branch of the Department and concerned specifically with education and related matters.[3]
Movement of officials
March 2: The Administrator, JK Murray, left the Territory for four months. Cleland was Acting Administrator.[4]
Murray left Moresby 2 March. In Brisbane 2 and 3, Sydney 4, Canberra 6 and back to Sydney same day, Hobart 7 and to Mount Wellington for six weeks; then at least a month in Queensland.[5]
April 16: Cleland on tour of Madang and Sepik areas with the Minister[6] [7]
April 16-27: Hasluck arrived 16th to visit Lae, Madang and Sepik. Returns Australia 27th.[8]
April/May: Groves has been absent from Port Moresby for over a month and refers to his recent visit to New Guinea. Mrs Groves returned from two and a half months in Australia so Groves may have taken advantage of her absence to make a tour of New Guinea.[9]
August/September: Cleland in Rabaul 20 to 25 August to consider rebuilding the town. The following week to Wau, Lae, Eastern and Western Highlands. Back to Moresby 14 September.[10]
August 31- mid-October: Groves is going to Nauru for at least six weeks.[11]
October 22-23: Cleland and Roscoe to visit Wau 22 and 23 October to inspect suitable sites for the proposed High School. Return Moresby 23 October.[12]
Mid-October/Early November: Cleland anticipates visiting Daru and the Northern Division sometime between mid-October and early November 1952.[13]
November 12-14: Cleland leaves 12th for Daru for first part of tour planned with Minister. Returns Moresby 14th. Minister arrives next week.[14]
November 16: Hasluck here for 15-day tour with wife. Most of the time in Popondetta-Buna.[15]
December 4 or 5: Groves is leaving Port Moresby for four months on the MV Murkur.[16]
Notes
[1] Administration Press Release, August 1952.
[2] DM Cleland, Opening Address to the Mission Conference, 10 November 1952.
[3] South Pacific Post, Territories Minister Here November 16, 7 November 1952, p 3.
[4] WC Groves to D Owner, 21 November 1952.
[13] June 25: WC Groves to BW Brown.
[14] October 17: DJ Sullivan to HP Seale.
Mid-October/Early November: Cleland anticipates visiting Daru and the Northern Division sometime between mid-October and early November 1952.[15]
November 12-14: Cleland leaves 12th for Daru for first part of tour planned with Minister. Returns Moresby 14th. Minister arrives next week.[16]
November 16: Hasluck here for 15-day tour with wife. Most of the time in Popondetta-Buna.[17]
December 4 or 5: Groves is leaving Port Moresby for four months on the MV Murkur.[18]
Correspondence & Papers
Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society, Annual Report and Proceedings, Port Moresby, 1952. WC Groves was president 1952/53. Gives membership.
Department of Education, Native Education: Mekeo Reader No 1, Catholic Mission, Yule Island, 1952. A school reader in the Mekeo language.
HH Reeve to His Honour the Administrator, Estimates 1951–52, 12 January 1951. Reeve presented the Estimates to Murray to forward to the Minister. Reeve had discussed the Estimates with each Departmental Head. “In practically every instance a strong view is held that the overall restriction in finance will prevent… Departmental progress and expansion.” Three pages of Education figures.
South Pacific Post, Technical Head for Education, 18 January 1952, p 2. F Butler has arrived to take up position. He will develop a long-range plan for the technical and industrial education of natives.
South Pacific Post, Policy on Higher Education Still Unchanged, 18 January 1952, p 4. Commenting on an LMS proposal to build a Territory school at Townsville, Groves says it is still policy to build schools in the Territory. He has plans for schools at Wau, Moresby and Rabaul.
South Pacific Post, The Stock Answer, 18 January 1952, p 8. The editorial complains that the stock answer to requests for schools is ‘No funds.’ The cost of flying the Minister from Australia to Manus by bomber instead of using half-empty commercial planes could have built a new school.
South Pacific Post, ₤7,000 for New Lae School, 18 January 1952, p 12. The Government Secretary’s Department has asked Canberra for the money and expects approval soon.
EAF Head, Public Service of Papua and New Guinea - Staff, 19 January 1952, File ED/1 A/1 Pt II Folio 6 and Office of the Public Service Commissioner File 0.3/3. As at 30 November 1951 the Department of Education was employing 117 people. Total staff for the whole Territory “is now considerably in excess of the total employed at 30 September 1951.” As a result, “limited recruitment for essential staff can be undertaken only if substantial savings can be effected throughout Departments.” Staff reductions were to be made through “a strict review of the Service to remove inefficient or superfluous officers and end non-essential activities…Transfer to another Department without unduly affecting the present efficiency of your Department… (and) a re-organization of functions and duties.” Requests for essential recruitment for maintenance of existing essential services, and to carry out approved developmental policies must be supported by a Submission describing the positions to be filled and the relationship to developmental programmes.
WC Groves, Policy With Regard to the Allocation of European Teaching Staff to Meet the Present Circumstances of Strictly Limited European Establishment, 22 January 1952. The basis on which European staff should be distributed amongst various types of schools.
Minutes of Executive Council Meeting No. 3 of 1952, 25 January 1952. Council resolved to present the Education Ordinance to the Legislative Council at its next meeting subject to a few minor amendments.
JK Murray to JH Jones, 26 January 1952. I do not think it would be unfair to suggest that what is sauce for the goose may also be sauce for the gander and if we prohibit native people without passes being present in Port Moresby after 9 pm similarly we might prohibit Europeans, Malays etc. being in Hanuabada Village after 9 pm unless there on business or with the approval of the District Commissioner.
Reply by Director of Education to Speech by Father Dwyer in Legislative Council, Second Meeting, February 1952. Gives statistics on Government expenditure on Mission education and numbers in schools. The plans of the Department of Education for the next two years, even within its now restrictive resources, are designed to open up 100 Native Schools of various types.
South Pacific Post, Education Department Promotions, 8 February 1952, p 6. Lists promotions of many European officers.
JK Murray to M Eggleston, 13 February 1952. Miss Eggleston is writing a thesis at London University on ‘The History of the Church in Education in Papua and New Guinea’. Murray sends her material on the Administration/Mission conferences, the Annual reports and provides information on the ‘spheres of influence’ of the missions throughout PNG.
South Pacific Post, Natives Show Great Interest in School Programme, 15 February 1952, p 2. Sid Neilson is supervising the rebuilding (too old) of Kundiawa School. 80 boarders and will cater for students within one day’s walk. No female students enrolled but Government will reconsider later.
South Pacific Post, Administrator Opens DC’s Conference, 15 February 1952, p 8. Our major objective is to see the natives desiring continuation of Australian participation in P & NG. Wants English words introduced into Pidgin.
JK Murray, Address by His Honour the Administrator at the Opening of the Annual Congress of the R.S.S. & A.I.L.A., Lae, 16 February 1952. 9 pages. Deals with soldier/settlement scheme and crops to grow in PNG. I do not expect all to agree with me, but I give it as an informed opinion that the IQ of the native people of this Territory is not greatly different from that of a cross-section of Europe…what the native people have lacked is opportunity.
JT Bensted to JK Murray, 18 February 1952. Bensted forwards his criticism of Lett’s book ‘Sir Hubert Murray of Papua’.
CD Rowley to CR Lambert, 21 February 1952, Accession 244, Box171 File 7.1. Thank you for your official approval of my forthcoming visit to the Territory…you mentioned that there were one or two investigations you would like people at the School to undertake for you…If you would like me to come (to Canberra) for a day before I leave (4th March) I would be happy to do so.
CR Lambert to CD Rowley, 21 February 1952. Misunderstanding regarding possible investigations. I would prefer to have a discussion with you after you return from the Territory. What I would like you to do when you go to the Territory is to discuss your functions, organization, and procedure, including length of course and curricula, with the responsible administrative officers so that when you come back, we might be able to have a talk on whether and to what extent if any your organisation and arrangements at the School might be improved to meet the requirements of the Administration. You could, at the same time, canvass the possibility of whether, in the views of the Administration, the School staff could be used with advantage on some investigatory work.
South Pacific Post, District Services School ‘Should be Here’, 22 February 1952, p 3. Barrett told the Legislative Council that he wants ASOPA in the Territory.
Education Ordinance 1952: Report of Proceedings of the Committee Appointed to Consider Amendments to the Education Bill, 23 February 1952. Examined Part V – Recognised Schools. Committee consisted of The Assistant Administrator, Fr Dwyer, Rev Lewis, Mr Ure, The Director of Education, the Director of District Services and Mr D?
Draft Education Bill, undated but of this period. The document compares the Bill as agreed upon by the Executive Council and the draft submitted by Canberra.
JK Murray to JT Bensted, 27 February 1952. Bensted’s criticism of Lett’s book ‘Sir Hubert Murray of Papua’ is forwarded to ASOPA.
JD Sullivan to Acting Superintendent Lutheran Mission Lae, 28 February 1952. His Honour leaves the Territory for four months on Sunday 2 March. Cleland will be Acting Administrator.
JK Murray to Assistant Administrator, 28 February 1952. Prior to going on leave, Murray provided Cleland with a list of matters that needed attention. His Honour is pleased with the Sogeri education centre and wants its buildings upgraded.
JK Murray to DM Cleland, 29 February 1952. Murray supplies his itinerary whilst on leave. Leaves Moresby 2 March. Brisbane 2 and 3, Sydney 4, Canberra 6 and back to Sydney the same day, Hobart 7 and off to Mount Wellington for six weeks; then at least a month in Queensland.
Director of Education to Secretary Department of Territories, Wau High School, 29 February 1952. Loch’s note: There is a bit of correspondence on this topic which I have not included as the project never eventuated. If a researcher is interested in earlier correspondence, it can be provided. The object of establishing a secondary school was “to provide educational opportunities for children of persons in the lower income groups … One large, good school is necessary, centrally located in one of the desirable climatic regions of the Territory…a fully co-educational boarding school… students will be able to gain entrance into Australian Universities.” The above points were not only fully considered but also accepted in principle when the first public announcement was made.
South Pacific Post, Administration Attacked at Party Meeting, 29 February 1952, p 1. Queensland Senator Kendall attacked the Administration at a Liberal party meeting in Townsville saying that maladministration was no fault of Hasluck but of the Administration.
South Pacific Post, Examinations to Decide School Subsidy, 29 February 1952, p 6. At the end of 1952, a subsidy examination will be introduced to determine who will be awarded subsidies.
South Pacific Post, A Costly School, 29 February 1952, p 8. The editorial considers that officers at ASOPA should bear the cost themselves or better still transfer a section of the College to Port Moresby and use correspondence lessons for the rest.
South Pacific Post, Mission Schooling Under Discussion, 29 February 1952, p 8. Fr Dwyer says 127,000 of the 131,000 students are in mission schools and Missions provide 363 of the 428 European teachers but only get ₤63,831 of ₤600,000 spent on education. They deserve more. Groves challenged Dwyer’s statistics saying not all Mission students were in secular schools and many mission teachers were not trained. Fr Dwyer says that on two occasions Education Bills have been passed by the Executive Council without being considered by the Legislative Council. Dwyer wants an Education Board with a strong Mission representation.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Staff Department of Education - Review of Present Position and Requirements, 5 March 1952. Prior to the lowered ceiling “set for financial reasons”, the approved establishment was 188. 61 of these positions were eliminated and the ceiling thus reduced to 127. At present, the number of Officers actually employed is 118. Mr. Julius is transferring to District Services and Native Affairs. This leaves the number of positions unfilled at 10. Groves puts his case for urgent action to be taken to appoint these officers at the earliest possible date. 9 pages.
Bena Bena Mission to Director of Education, 5 March 1952. The Mission thanks the Director for arranging the visit of Miss Archer who taught them how to spin wool and make bamboo blinds.
South Pacific Post, Value of Mission, 7 March 1952, p 8. The editorial says the Mission role in education needs public airing. At present many Territorians are of the firm opinion that the Missions have been allowed to get too strong a hold on the religious and secular education of the natives and they are anxious to know when the Administration will accept its responsibility in this field and introduce some control over the activities of the missions. Umpteen varying brands of religions. Many are no more than religious cranks.
CR Lambert to JK Murray, Reports Requested by the Minister, 18 March 1952. The following is a copy of a minute recently written by the Minister: “When I ask for a report, I want a report on the facts of a case and there is no need for special pleading or self-justification. The calling for a report does not mean that I am making any charges against our officers, or that I have accepted any of the charges that other persons may have made.”
CR Lambert to His Honour the Acting Administrator, Participation of Junior Officers in Policy Discussions, 18 March 1952. The Minister has directed…that every opportunity and encouragement is to be given to junior officers to take an interest in the shaping of policy…a duty to be shared by all.
South Pacific Post, The Value of Mission, 28 March 1952, p 9. Percy Chatterton says it is better to cooperate than criticize. “The pioneer missions of the 1870’s and 1880’s established schools in Papua because there was no one else to do it. The missions of today continue to operate these for about 90% of the national population there is still no one else to do it … If the mission schools were taken over by the Administration the unhappiest man would be the Director of Education as he would have to find scores of European and hundreds of native teachers and several hundred thousand pounds more than Canberra is ever likely to allow him.”
Department of Education, Map of Papua and New Guinea, April 1952. Was prepared for a supplement to the ‘Papua and New Guinea Villager.’
DM Cleland to WC Groves, 15 April 1952. Leaves on 16th for tour of Madang and Sepik areas with the Minister, “and therefore will not have the opportunity of seeing you on your return … I was very sorry and disappointed that you did not adhere to the arrangement which you made verbally with me that Mr Irvine would return after the first ten days – this I will discuss further with you when I come back from my tour … The two matters upon which I desire finality to be reached are the Education Bill and also the grants for school aid for children going to Australia. The Government Secretary will be communicating with you in regard to these two matters.”
Director of Education to all Education Officers, 18 April 1952, p 6. Roscoe signing for Groves. (Note: Groves states in letter to Dwyer 7 May, that he has been away from Moresby for over a month.) Roscoe says he has to keep an eye on all expenditure including traveling expenses so it is not easy for Headquarters to keep in touch with what is going on in the field. Reports from Education Officers “may serve as an indication to Headquarters of the effectiveness of policy, or as a guide to other officers with similar problems to meet.” “On occasion, excerpts from Reports have been sent to field officers; but generally, shortages of staff or materials have prevented circulation of information that might have been of general value.”
South Pacific Post, Hasluck in ‘Routine’ Visit, 18 April 1952, p 1. Arrived 16th to visit Lae and other mainland centres. Returns Australia 27th.
South Pacific Post, Treasury Tightens Up-School Prizes Cut, 18 April 1952, p 4. The custom of granting ₤10 to each school for prizes is to be discontinued.
South Pacific Post, On Remote Control, 18 April 1952, p 6. The ASOPA magazine ‘South Pacific’ quotes Hasluck as saying the administration of P&NG will become increasingly centralized in Australia. The SPP editorial said, “This statement indicates a completely changed outlook from when the Minister first took office. At that time, he spoke freely of his desire to rid the Administration of its Canberra shackles; he admitted that the Territory could only be efficiently administered if men on the spot had the authority to make decisions and he promised to see that Canberra interference was reduced to a minimum.” “This turned out to be just another piece of political balderdash, for as all departmental heads know, Mr Hasluck has demanded that more and more decisions be referred to him in Canberra. The situation has reached the stage where some departmental heads are ready to give up in disgust.”
WC Groves to Fr J Dwyer, 7 May 1952. Groves been absent from Port Moresby for over a month and refers to his recent visit to New Guinea. Mrs Groves has just returned from two and a half month in Australia so Groves may have taken advantage of her absence to make a tour of New Guinea. Groves is going to Nauru for at least six weeks. Groves is replying to a letter from Dwyer dated 11 March and it appears both wish to heal any differences over comments made during recent Legislative Council meetings. Groves was suffering from the ‘dog’s disease’ at the time and asks Dwyer if he has a cure for the ‘spotted dog’ condition of his fair skin. Finally, Groves states the he and his wife “will be glad to see your legs under our table again one of these days.”
South Pacific Post, Is It Fair Dinkum, 9 May 1952, p 8. Concerning a committee being sent to the Territory to investigate customs the editorial comments, “They (the Territorians) know full well that Canberra does not make a habit of seeking Territorial opinions on any subject and that since Paul Hasluck took office even the views of the Administration are seldom sought.”
Press Release: Statement by Minister for Territories, 10 May 1952. “After six years’ service in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, first as Provisional Administrator and later as Administrator, Colonel JK Murray will relinquish his position from June 30 next.” Murray has been on leave since March and Cleland has replaced him as Acting Administrator.
South Pacific Post, Dignity, Sincerity, Highlight Co. Murray’s Term, 16 May 1952, p 1. Murray to retire 30 June 1952. Was appointed in June 1949, for five years, by the Labor government. Feelings are that he was politically persuaded to retire. Cleland will be acting Administrator. Murray on leave in Australia.
South Pacific Post, A Political Playpen, 16 May 1952, p 8. Editorial says, “The ‘resignation’ of Labor-appointed Col Murray just a few convenient months after the arrival of Liberal-appointed Mr. Cleland is just a further indication that Canberra regards this Territory as no more than a political playpen.” Col. Murray will be remembered as an Administrator who was too much of a gentleman to betray anyone, even the Canberra nincompoops to whom he gave complete allegiance.”
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education – Teaching Staff Needs, 16 May 1952. “I am seriously disturbed about the problem of maintaining European teaching staff throughout the schools of the Territory, especially European schools.” Groves outlines the situation for the larger schools and recommends that applications be called immediately for six Primary teachers. 3 pages.
CR Lambert to Secretary Prime Minister’s Department, Australian Council of School Organisations: Resolutions on Education, 18 March 1952. The educational arrangements existing in Papua and New Guinea for the recruitment of teachers are direct appointments from State Education Departments in response to advertisements, and a course which “covers two years including one year of professional training and one year of preparation at ASOPA, Sydney and in the Territory.”
Murray’s Retirement. Many letters were sent to Murray expressing sadness at his departure. These have not been listed.
South Pacific Post, Farce Calling for Applicants, 30 May 1952, p 1. Eddie Ward says applications for Murray’s job would probably be called but Cleland will get it.
EAF Head to the Administrator, Department of Education-Proposed Investigation of Functions, 30 May 1952, Accession 245, Box 151 File 11.15 and Office of the Public Service Commissioner, File A.5/5. “I desire to advise that I have had no confidence in the organization of the Department of Education since shortly after my arrival in the Territory and I propose to undertake a thorough investigation into the actual work being performed in that Department at a very early date … The opinion is held that a complete re-organisation is essential and this could be undertaken more efficiently by co-opting a competent Education Officer from Australia with a flair for organisation, as the present structure appears to consist of too many highly paid officers reported to be performing important functions, but which, upon examination, may prove to be far below the status which has been accorded them… too little has been accomplished…several expert advisers have visited and reported with little tangible result. A ‘down to earth’ policy must be determined with the necessary readjustment to staff.” Head asks for the Administrator’s support for a submission to the Department of Territories to secure the services of a senior competent Education officer for one month to carry out the investigation.
Farewell Message of His Honour the Administrator, ‘Villager’, June 1952. Press Release, South Pacific Commission, 3 June 1952.
Statement by Hasluck in the House of Representatives. A meeting of the Research Council will commence in Noumea on 9th June.
JK Murray to WC Groves, 5 June 1952, Accession 244, Box 162 File 1.2.8. “We will be very sorry to leave you all.” His Honour appreciates the Director of Education’s efforts in a ‘difficult’ and ‘thankless task’… “but given a few more years, you will, I feel, be gratified by the enthusiasm and appreciation which will greet mention of the work of yourself and your Department.”
DM Cleland to Secretary, Department of Territories, Department of Education -Proposed Investigation into Functions, 6 June 1952, Accession 245, Box 151 File GH 11.15. Cleland supports Head’s criticisms and approach. “I myself share the views of the Commissioner, not only in regard to the organization and functions of the headquarters staff but also as to the effectiveness of the Department in the field. My recent tour with the Minister when we visited various education establishments led me to believe that there was lack of direction arising primarily from no definite objective in the policy of the Department.”
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Cadet Education Officers, 6 June 1952. Groves asks for ten Cadet positions to be advertised as soon as possible for 1953 courses. “The revised arrangements propose to increase the Cadet course, in the case of non-graduates, from two to three years… for University graduates or holders of University Diplomas the course will continue to be two years as before … A further change proposed … is that fees payable in respect of the first year (at Teachers’ College or University of Sydney) should not be a charge against the Cadet but should be met by the Administration. The Principal of ASOPA strongly supports the proposal … A further modification … is that the ₤50 per annum from salary during the course should not be required.” Groves recommends that seven places be reserved at Sydney Teachers’ College for 1953. (Note: The College requires notification by October and the procedure is for the Prime Minister to approach the Premier.)
South Pacific Post, Laws That Bounce, 6 June 1952, p 8. Hasluck has recommended to the Governor General that the Legislative Council’s approved Rubber Tariff Ordinance be disallowed. The editorial said, “Like all dictators, Paul Hasluck…has become power happy. He believes that he is the only person who is permitted an opinion on the administration of this Territory. Consequently, any administrative officer who dares back the mighty Hasluck is inviting the axe (Col. Murray). Now, however, the dictator has taken on something bigger than the individual. He has decided that the 29 members of the Legislative Council are incapable of passing legislation.”
JK Murray, A Talk on the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 8 June 1952. Given on the ABC. Review of the Territory.
JK Murray to James McAuley, 10 June 1952, Accession 244, Box 168 File 1.9.3 Mc. On a previous occasion, it was proposed that I should leave the Administration, and I succeeded in staying on, as I really hoped to complete the period of service up to 30th June 1954; but this is not to be. I regret very greatly that Departmental officers should have persuaded the Minister to insert in the Papua and New Guinea Act the provision whereby the School may be discontinued on the basis of advice by the Minister to the Governor General. I consider that provision a blot on the Act. I have been disappointed in what we have done in health and education, but this has been due to factors which were mostly out of the control of the Heads of the Department concerned: not that they haven’t done great work, but I hoped that the situation would have been firmer and less subject to buffeting and depredation of funds as a consequence of political factors … procrastination and an unwillingness to make decisions at the Canberra level. Although we did not achieve the making available of ₤90-₤100 million as a fund to care for the needs of the Territory for 10 years, with a spending maximum of ₤15 in any one year (as I had asked for), I feel that it had been a real achievement to have the Australian Government to continue to increase the grant made year by year, until it has reached a figure of between ₤5 and ₤6 million.
South Pacific Post, Bishop Urges Review of Decision on Col Murray, 13 June 1952, p 1. Rt Rev PNW Strong has appealed to the Bishop of London to approach the Prime Minister, who is in England, and cable Hasluck to right the great wrong that had been done to Murray and the dignity of the office.
South Pacific Post, Need to Increase Annual Grant, 13 June 1952, p 8. Murray speaking on the ABC National Programme said, “There is no future for the Territory unless its people are given literacy in a modern language such as English.”
South Pacific Post, Minister Replies, 20 June 1952, p 1. In replying to Bishop Strong Hasluck said, “The only effect any decision regarding an official appointment will have will be on the efficiency with which the Government’s policy is carried out… The determination to terminate Col Murray’s term as Administrator was made in the belief that the efficiency of the Territorial Administration would be improved.”
WC Steele to His Honour the Administrator, Oxford English Course for Papua and New Guinea, 16 June 1952. Informs HH that the pupil’s books and teacher’s notes for First Year Speaking and Reading are printed and in stock Port Moresby. The second and third years are in preparation and expected this year. Years four to seven are expected in 1953.
South Pacific Post, New English Course for Natives, 20 June 1952, p 7. A new seven-year course for teaching English as a second language is being prepared at the request of the Department of Education. Introductory parts are in stock in Port Moresby. Edited by FG French, with the advice of the Territory’s teachers. It is ‘The Oxford English Course for Papua and New Guinea.’
WC Groves to BW Brown, 25 June 1952. Replying to a letter of 27 August 1951, “Like so many other things it has been lying here for that long time.” “We have not been entirely idle here. The job grows bigger every day, with too few people to handle it. I think I can say with truth that I personally have never worked so continuously hard at any job that has fallen to my lot before … I leave for Nauru, to be away for about six weeks, on Sunday.”
List of Duties – RC Ralph, 26 June 1952. Tasks Outstanding for Professional Assistant to OIC General Division, 26 June 1952.
JK Murray to WC Steele, 30 June 1952. Murray would like copies of the Oxford English Course for Papua and New Guinea books sent to him in Queensland.
JK Murray to DM Cleland, 30 June 1952. Murray is delighted with the printing of the Oxford English Course for Papua and New Guinea books. “It is one of the excellent ventures that Mr. Groves’ Department has been responsible for.”
JK Murray to Aisoli Salin, 30 June 1952. “In a conference held in Sydney, I was responsible for the suggested composition of the Legislative Council, and the proposal that there should be native members.”
GT Roscoe, Native Education, July 1952. Statement prepared for Cadet Patrol Officers. “There is over 3,000 Mission Schools. The vast majority of them are ‘Village Vernacular’ schools taught by Native catechists or ‘teachers’, who are hardly literate themselves, and have no training in the Art of Teaching. They receive little or no pay, which is one of the reasons why, if you visit a Village School without notice, you will very likely find the school closed and the teacher working in his garden.” Other topics are: Mission subsidies, No systematic inspections, Education Bill to provide for registration and inspection, and Government Schools. “No Government funds are available to build or furnish Native schools. Schools are established only in places where the Native people will erect a school building and teachers’ houses without cost to the Administration, and then only if a trained teacher is available.”
GT Roscoe to Treasurer and Director of Finance, Grants-in-Aid to Missions, 2 July 1952. Provides statistics for New Guinea for 1950, 1951 and 1952.
South Pacific Post, Preferred to be Silent – But He Said It, 4 July 1952, p 1. After criticism Hasluck felt obliged to speak more plainly. He appreciates Murray’s work in the past and the “loftiness of his purpose” but these “do not absolve me from my responsibility to the Government of Parliament for the prompt and effective carrying out of routine tasks of Administration in Papua and New Guinea.”
South Pacific Post, Impressive Farewells to Administrator, 4 July 1952, p 4. Cleland has nice things to say about Murray. Murray says the retention of Papua and New Guinea is vital to Australia.
JK Murray to WC Groves, 8 July 1952, Accession 244, Box 162 File 1.2.8. His Honour tells Groves to ‘hold on’ if attempts are made to ‘narrow’ the concept of education. Tells Groves to preface the Estimates with statements of ‘essentials’ in the education policy.
GT Roscoe to SR Richardson, Liaison Officer - Appointment, 8 July 1952. We are about to experiment with all our teachers, requiring them to do correspondence courses, for the first year in English, Arithmetic and the Social Sciences, for the second year in School Method and School Hygiene. The scheme is as yet in the early stages…may extend to Mission Native teachers.”
School Inspection, 10 July 1952. A couple of actual inspection reports on female European teachers.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck Impertinent, Absurd Murray, 11 July 1952, p 1. Murray hits out on his departure. He said that Menzies and Hasluck tried to remove him from office, organised a ‘war of nerves’ and created bottlenecks in Canberra. Note: Essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the early post-war period.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck to Reply at a Later Stage, 13 July 1952, p 3. Hasluck says Cleland was the better man of the two. Some additional details of Cleland’s career.
South Pacific Post, Native Welfare is Big Territory Task, 15 July 1952, p 8. Hasluck’s second article outlining the Commonwealth policy for the development of the Territory. Economic development and native welfare hand in hand. Good race relations.
South Pacific Post, Principal of ASOPA on Visit, 15 July 1952, p 4. Rowley in Port Moresby to confer with the Administration on attendance of Administration Officers at the School.
JH Jones to Director of Education, Quarterly Report – New Ireland District, 22 July 1952. The District Commissioner Kavieng reports “Possibly more than any other Department, the Education service is lagging badly in New Ireland. The reason is known, lack of both European and native teaching staff.”
GT Roscoe to Miss E Manley, 22 July 1952. I had to sit in on a conference with the Treasurer and a representative of the Department of Territories on the Financial Estimates for 1952/53, and the amount available for publications has been so much reduced that we will not be able to undertake the publication of any of the courses of lessons referred to in the present financial year. The amount in vote for the supply of school material to Missions is ₤2,500 and the cost if we continue to issue on the old 10 scale would be ₤45,000… this means that we will not be shipping supplies of school material for any of the Mission Schools in your area in the immediate future.
GT Roscoe to Acting Administrator, Administration Assistance to Missions for Native Education, 28 July 1952. A five-page document summarizing the postwar development of the grants-in-aid system and proposed changes, e.g., grants paid direct to Native teacher who teach in English and have been tested for competency by the Department.
Administration Press Release, August 1952. A mission conference will commence 10 November and will be opened by Hasluck. Cleland in Rabaul 20 to 25 August to consider rebuilding the town. A week later he is off to Wau, Lae, Eastern and Western Highlands. Back Moresby 14 September. He anticipates visiting Daru and the Northern Division sometime between mid-October and early November 1952.
Another couple of inspection reports on European female teachers, 7 August 1952.
South Pacific Post, Territory Presents Governmental Knot, 8 August 1952, p 8. Hasluck’s first article in reply to Murray’s criticism. Deals with economic development, welfare of natives, and delegation of administrative and legislative authority. It describes the machinery of administration and the importance of close continuous contact between Canberra and Port Moresby.
Department of Education, Staff Postings, 10 August 1952. Gives the names, posting and position of every European employee of the Department.
CR Lambert to the Acting Administrator, Wau High School, 15 August 1952. The Minister has given approval in principle to the establishment at Wau of a Secondary Boarding School, for accommodation of 80 pupils, subject to approval of funds, plans being submitted for Ministerial consideration and boarding fees for pupils to be not less than ₤100 per annum. The Minister would like to see a start made with the project during the current year.
GT Roscoe to Mission Head Centres in Papua, Short Course for Native Mission Teachers, 18 August 1952. Missions asked to nominate teachers to attend a course at Sogeri from 1 October to 11 November 1952.
Acting Administrator, Press Release: Apprenticeship Ordinance, 21 August 1951. Ordinance comes into effect 21 August. Five-man board appointed. Groves as chairman.
GT Roscoe to Secretary Department of Territories, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 22 August 1952. The following is a statement of proposals put forward by me on behalf of this Department at your Conference at Government House, Port Moresby, on 11th August 1952. The present arrangement is for Cadets to spend one year at the Sydney Teachers’ College and another year at ASOPA. The Principal of ASOPA considers the short course at Sydney Teachers’ College to be unsuitable and proposes that Cadets: should study at ASOPA for eighteen months; should complete their training by spending the ensuing six months in supervised teaching practice in the Territory, preferably with Native classes. Roscoe objected on many grounds and finished his document with the following recommendation: “that the system of training for Cadet Education Officers be amended, to provide for a two-year course of professional training in a Teachers’ College to be established in Port Moresby and operated by the Department of Education.”
EAF Head to Director of Education, List of Permanent Officers of the Public Service of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea as at 30th June, 1952, 28 August 1952. Head asked the Department to check its permanent appointments 11 against the Head’s list. It is interesting to note that the Department is shown to have 145 positions but 80 of them are vacant.
Broadcast from 9PA, Mr. Hasluck on Wau School, 29 August 1952. Hasluck told the House of Representatives today that the question of providing a secondary school at Wau was under consideration, but it had to take its turn with other extremely urgent works in the Territory.
PMC Hasluck, Policy in Papua New Guinea, 20 September 1952. A reprint of two articles contributed to the Sydney Morning Herald 4th and 5th August 1952. 100 copies were sent to the Department of Education by Cleland for distribution.
WC Groves to DM Cleland, Administrative Procedures, 22 September 1952. 4 pages on interdepartmental co-operation at the headquarters and field levels and factors affecting departmental efficiency.
South Pacific Post, Course of Training for Teachers, 26 September 1952, p 2. The Administration is conducting a short course for Government and Mission teachers at Sogeri from 1 October to 11 November.
South Pacific Post, Plans for More Village Schools, 26 September 1952, p 4. The Department is experimenting with prefabricated units to be used in the framework of outstation schools. The normal course for village schools is: [1] Village school – 3 years in the vernacular. A fourth year to introduce English. If children come from many vernacular groups, then English may be introduced earlier. [2] Village higher school – 4 years where tuition is in English. [3] Central school – Similar to Sogeri.
DM Cleland, Address to the Third Meeting of the Legislative Council, 6 October 1952. 8 pages. Outlines the procedures for passing legislation. Every ordinance passed by the Council must be presented to the Administrator for assent. Where an ordinance is reserved, it is perused by the Attorney-General’s Department in Canberra and the Minister recommends to the Governor General whether he should give his assent or not. Four ordinances have been disallowed in whole or part. The February sitting of the Council considered the Education Bill. As the Mission representatives had a number of amendments in mind the Bill did not proceed. Advantage was taken of the Mission representatives being in Moresby and a Committee was established to consider the Mission representations. The Committee consisted of Cleland as Chairman, Fr Dwyer, Rev Lewis, Mr Ure, Mr Barrett (Director of DS&NA) and the Director of Education. The Committee’s recommendations were agreed to by the Administrator’s Executive Council and remitted to Canberra as it contained matters of policy. Every effort is being made to ensure its return from Canberra before the close of this sitting. Cleland has visited every District except two and hopes to see them before the year is out. “There exists a high spirit of service.”
DM Cleland to Territories, 8 October 1952. Radiogram to Lambert asking for the Education Bill or “adequate statement for Council why Bill will not be presented this session.” This was followed up with a phone call by the Government Secretary on 10 October.
Legislative Council Debates, First Council Second Meeting of the Second Session, 6th to 18th October 1952. 19 pages on the second reading of the Education Bill, 17 October 1952. Groves gives history of the Department.
Department of Education, Monthly Newsletter for September, 8 October 1952. Approval has been requested from the Public Service Commissioner for 10 Cadet Education Officers. 30 teachers enrolled in a course at Sogeri 1 October. The Inspector of Schools has revised the Infants’ Syllabus for European-type schools and this has been circulated. A revision of the English and Mathematics Syllabus for primary grades is in progress. The second assignments of the Native Teachers’ Correspondence Course for Grade II have been despatched.
WC Groves to District Commissioners and Education Officers, Subsidies for Secondary Education 1953, 8 October 1952. The Minister has approved ₤100 per student per annum and one return fare as far as Sydney.
Sub District Office Wau to Acting Administrator, 11 October 1952. History of attempts to build a High School at Wau. Approved by Sir Percy Spender at Wau Memorial Hall in May 1950. Various sites have been proposed. Cleland, Gunther, Roscoe and Rooney visiting Wau. “I would like you to stay in our guest house during your two days here. I think you would prefer that as the hotel is a bit of a blood house. However, I have booked Dr Gunther, Messrs Roscoe and Rooney at the hotel.”
CR Lambert to DM Cleland, Education Bill, 13 October 1952. If the Education Bill is received from the Attorney-General’s Department and if the Minister agrees to the substance the Bill will be put in Wednesday’s mail. The Minister wanted to know why you had to have an explanation if the Bill was not tabled. I explained that private members, especially the Mission members were pressing for the Bill and referring to it as the ‘Cinderella Bill’.
DJ Sullivan to HP Seale, 17 October 1952. Cleland and Roscoe to visit Wau 22 and 23 October to inspect suitable sites for the proposed High School. Return Moresby 23 October.
South Pacific Post, Educate Natives Here Not Australia - MLC, 17 October 1952, p 2. New Guinea Islands Member, A Salin, says that if natives are away for four or five years they will be spoiled by European ways and discontented when they return. M. Dickson, native member for Papua, agrees but pointed out the lack of facilities in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, New Bill’s Power to School Inspectors, 24 October 1952, p 2. A Bill which gives Education Officers power to inspect Mission schools was passed in the Legislative Council last Friday 17th. [A copy of the Education Ordinance is with the Blatchford Collection and filed under this date.] The Bill also gives the Administrator power to declare school attendance compulsory in certain areas. Groves gives a history of the Department and outlines plans for native education in villages (rural bias). Asiatics and mixed race are to receive education similar to Europeans. Fr Dwyer said, “The Administration and the Missions are complementary in the field of education, neither could fully implement the policy without the help of the other. If this interdependency is not appreciated there will be friction with the Millions loath to lose their grip on the education system they have built up and the Administration determined to wrest it from them. The subsidy to send secondary students to Australia has been dropped from ₤125 in 1952 to ₤100 in 1953.
S Lonergan to Heads of Departments, Administration – Missions Conference, 30 October 1952. Attaches copy of agenda and papers relevant to each Department. Says that all heads should attend the opening and closing sessions.
PMC Hasluck, South Pacific Commission, 4 November 1952. Reports proceedings of the Tenth session held in Noumea 6 - 16 October. “In Social Development the more important projects cover literacy studies, literary techniques, visual aids vocational training and the education of women and girls. A South Pacific Literature Bureau has been established to promote the production and distribution of simple literature for island people.’’
South Pacific Post, Territories Minister Here November 16, 7 November 1952, p 3. 15-day tour with wife. Most of the time in Popondetta-Buna.
South Pacific Post, Twenty-Seven Missions Will Attend Conference, 7 November 1952, p 4. Delegates will attend the Administration/Missions Conference to iron out differences. One of the early questions which the Administration has very strong views upon is ‘early interference’ with native customs and laws. Acting Administrator Cleland will open the conference and Groves will chair it.
PMC Hasluck, Mission Conference at Port Moresby, 10 November 1952. Hasluck unable to attend the open due to late sitting of Parliament brought about by death of Rt Hon WM Hughes. “From time-to-time difficulties and special problems may arise (and) it may appear that the interests of the Missions and the Administration are at variance. We regard it as our business to find a way through those problems towards practical co-operation and full understanding by means of consultation.”
DM Cleland, Opening Address to the Mission Conference, 10 November 1952. 14 pages. Cleland leaves 12th for Daru for first part of tour planned with Minister. Returns Moresby 14th. Minister arrives next week. Groves was to be chairman but pick your own, “No feelings will be hurt.” This is the fourth conference. Originally planned for every two years but 1951 cancelled “because of financial stringency and the pressure of work associated with the establishment of the Legislative Council late last year.” The 1946 conference was planned initially to lay the foundations of cooperation… to give missions an opportunity to learn in detail of the Administration’s policy and its proposals for development in the fields of education, health and agriculture. The second and third conferences widened their scope and a number of resolutions and recommendations were made. These were not automatically adopted. Final decisions must always rest with the Administration in the light of policy and after an impartial consideration of the facts involved. Gives statistics on grants-in–aid. The Education Ordinance passed. It provides for an Education Advisory Board. Wants to appoint the Board at an early date and would like the Conference to recommend Mission representatives to the Board. Hasluck expresses his complete confidence in Cleland, cites his qualities and says: “If we had not had this complete confidence, we would never have appointed him to the responsible position which he now holds.”
Department of Education, Review of Educational Developments Since the Previous Conference, 10 November 1952. The heads of each division of the Department gave reports. Two diagrams were attached showing the Organisation of Native Education, which showed the different types of schools and their academic levels, and the Organisation of the Department of Education, which showed the structure at headquarters.
Department of Education, Ethics and Morals in Administration Schools, 10 November 1952. A conference data paper. This topic was raised at the first conference and the Administrator subsequently directed that an Ethics and Morals syllabus be drawn up. Give the history but the net result is that the syllabus has been issued to Administration schools as an approved course of instruction.
Department of Education, Educational Grants-in-Aid, 10 November 1952. A conference data paper. Reviews existing arrangements and gives statistics. 6 pages.
Administration – Missions Conference, Conference Findings: Resolutions and 14 Recommendations, circa 20 November 1952. In view of the great percentage of children attending Mission schools, and the comparative low cost of the same to the Administration, that the matter of basic school supplies remains the responsibility of the Administration in the Education task in the Territory.
WC Groves to D Owner, 21 November 1952. I am definitely leaving Port Moresby for four months on the MV Murkur on 4th or 5th December.
GT Roscoe to Heads of Missions, and Education Officers, Education Advisory Board, 8 December 1952. Issues Circular Memorandum No. 60 asking for nominations to the Board of suitable Missionaries.
DM Cleland, Education Advisory Board Circular Memorandum No 60 of 1952, 15 December 1952. Cleland directs that the circular be withdrawn as he is handling the matter directly with the Missions themselves.
DM Cleland, Christmas Message, December 1952. Printed in the ‘Papuan and New Guinea Villager’ vol 3 no 11 December 1952.
Notes
[1] PC Hasluck, A Time for Building, p 92.
[2] Press Release: Statement by Minister for Territories, 10 May 1952.
[3] WC Groves, Visit of Officers from Department of Territories, Canberra: Messrs Marsh and McCarthy, 27 October 1953.
[4] JD Sullivan to Acting Superintendent Lutheran Mission Lae, 28 February 1952.
[5] JK Murray to DM Cleland, 29 February 1952.
[6] DM Cleland to WC Groves, 15 April 1952.
[7] South Pacific Post, Hasluck in ‘Routine’ Visit, 18 April 1952, p 1.
[8] South Pacific Post, Hasluck in ‘Routine’ Visit, 18 April 1952, p 1.
[9] WC Groves to Fr J Dwyer, 7 May 1952.
[10] Administration Press Release, August 1952.
[11] WC Groves to BW Brown, 25 June 1952.
[12] DJ Sullivan to HP Seale, 17 October 1952.
[13] Administration Press Release, August 1952.
[14] DM Cleland, Opening Address to the Mission Conference, 10 November 1952.
[15] South Pacific Post, Territories Minister Here November 16, 7 November 1952, p 3.
[16] WC Groves to D Owner, 21 November 1952.
________________________________
DOCUMENTS FROM 1953
Introduction
Cleland appointed Administrator in February and Huxley replaced Head as Public Service Commissioner in the second half of 1953. Groves was on leave until mid-April and Roscoe proceeded on six-months leave in June.
The most notable development in education was Hasluck’s initiation of an inquiry into the management and efficiency of the Education Department. The previous year, the PNG Public Service Commissioner, had told Hasluck that the Department of Education should be thoroughly investigated as he had no confidence in its organization, and Cleland, the Acting Administrator, told Canberra that the Department lacked direction having no definitive objective in policy.”[1]
This situation was exacerbated when the Director of Education cut supplies to the Missions after the November 1952 Mission Conference.[2] The Missions complained and in January 1953, Roscoe, the Acting Director, told the Missions, that the Department must work with priorities set by the Minister and the funds provided. Roscoe suggested the Missions approach the Minister directly if they wished to obtain more aid.[3]
The Missions took up Roscoe’s suggestion and Bishop Wade and Fr Dwyer called on Hasluck in Sydney on 29th May 1953.[4] After listening to their complaints, Hasluck initiated an investigation into the Department of Education to determine whether it was top-heavy in personnel, and if Australia was getting value for its money, considering the proportionate number of staff actually engaged in teaching to those not so engaged.[5]
Lambert, the Secretary of the Department of Territories, visited PNG in June where he and Cleland agreed that a general overhaul of the Education Department would be best made by invoking the provisions of Section 10 of the Public Service Act, as soon as the new Public Service Commissioner (TA Huxley) had settled into his job.[6] The terms of reference for the review were set and were to examine the management and working of the Department of Education with a view to devising means for effecting economies and promoting efficiency, and to examine the operations of the Department of Education and ascertain whether any inefficiency or lack of economy exists.[7]
Reginald Marsh and Dudley McCarthy, from the Department of Territories, were sent to PNG at the end of October to assist Huxley undertake the investigation.[8] They spent over a month visiting Moresby and several outstations.[9] It was over a year before their report reached Hasluck.[10]
Personnel
Don Groves on leave from 4 December 1952[11] until 17 April 1953.[12] Returned on the ‘Bulolo’ on the 17th.[13]
DM Cleland was formally appointed as Administrator of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea by the Governor-General WJ McKell, 17 February.[14]
Roscoe: Acting Director January[15] to Mid-April while Groves on leave. Proceeded on six months leave from 3 June. He is to undertake a course in Experimental and Psychological Methods in Education at the University of Queensland under the direction of Professor Fred Schonell.[16]
Ernest Alfred Francis Head, Public Service Commissioner TPNG, 1949-53.
Huxley, Thomas Aubrey Huxley, Public Service Commissioner TPNG, 1953-56.
Cecil Ralph Lambert, Secretary Department of Territories, 1951-64.
Reginald Marsh, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories, 1953-57.
Dudley McCarthy. Department of Territories, 1952. In charge of one of Marsh’s Branches and concerned specifically with education and related matters.[17] Assistant Secretary 1958-63.
Movement of officials
Lambert, June
Hasluck and Governor General left Port Moresby, 25 October.[18]
Marsh and McCarthy, October/November visit Moresby and out stations to examine the education system[19]
Correspondence & Papers
Territory of Papua and New Guinea, Functions of the Mission, 1953. A 26- page document summarizing the relationship of the United Nations with Australia and the Territory from 1948 to the present. The report covers: Terms of Reference for the visiting Missions; Article 76 (b) of the Charter (Adopted 26 June 1945, agreed to by United States 5 August 1945); Trusteeship Council Resolution 36 (III) of 8 July 1948; General Assembly Resolution 321 (IV) of 15 November 1949; Trusteeship Council Resolution 3II (VIII) of 7 February 1951; Observations Made by the 1950 Visiting Mission; Recommendations Made to the Trusteeship Council after Examination of the 1950-51 New Guinea Annual Report. Observations Made by the Australian Government upon the Recommendations of the Trusteeship Council on the 1950-51 Annual Report. Extracts from the Official Records of Trusteeship Council Debates on New Guinea: Trusteeship Council: Eighth Session – 340th Meeting, 12 March 1951; Trusteeship Council: Tenth Session – 399th Meeting, 17 March 1952; Trusteeship Council: Tenth Session – 400th Meeting, 18 March 1952
Territory of Papua and New Guinea, The Estimates: Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year Ending 30th June 1953. Draft Master Plan for Building Construction Wau High School, Undated. Outlines building plans for each financial year from 1954-55 to and including 1959-60.
Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society, Annual Report and Proceedings, 1953. Contains Groves ‘Blending of Cultures, K Niejs ‘Some Aspects of Mass Literacy’ and Margaret Mead ‘Manus Revisited.’
GT Roscoe, The Mentality of Native People in Papua and New Guinea, 1953. Paper read to the Conference of the British Psychological Society, Australian Branch, at Brisbane, 1953. Copy given to Groves.
R Thompson, What Should a Child Have Been Taught by the Time it Leaves School, 1953. Paper presented to the 1953 South Pacific Conference.
GT Roscoe to Rev Fr BW Roberts, 9 January 1953. [Roscoe was Acting Director]. All free issues of school material by this Department to Mission Schools have been discontinued. This was announced by the Director at the Mission Conference. “It is quite out of place for me to make any remarks that would reflect on the Administration or on the policy of the Commonwealth Government. My job is to do the best I can to carry out the orders I have been given with the funds that are made available. If you yourself or the Bishop care to take up the whole question of universal primary education for Natives with the Minister for Territories, the outcome would certainly not be harmful and it might be very beneficial, but whatever you write or say in such a communication please do not quote me or any other Officer of the Administration. Ministers of the Crown have very definite views on what Public Servants would and should not say on matters of general policy.”
South Pacific Post, Will Not Tolerate UN Intrusion, Casey Says, 9 January 1953, p 5. The Commonwealth Government would not tolerate attempts by the UN to take the responsibility for New Guinea out of Australia’s hands, the Minister for External Affairs said last week. “It should be the function of the UN to foster friendly discussion – not use pressure tactics upon Administration Governments which merely tend to cause unrest in the territories concerned.”
South Pacific Post, Thirty New Students for Sogeri, 9 January 1953, p 5. Eleven passed teacher training last year. Papuans teaching in New Guinea will eventually be repatriated to appointments in Papua.
South Pacific Post, Hands Off Territory, 9 January 1953, p 8. Editorial agrees with Casey. UN advice should be considered. “Several thousand dead Australians … fought for the Commonwealth’s right to administer the Territory’s affairs.” Again, on UN, “There is much profit to be gained from minding one’s own business carefully.”
GT Roscoe to Fr BW Roberts, 9 January 1953.
South Pacific Post, School Takes Its Chances; Casey Says, 20 February 1953, p 5. Hasluck had approved the building of the Wau school at Kunai Creek but the project would have to take priority with other projects. The Administration is preparing costs for consideration in this year’s programme.
GT Roscoe to all Mission Head Centres, Grants-in-Aid to Missions for Education Purposes, 19 January 1953. Circular Memorandum No 2 detailing information required on Forms A, B, C and D.
GT Roscoe, Medical Examination of School Children, 24 January 1953. Refers to European children. Circular Memorandum No 3 asks teachers to assist the examiners by drawing attention to children who appear to have sight or hearing defects, who are backward or whose behaviour is troublesome.
GT Roscoe, Native Teachers – Record Cards, undated 1953. Circular Memorandum No 4. Have just been printed. One for the District, which will go with the teacher after being sent to headquarters for checking, and one for headquarters. Covers personal and official background.
GT Roscoe, Posting of Native Teachers, undated 1953. Circular Memorandum No 6. 3 pages. Must be prepared to serve anywhere and accept transfer when necessary. Refusal may result in dismissal. Teachers serving in Districts other than their own may take leave every second year. Leave is 21 days a year. Receive an annual increment of 10/- a month “provided that his work and conduct have been satisfactory throughout the year” … “It is not the policy of the Department of Education to post a Native teacher to teach in a school in his own village. It is policy to post a teacher, when possible, to his own District after he has served for at least two years in another District.” By the end of 1953 we will have a regular supply of trained teachers from Sogeri, Kerevat and Dregerhafen.
GT Roscoe to Government Secretary, Secondary Education of Natives in Australia, 29 January 1953. 10 pages. Gives background and pros and cons for sending native students to study overseas. Net result is a recommendation to improve levels of education in PNG but in the meantime send those needing specialized vocational education such as medicine and law or to gain qualifications to enter such training, to Australia on scholarship. No provision made in 1952/53 budget. Costs will be expensive ₤300 per student … “…natives selected for training will be completely alienated from Native life and will, if qualified, have undeniable claims to conditions of appointment broadly equal to those for Europeans. The creation of Native malcontents – those unable satisfactorily to re-adjust themselves, is involved in this matter.”
DM Cleland to WC Groves, Education Advisory Board, 4 February 1953. While Groves was on holiday, Cleland sent him a list of 18 potential candidates for the 4 mission places on the Board and asked for his recommendations. Cleland suggest Bishop Strong as one possibility. Also wants Groves’ recommendations as to possibilities for the other 4 members.
The Governor-General WJ McKell formally appoints DM Cleland as Administrator of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 17 February 1953.
Administration of the Oaths of Allegiance and Office to His Honour the Administrator, 23 February 1953.
Address by His Honour the Administrator at Swearing in Ceremony, 23 February 1953.
South Pacific Post, Integrity Important Cleland Says, 27 February 1953, p 2. Cleland sworn in on Monday 23rd. Says the Seven Lamps of Public Duty are Integrity; Courage; Impartiality; Initiative; Co-operation; Co-ordination; Humility. Integrity is the most important.
DM Cleland, Native Offences Against European Women, 1 March 1953. 5 pages. Broadcast. Gives statistics from 1946 to 1953.
WC Groves to DM Cleland, Education Advisory Board, 3 March 1953. Reply to Cleland’s letter of 4 February. 3 pages of Groves’ comments and recommendations on the membership of the Board. He gives three alternative grouping for the mission representatives but for the other members he sticks with three Department of Education representatives: GT Roscoe, Miss B McLachlan, and F Boisen, and one representative of DDS&NA.
GT Roscoe to All Heads of Departments, Employment of Egi Raka of Tupuseria, 5 March 1953. “There is an increasing reluctance on the part of Native teachers to accept transfers to remote postings. The difficulty is increased by the general impression among Native teachers that they have only to resign from the Department of Education to be employed immediately by other Departments at a higher salary.” Egi Raka has been dismissed for refusing a transfer and another Native teacher has given notice of his intentions to also resign. “If these losses in Native Staff continue it will be necessary for certain schools to close down.” “This Department has therefore been authorised by the Government Secretary to circularise all Departments in Port Moresby, requesting them as a matter of discipline, not to employ Egi Raka of Tupuseria. In the event of further resignations of Native Teachers being received, Heads of Departments will be notified and the same request will be repeated with regard to each of the teachers resigning.”
South Pacific Post, Mr. Cleland Subscribes Administrator’s Oath, 6 March 1953, p 1. Picture of Cleland taking the oath.
Department of Treasury to His Honour the Administrator, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 1953-54, 16 March 1953. Preliminary report of 16 pages. The section on Education states: Provision has been included for the filling of 30 of the existing vacancies during the course of the year; the increase of the Grants to Missions by a sum of ₤35,000 to be spent on supply of school requisites and an expansion of Technical Training.
GT Roscoe to Heads of Missions, Syllabuses for Girls Schools, 16 March 1953. Syllabuses for Cooking and Nutrition and in Laundry and Home-Management were sent to each Mission.
AA Roberts to DM Cleland, 19 March 1953. A progress report on the UN Mission’s visit to Rabaul, Kokopo, Kerevat etc. Summarizes questions asked and Departmental responses. Makes assessment of the personalities and abilities of the Visiting Mission members. 4 pages.
JJ McCarthy to DM Cleland, 20 March 1953. A similar report on the UN Mission’s visit to Rabaul. Also assesses the personalities and abilities of the Visiting Mission members. 8 pages.
South Pacific Post, United Nations Distressed by Plane Costs, 20 March 1953, p 1. UN on four-week visit. Was last here in 1951. The leader Mr. de Marchena said that the Australian Government was not bound to follow the advice of the UN but it would be wise to do so as it would leave itself open to attack in Council meetings.
GT Roscoe, School Broadcasts for Primary (i.e., European) Schools, 24 March 1953. A test broadcast is to be made from 1.45 pm to 2.45 pm on 10th April to test reception. Schools’ Broadcasts from Queensland will be put through 9PA.
GT Roscoe, The Use of the Schools’ Broadcast, 24 March 1953. Notes on how to use the broadcast effectively in the classroom.
GT Roscoe, Short Course for Native Mission Teachers, 24 March 1953. Missions asked to nominate Teachers for the Sogeri Course to be held 4 to 29 May.
DM Cleland to WC Groves, 26 March 1953. Cleland writes to Groves, who is on leave, and says that he will not appoint the Education Advisory Board until Groves returns in April as he wishes to discuss it with Groves.
GT Roscoe to VM Sullivan, 28 March 1953. I am not in a position to make any official announcement at present, but by the end of April or very soon afterwards you may expect an announcement regarding the resumption of free issue of school supplies to Missions. Mr. Groves is due to return from leave in the middle of April.
GT Roscoe, Native Education, April 1953. Statement for the information of Cadet Patrol Officers. Vernacular schools, Missions, the Education Ordinance, Government Education.
Department of Education, Geography and Topography of Papua and New Guinea, April 1953. Paper prepared for the April Induction Course for Cadet Patrol Officers April 1953. 6 pages.
Questions of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Administrator of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 7 April 1953. 4 pages. Questions relating to education were contained in: PART IV - EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT. Q.1. What are the prospects of establishing, in the near future, additional education centres, similar to that at Kerevat? Q.2. The status of the Education Ordinance and… the present status of the Administration’s control over non-Administration schools. Q.3. What is the attitude of the Administration concerning the use of Pidgin English as a means of instruction in some non-Administration schools?
South Pacific Post, Native Girl Passes First Year Exams, 10 April 1953, p 4. From Kwato. Passed first year Secondary through Blackfriars Correspondence. Department of Education is to ask the Administration for funds to send her to Australia, but says Roscoe “The Administration is naturally cautious about making decisions which may cost thousands of pounds in the future.”
Report of the Conference with the United Nations Mission to the Trust Territories in the Pacific, 1953, 16 April 1953. The conference was held at the Department of Territories Canberra. 20 pages. Lists those attending. One topic submitted for discussion by the UNVM was: 6. Plans for the development of secondary schools to meet existing demands. On this topic Hasluck said, “We regard primary education as of more importance than secondary education, although there are opportunities already in the Territory for higher education.” (Training of teachers, secretaries and medical assistants). “Our prior need is to extend and raise the efficiency of our primary education services because until we are able to produce students who can pass on to higher education, our plans for such higher education will be severely handicapped.” “The intention is to establish secondary schools as and when possible.” “The Government is confident of getting more teachers from now on. From this year…we will advertise each year for persons at the matriculation level and train them as teachers. They will be given, at our expense, a first-year course at one of the teachers’ training colleges in Australia and then training in teaching along the lines that are followed in the Territory. By that means, we will get teachers who will make teaching in the Territory their career.” Lambert, “I think it is fairly general policy to have no segregation in the schools. I think that such segregation is only to be found at Rabaul, where the Asiatic population is very much in the majority and it is partly their own desire to have separate schools.”
South Pacific Post, Native Intelligence Equals Europeans, 17 April 1953, p 3. Acting Director Roscoe says that although there are no proper scientific tests those that had been made indicated the native child was as intelligent as the white child.
South Pacific Post, Territory Schools Up to Southern Standards, 17 April 1953, p 7. Roscoe says that European children are not put back when they go to Australia. The emphasis on Territory history and geography has been removed. Groves returned from leave on the “Bulolo” on the 18th April.
GT Roscoe, Monthly Newsletter February 1953, 23 April 1953. These newsletters were sent to the Administrator and all officers of the Department of Education. They kept all informed as to what was happening in Headquarters and in the field. They include staff movements, new schools, visitors to HQ and the district. 6 pages.
WC Groves, Monthly Newsletter March 1953, undated 1953. Two short courses for Mission teachers will be held at Sogeri this year.
WC Groves, Syllabus in Ethics and Morals, Administration Native Schools, 24 April 1953. At the Missions Conference held in Moresby in November 1952, it was suggested that a shortened version of Dr. Jordan’s treatise on ‘Ethics and Moral be compiled and revised by the Department and circulated among the missions for final approval before being incorporated into the existing syllabus. The Department did not consider the treatise satisfactory for school use and enclosed a ten-page revised syllabus prepared by the Department.
GT Roscoe to AK Neuendorf, 1 May 1953. I am proceeding on six month’s leave on 3rd June. I have arranged to take a course in Experimental and Psychological Methods in Education at the University of Queensland under the direction of Professor Schonell.
WC Groves, The Blending of Cultures, 13 May 1953. Presidential address to the Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society. 12 pages.
WC Groves, Subsidies for Secondary Education, 20 May 1953. Conditions of eligibility amended: Completion of Grade 6, both parents normally resident in the Territory, child does not need to have received his primary education in the Territory.
WC Groves, Rural Education, 22 May 1953. 5 pages dealing with: The Basis for Development, The Need, Present Programme and Possibilities, Other Countries, New Approaches, Activities of a Rural Supervisor, Inter-Departmental Liaison, Conclusion. “To give a rural and village bias to our teaching programme.” Commence in primary and develop in secondary.
South Pacific Post, High School Subsidy, 29 May 1953, p 3. Groves announced that pupils will only get a subsidy if the mother’s place of permanent residence was in the Territory.
Department of Education, Staff Postings, 30 May 1953. Lists all European staff, their level and posting.
WC Groves, Native Student-Teachers, circa June 1953. In 1953 and 1954 it will be difficult to staff schools. Gives anticipated output from Sogeri, Kerevat and Dregerhafen for years 1953 to 1956. To help alleviate this shortage, second year students at Sogeri are combining teacher-training with their studies and receiving an allowance of ₤1 per month. Groves suggests that this could be extended to Kerevat and Dregerhafen. “The arrangement is designed to have the students available for teaching appointments one year earlier than would otherwise be the case.” Another proposal was to employ completed or partly completed secondary students as a Student Teacher Assistant to a graded teacher and paid ₤2 per month. After two years he will either be promoted to classified teacher status or returned to teacher training. “It must, however, be clearly understood that this ‘interim arrangement’ is intended to meet the ‘emergency needs’ of the next two or three years.”
WC Groves, Native Student-Teachers, Circular Memorandum No. 26 of 1953.
Public Service Cadetships for Cadet Education Officers, circa June 1953
PMC Hasluck to CR Lambert, 4 June 1953. Bishop Wade and Fr Dwyer called on Hasluck in Sydney on 29th May. “The discussion was general, and was intended to bring under my notice various matters in which the Catholic Missions are particularly concerned.” Things mentioned included village council taxes being returned to schools, the Estimates and the disproportionate amount given to the Missions, school supplies, and the Education Ordinance. “I should like to discuss these matters with the Secretary before his impending visit to Port Moresby.”
CR Lambert, Education – Papua and New Guinea, 4 June 1953. A note put with Lambert’s papers for his New Guinea trip... “to discuss the Education Department activities with the Administrator. The main question is whether we are getting value for the money that we are expending. The approach could come from the budget and work through to a consideration of the proportionate number of staff actually engaged in teaching to those not so engaged.”
D Owner to TA Taylor, 9 June 1953. The primary schools in the Non-Native Division use the New South Wales Curriculum 1952. Our problem, at the moment, is getting one for our secondary schools. We have proposed to the Minister a suggestion that we are not in favour of the Queensland Grade 7 and 8 syllabus.
Department of Education, Pro-Forma for District and Area Education Reports, 17 June 1953. Sets out essential information to be included in the reports. The report is in two parts. Part A is Statistical and includes a list of employees and their duties, changes in staff, enrolments both Government and Mission. Part B General, covers buildings and accommodation, transport and communications, equipment, continuity of work, extra-curricular work, special activities, health arrangements, places visited by DEO, visits by Departmental officers, and remarks on schools’ monthly reports.
CR Lambert to DM Cleland, Education – Papua and New Guinea, 29 June 1953. Lambert reminds Cleland of their discussions in Moresby concerning matters raised by Bishop Wade and Fr Dwyer and the Minister’s minute of 4 June. “I reported to the Minister on my return, that it was agreed between you and myself that a general overhaul of the Education Department would be best made by invoking the provisions of Section 10 of the Public Service Act as a routine procedure as soon as the new Public Service Commissioner had settled into his job.” In noting this the Minister asked Lambert to also obtain from Cleland advice on the specific matters raised by Bishop Wade.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1953 to 30 June 1954.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1951 to 30 June 1952.
South Pacific Post, UN Criticizes Widespread Use of Pidgin English, July/August 1953. There are many articles on this topic around this time. Hasluck said “It is policy to replace Pidgin with English when practicable.” The Editorial replied, “There is certainly no sign at the moment.” And again, “The policy keynote should be: ‘Speak English.’”
South Pacific Post, Board Named to Advise on Education, 1 July 1953, p 18. The Administrator announced the names yesterday. Biographies. The Government Secretary’s Department has advised the Wau-Bulolo Advisory Council that the school has been provided for in the 1953/54 works programme. It will be sent to the Minister and cannot be implemented until the passing of the Commonwealth Estimates. “Although we cannot anticipate that it will be passed, I’d say it was a certainty.”
WC Groves and EAF Head, Subsidies for Secondary Education, 16 July 1953. In accordance with the Minister’s request, representatives of the Parents and Citizens Association and the Public Service Association were interviewed on 30th April 1953, to afford them the opportunity of explaining the figures furnished in support of their request for an increased subsidy. They felt that ₤160 per annum was necessary to compensate parents. Groves and Head concluded, “On the information examined it is considered hat a case has been made for payment of an allowance at the rate indicated above i.e., ₤115 per annum. 4 pages.
WC Groves, Examination of Native Teachers – English and Social Studies, 16 July 1953. This is one-half of the scholastic examination qualifying you for promotion to Grade II. Other factors to be considered are: teaching skill, personal factors, reports by visiting Education Officers, length and variety of experience, and vacancies. The course of teacher training has been lengthened. After the Central School Course (Standards VI, VII and VIII), students study at secondary school level for two years, and then do one year’s teacher training. Later this will be extended to two years.
Department of Education, Missions and Administration in Education: Expenditure on Education, and School Enrolments – Comparative Figures, 17 July 1953. Gives statistics. “The number of schools includes an estimated 85% not conducted in a manner which would justify registration under the proposed Regulations, and fewer than 25% of the Native ‘teachers’ employed would be acceptable for official recognition.” “In summary the percentage of total Missions’ expenditure on Education provided by the Administration is approximately 36%.”
WC Groves, Statistical Summary for the Hon The Minister for Territories, 17 July 1953. 24 pages covering all aspects of schooling from 1 July 1952 to 30 June 1953.
WC Groves, Native Schools’ Syllabus – Standard II Programme of Work, 18 July 1953. The Memorandum enclosed a copy of the above programme of work prepared by an Education Officer and asked officers who had similar programmes to forward them to Headquarters.
Trusteeship Council, United Nations Visiting Mission to Trust Territories in the Pacific, 1953, 20 July 1953. 31 pages with 3 on Education. “…the Mission is of the opinion that the expansion of educational facilities must be one of the primary duties of the Administering Authority.” “…the Administering Authority would need to pay particular attention to the creation of a large and competent corps of elementary school teachers by the establishment of new teacher training centres and by the employment of more European teachers.”
South Pacific Post, Broadcasts for Schools in September, 22 July 1953. Will start on 17 September.
WC Groves, Standards at Administration Schools, 22 July 1953. Groves asked each school to complete a Pro-Forma to ascertain the number of boys and girls at each scholastic level to help with planning over the next few years. “Departmental policy aims at having at least one Central School in each District, each with a chain of ‘feeder’ schools at Village Higher or Area School level (Village Higher Schools – Standards II to V; Central School – Standards VI to VIII). These Central School will, it is intended, leave the three main Educational Centres, Sogeri, Dregerhafen and Kerevat, to concentrate on the secondary courses (two years) and on specialized training such as that for teaching.”
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Education Advisory Board, 28 July 1953. I regard the Ordinance as one which is primarily concerned with native education its main purpose being to govern and regulate schools conducted by Missions and other voluntary agencies.
South Pacific Post, Primary School Enrolment, 29 July 1953, p 5. Statistics for pupils and teachers in Administration schools.
Statement by the President of the Legislative Council on Village Councils and District Services, 30 July 1953. Some Tolais do not want Village Councils.
WC Groves, Education Officers – Teaching Responsibilities, 31 July 1953. Some Education Officers posted to Native Schools interpret their duties as being primarily of a ‘supervisory’ nature… they are employed as trained teachers. They are obliged to carry our certain duties of an administrative nature and to direct and supervise the training of their Native Teaching staff.
Public Service Cadetships for Cadet Education Officers, circa August/September 1953. A 3-page document providing information on the Territory, the Department, and the cadetship. Applications close 12 September 1953. One year at a State Teachers’ Training College, one at ASOPA, and one year of practical work in the Territory under supervision. Graduates were to complete a one-year Diploma of Education at Sydney University and one year at ASOPA. All fees payable would be 9 refunded on the successful completion of each year of the course. On probation for twelve months and must continue in the Territory Service for two years.
D Owner to Director of Education, Inspection of Certain Officers, 2 August 1953. A 4 page ‘form for reference’, that Owner uses when inspecting an officer, “to ensure that all salient points might be covered in the rather short time at my disposal.”
WC Groves, Broadcasts for Primary Schools, 4 August 1953. Will begin experimentally in the final term of this year starting 7th September. Ten types of programmes.
DM Cleland to CR Lambert, Education – Papua New Guinea, 6 August 1953. “School supplies have not been cut out. Actually, what occurred was that without authority and unknown to me the Director of Education, after the Mission Conference, stated that no supplies would be made. (See Roscoe to Roberts 9 Jan 1953). As soon as this came to my notice the position was corrected and school supplies will continue, on an approved basis.”
WC Groves, Admission to Sogeri and Other Central Schools in 1954, 12 August 1953. Groves asks Mission and Government agencies to nominate students for the 50 vacancies at Sogeri. There will be an entrance examination.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, 18 August 1953. This letter refers to the meeting between Bishop Wade, Fr Dwyer, and the Minister in Sydney on 29th May. It gives the history of correspondence since then. Roscoe, then Acting Director while Groves was on leave, concluded in a 16 February submission to His Honour???, “to do what Father Dwyer suggests and hand over the bulk of the Education Fund to the Missions, to give them a monopoly of the actual teaching, and to restrict the functions of the Department of Education to oversight and inspection, would be the most retrograde step imaginable. The sanest policy would be to permit the normal development of the Department of Education, and at the same time to afford substantial assistance to the Missions, particularly for the maintenance of Village schools.” Groves intends to undertake a detailed review of Mission education as soon as a competent officer becomes available. “It will certainly indicate that the larger part of the ‘educational’ work carried out by the Missions is of a very low level, much of it not justifying its acceptance as of any real or lasting worth.” “It is my personal opinion that any such examination, based on reasonable standards of school work… would reduce the total of Mission school enrolment (127,000 in 1952-53), without being harsh or rigid in our assessment by 100,000.” “In view of the above, and since the matter is one of very great significance and with very wide implications, I advise and recommend that no change be made in the existing arrangements at present.”
WC Groves, Schools Broadcasts, 24 August 1953. Gives a timetable for broadcasts and asks for feedback on reception.
WC Groves, Native Languages in Education: The Question of Standardisation of Orthography, 24 August 1953. A background paper prepared for the Education Advisory Board.
Confidential: Terms of Reference for Action in Regard to the Department of Education of Papua and New Guinea under Section 10 of the Public Ordinance, Circa September 1953. This document was located on file ED/1 A-1 Part II, as folio 37. Folio 34 was dated 7 August 1953 and folio 38 was dated 18 September 1953, so the above document was placed on file somewhere between 7 August and 18 September 1953. A copy of the document was sent to Irvine. Summarized, the terms of reference were: 1. To examine the management and working of the Department of Education with a view to devising means for effecting economies and promoting efficiency. 2. To examine the operations of the Department of Education and ascertain whether any inefficiency or lack of economy exists.
Territory of Papua and New Guinea, Non-Indigenous Population: Districts and Centres of the Territory, 4 September 1953. Gives the non-indigenous population for each town in each District.
South Pacific Post, To Advise on Education, 9 September 1953, p 1. The Education Advisory Board is to meet on 14th September. Cleland will address it. Topics include District Education Advisory Bodies, Registration and Recognition of Schools, and Uniform Orthographies for Vernacular Languages.
WC Groves, Monthly Newsletter for August 1953, 14 September 1953. The first meeting of the Education Advisory Board was held in Port Moresby on 14 September 1953. Plans for the Wau European High School have been prepared by the Works Branch of the Government Secretary and submitted to the Department of Territories. Most of the Village Higher Schools have now been supplied with ‘Sparrow’ radios. 7 pages.
DM Cleland, Notes for Opening Address at Initial Meeting of the Education Advisory Board, 14 September 1953. I would like to feel that you will all approach the problems of education as a team seeking the best solution in the interests of all concerned and that sectional view points will not enter into your deliberations.
Education Advisory Board, Background Paper on the Standardisation of Orthographies, 14 September 1953.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Meeting Held from Monday to 14 September Friday 18 September 1953. 22 pages. Summary of discussions and resolutions: Fr Dwyer submitted that there should not be any Native representation on any of the three proposed District Education Committees at the present time because it was very unlikely that any could be found who were sufficiently qualified to be effective in such an appointment. Specially selected Natives could sit in at the meetings to familiarise them with the purpose and work of the Committees. Miss McLachlan expressed the opinion that five was too small a number, and advice and guidance would be already limited enough without one of them being a Native. Resolution 1 was to establish District Education Committees in the Morobe, New Britain and Central Districts, and to amend the Ordinance, to provide for membership not to exceed 7 in place of the present 5. Resolution 2 recommended the setting up a Territorial Committee on languages to advise on language of instruction in schools. Rev M Heist said that his school enrolment represented 18 languages among 30 pupils. Resolution 3 recommended that selected Natives, boys, and girls be sent to Australia for secondary education until provision could be made for them in the Territory. Resolution 4 recommended a system of examinations be instituted by the Department for the certification, grading and registration of teachers. Resolution 5 recommended that, for the first seven years of schooling, provision be made for a four-year course to be known as Preparatory, to be followed by a three-year course to be known as elementary. The Territory currently has Village Schools of 4 years (3 years of Vernacular and one of English), Classes 1 to 3, and Standard I. This is followed by Village Higher Schools of 4 years in English, Standards II to VI. The proposed new arrangement would be Preparatory Schools of 4 years (3 years of Vernacular and one of English), Grades 1 to 4 and a minimum of 10 hours spread over not less than 3 days a week for 30 weeks a year. This is followed by Elementary 11 Schools of 3 years in English, Grades 5 to 7, with a minimum of 16 hours a week spread over 4 days a week for 35 weeks per year. Resolution 6 recommended a greatly increased grant to the Department of Education and emphasis on teacher training including Mission teacher training. Also recommended an increased grant for equipment and supply. Resolution 7 recommended that adult educational facilities (except for seminaries and theological colleges), obtain approval before they are established. Resolution 8 recommended compulsory education for Natives between the age of 7 and 15 years. Resolution 9. The criteria for registration and recognition of schools were much debated but it was resolved for the Director to undertake further investigation and continue the discussion at the next Board meeting. Resolution 10 recommended postponing proclamation of the Education Ordinance until after the next meeting. Resolution 11 was to hold the next meeting in Rabaul in February 1954.
WC Groves to the Public Service Commissioner, Re-Organization of the Central Executive of the Administration. Delegation of Authority by Director of Education to District Commissioners, 18 September 1953. “I would emphasise that there are professional aspects of the work of the Department over which it would be difficult for a non-professional officer to exercise effective control.” Groves suggests the delegation of minor matters such as sick leave and overtime approval, approval in relation to small amounts of money, land negotiations, etc. 5 pages.
South Pacific Post, Education Board in First Meeting, 23 September 1953, p 4. The function of the Board is to advise the Administrator. It was suggested to establish District Education Committees, first in Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul. No more than 5 members with at least on Mission representative.
WC Groves, Entrance Examination to the Sogeri Education Centre, 28 September 1953. Forwards a copy of the exam to persons administering the test and others.
WC Groves, Special Scholarships for Students Proceeding to Australia for Secondary Education, 30 September 1953. Lists students awarded private scholarships.
Administration Press Release, Three More Privately Endower Secondary School Scholarships, 5 October 1953.
Training of Cadet Education Officers, Type of Reference Material Suggested in Connection with Second Year Course, 7 October 1953. Two-page list of books and Territorial Reports.
WC Groves, Increase in Subsidy for Secondary Education, 9 October 1953. Subsidy for 1953 has been increase by ₤15 to ₤115 retrospective to the beginning of 1953.
Administration Press Release, Recommendations of the Education Advisory Board, 12 October 1953. Two-page summary of the recommendations that are now before the Administrator for consideration.
South Pacific Post, Educational Allowance, 14 October 1953, p 10. Groves announced last week an increase of ₤15 per year, from 1953, in Secondary Education Allowance for European students with both parents resident in the Territory. 280 students received the allowance in 1953.
TA Huxley, Human Relations in Administration, 15 October 1953. This article appeared in a recent issue of ‘Public Administration.’ It was sent by the Public Service Commissioner to all Departmental Heads and District Commissioners. “Full efficiency in any organization is impossible without collaboration.”
D Owner, Report on an Advisory Inspection to the Elementary ‘A’ School Lae. NG, 16 October 1953. An example of an inspection report for the period.
TA Huxley, Confidential Staff Reports – District Administration, 20 October 1953. In order to safeguard against an officer of undesirable character continuing to be employed by the Administration, the Minister has directed that Senior Departmental Officers will be responsible for the submission of confidential staff reports to the District Commissioner. These reports are to be forwarded promptly to the appropriate Heads of Departments with a copy to the Public Service Commissioner.
South Pacific Post, ‘Education Centre’ Most Important Place, 21 October 1953, p 2. This is how the Governor General Sir William Slim described Sogeri. 150 senior students are doing a 6-year course.
WC Groves, Programme and Register of Lessons, 23 October 1953. The Curriculum for Primary Schools for use in Elementary A and B Schools has been revised. Copies of the “Programme and Lesson Register” are being distributed.
Administration Press Release, Secondary School Education Subsidy for 1954, 26 October 1953. Minister had approved ₤115 plus one return air fare from Port Moresby to Sydney. Subsidies presently paid to 274 students. 60% are studying in Queensland, 30% in New South Wales and 10% in Victoria.
Administration Press Release, Territories Minister Sees Signs of Further Progress, 26 October 1953. Hasluck left Port Moresby for Australia yesterday, “The many demonstrations of loyalty and enthusiasm during the visit of the Governor-General give the lie direct to stupid statements made by some Australian politicians who claim to see a similarity between conditions in New Guinea and conditions in Africa.”
WC Groves, Visit of Officers from Department of Territories, Canberra: Messrs Marsh and McCarthy, 27 October 1953. Mr March is Assistant Secretary for matters in the field of Social Development and Welfare, which includes Education. Mr McCarthy is in charge of one of Marsh’s Branches and concerned specifically with education and related matters. Both have been Teachers, and are, I understand, university graduates. McCarthy was a Cadet Patrol Officer before the war and has been a consultant on Aboriginal Education. We have been able to have fairly detailed discussions at Headquarters here on various aspects of the organization and work of the Department of Education, and have indicated something of the problems we are required to meet. In their visits to Out-Stations, it will be the desire of the two visitors to see in as much detail as possible something of every aspect of our departmental organization and work. The whole of the tour will follow within the next four or five weeks. The visitors depart Port Moresby for Lae on Tuesday next the 3rd November.
Government Secretary to Director of Department of Education, Secondary Education in Australia for Indigenous Inhabitants of the Territory, 28 October 1953. Please now proceed to make arrangements to introduce the machinery for the selection of up to 20 students including those students already in Australia or about to proceed there under private sponsorship. The complete costs of the scholarships are to be met by the Administration – fees, fares, clothing, pocket money, and extras such as sports, music elocution etc. Roscoe, on leave in Australia may have to be co-opted.
WC Groves, Subsidies for Secondary Education 1954, 28 October 1953. Sets out conditions attached to the subsidy (₤115 and return air fare) and attaches an application form.
WC Groves, Students for Technical Training at Iduabada Centre 1954, 3 November 1953. Vacancies exist for single students with Standard 5 education. 5/- per month pocket money for 2 years, then ₤1 per month as First Year Probationers.
WC Groves, Scholarships for Secondary Education of Natives in Australia, 9 November 1953. 5 pages asking for nominations and providing a nomination form. Will appear before a selection committee. English and Arithmetic tests. 14 years old. Applications close 17 November 1953.
Administration Press Release, Scholarships for Native Students to Receive Secondary Education in Australia, 11 November 1953.
South Pacific Post, High School Aid from Administration for Natives, 11 November 1953, p 1. Groves announced yesterday scholarships for male and female PNGns to attend secondary schools in Australia. Must be nominated, tested on English, Arithmetic, mental and social ability, and appear before a selection committee, which will make a recommendation to the Director. Should preferably not be over 14 years. Medical examination, parents’ consent. School normally no further south than Brisbane. Accommodation, tuition etc paid for. Starts in 1954. Applications close 17th November.
South Pacific Post, Savage Attack: Patrols Slaughtered by Hostile Natives, 11 November 1953, p 1. Natives last Friday attacked two patrols in the Telefomin District and murdered cadet patrol officer Geoffrey Brodribb Harris and three police constables. Administration officials believe that the natives also killed Patrol Officer Gerald Lea Szarka and an unknown number of police who accompanied him.
CR Lambert to Public Service Commissioner, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 13 November 1953. Lambert refers to letters from the PSC that suggest “the possibility of devising a two-year Sydney Teachers’ College Course to include by way of alternative and optional courses the special subjects required by the Director of Education and provided by ASOPA or the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at present in a special year.” Lambert says the suggestion was discussed with the principal of the Sydney Teachers’ College (Dr I Turner) and the Principal of ASOPA (CD Rowley) but there is no mention of Rowley’s views. Dr Turner said that he would favourably consider a formal approach for a two-year course as set out in the attached papers (see below), affording facilities for ASOPA lecturers to lecture on those subjects not available from STC itself and agreeing to recognize completion of such a course as fully satisfying the academic requirements for the Teachers’ Certificate. Lambert asked the PSC, as a matter of urgency, to determine whether the proposed course is acceptable to the Director of Education. If it is acceptable the Minister would have to approve a formal proposal to the NSW Director-General of Education.
Suggestions for the Training of Cadets for the Education Service of Papua and New Guinea. Probably the ‘attached papers’ referred to in Lambert’s letter of 13 November 1953. Six pages summarizing the views of Groves and Dr Turner (Sydney Teachers’ College) on subjects to be taken by Cadet Education Officers. “Dr Turner said that he would be willing and able to provide a lecture room in which members of the ASOPA staff could give lectures to ASOPA Cadets provided that these lectures were given after 4 pm. This would make it possible for the Cadets to receive all their lectures in the one place and so avoid the serious disadvantages of having to travel between the Training College and Middle Head. Dr Turner said that unfortunately he would not be able to provide any place for ASOPA staff to work or leave material.” “It would probably not be possible to keep all the Cadets in one student group. It was felt that this was probably a good thing, since the Cadets would get a wider range of experience if they were in different classes, and that they would intermingle more easily with the other students.”
Legislative Council Debates, First Council Fifth Meeting of the Second Session, 16 - 23 November 1953. Debated secondary education for both European and Native students.
South Pacific Post, Risk Seen in School Move, 18 November 1953, p 1. Barrett is against sending natives to Australia. Education here has a rural bias. Keep them away from the communists. Missions support the move.
South Pacific Post, The Drum, 18 November 1953, p 1. Fr Dwyer in the Legislative Council supported the Administration’s decision to send natives to Australia for schooling.
South Pacific Post, A Local Farce, 18 November 1953, p 10. The editorial says that from a legislative point of view the Legislative Council has been a farce. Most legislation is prepared in Canberra and that not must be approved by Canberra. The Administration announces decisions of great importance that have not even been debated in the Legislative Council e.g., Secondary Education in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Natives Speak Out – On Schools, 25 November 1953, p 1. Merari Dickson told the Legislative Council that natives must be sent overseas for secondary education.
South Pacific Post, Scholarship Applicants, 25 November 1953, p 4. 102 natives have applied for secondary education in Australia. 150 natives under 14 years have reached Grade 8, 70 of them are in Administration schools.
South Pacific Post, Scholarships for Europeans Not Considered, 25 November 1953, p 9. European children educated in Australia receive ₤115, natives receive a scholarship of ₤250 – these are not open to Europeans.
South Pacific Post, Schooling Natives, 25 November 1953, p 14. The editorial says that there is a moral and practical side to sending natives to secondary schools in Australia. We have pledged to advance the people from savagery. Yet there is “laughable progress in education.” Education has been forbidden not by refusal but by indifference. Morally you must send some (20) to Australia for secondary education or educate here but it may be too soon – may become Communists or Mau Mau.
South Pacific Post, Secondary School Plan Justified; Director Says, 2 December 1953, p 13. Groves told the Legislative Council last week that the plan to send twenty natives to Australia was justified, as specialist training for a future Papua and New Guinea was not available in the country. Barrett wanted to know where was the Five-Year Plan mentioned in the Australian report to the United Nations.
South Pacific Post, Less than Twenty Natives Now Expected for Higher Education in Australia, 2 December 1953, p 22. The number of half-castes already in Australia and eligible to apply for scholarships and the intelligence tests may reduce the number of natives receiving scholarships below the twenty (115 applied) originally asked for by the Department of Territories. The order to send twenty to Australia had caught the Administration ‘flat-footed.’ The idea was last seriously discussed in 1950 when the United Nations asked the Administration’s policy on sending natives abroad. (See ‘Observations Made by the 1950 Visiting Mission, 1950’ and ‘Recommendations Made to the Trusteeship Council after Examination of the 1950-51 New Guinea Annual Report, 1952’) The Government was not against it but the primary education standard was not high enough.
South Pacific Post, Build High Schools Here, 9 December 1953, p 2. The president of the P&NG state branch of the RSL says the RSL wants schools for Europeans only established at Wau and Sogeri. “Europeans should not be educated side by side with natives. The reasons for this are obvious and I so not wish to publicize them.” The RSL wants secondary education subsidies for Europeans who will do secondary education in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Board Decides Draft for Native Apprenticeships, 9 December 1953, p 11. Draft regulations approved by the Native Apprenticeship Board.
WC Groves to the Public Service Commissioner, Vacant Classified Positions as at 30th November 1953, 10 December 1953. “I have in mind certain changes in the executive organisation which I will submit for consideration and discussion at any time convenient to you in the early future. Past experience has indicated the need for re-organisation, with special regard to the relation between professional, educational and administrative-executive fields; and my proposals referred to are designed to meet this position, including, as a high priority, the strengthening of the inspectorial organization.”
WC Groves, Performance of Duty by Teaching Staffs during School Vacation, 17 December 1953. Department’s needs come first. Cannot leave posting without District Commissioner’s Approval.
WC Groves, Appointments and Staff Posting - 1954, 21 December 1953. Gives names and postings for European staff returning from leave and new appointments for teachers arriving from ASOPA courses.
DMC Cleland, Xmas Message, 23 December 1953.
South Pacific Post, Many Native Applicants Too Old for Australian Scholarships, 23 December 1953, p 4. The idea to send natives to Australian secondary schools was first suggested by a representative of Kwato Mission station who visited Canberra recently. Groves said that most of the 150 applicants were too old (17-18 years).
WC Groves, Scholarships for European Children Attending Secondary Schools in Australia, 28 December
Notes
[1] P Hasluck, A Time for Building Melbourne University Press 1976 p 92.
[2] DM Cleland to CR Lambert, Education – Papua New Guinea, 6 August 1953.
[3] GT Roscoe to Rev Fr BW Roberts, 9 January 1953.
[4] PMC Hasluck to CR Lambert, 4 June 1953.
[5] CR Lambert, Education – Papua and New Guinea, 4 June 1953.
[6] CR Lambert to DM Cleland, Education – Papua and New Guinea, 29 June 1953.
[7] Confidential: Terms of Reference for Action in Regard to the Department of Education of Papua and New Guinea under Section 10 of the Public Ordinance, Circa September 1953.
[8] PC Hasluck, A Time for Building, p 93.
[9] WC Groves, Visit of Officers from Department of Territories, Canberra: Messrs Marsh and McCarthy, 27 October 1953.
[10] PC Hasluck, A Time for Building, p 93.
[11] WC Groves to D Owner, 21 November 1952.
[12] GT Roscoe to VM Sullivan, 28 March 1953.
[13] South Pacific Post, Territory Schools Up to Southern Standards, 17 April 1953, p 7.
[14] The Governor-General WJ McKell formally appoints DM Cleland as Administrator of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 17 February 1953.
[15] GT Roscoe to Rev Fr BW Roberts, 9 January 1953.
[16] GT Roscoe to AK Neuendorf, 1 May 1953.
[17] WC Groves, Visit of Officers from Department of Territories, Canberra: Messrs Marsh and McCarthy, 27 October 1953.
[18] Administration Press Release, Territories Minister Sees Signs of Further Progress, 26 October 1953.
[19] WC Groves, Visit of Officers from Department of Territories, Canberra: Messrs Marsh and McCarthy, 27 October 1953.
________________________________
DOCUMENTS FROM 1954
Introduction
The collection contains many reports by inspectors on teachers and schools and follow up correspondence. This material has not been included in the summaries. It is available if someone is interested in this aspect of the education system.
For 1954 information concerning the Sogeri Education Centre refer to ‘RC Ralph, ‘The Development of the Sogeri Education Centre As a Teacher Training Institution’ located under ‘1944 Pre- and Post-War Summaries’.
Correspondence & Papers
Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society, Annual Reports and Proceedings, Port Moresby, 1954. Department of Education, Technical Training, 1954. Paper presented to Cadet Patrol Officers’ Induction Course 8, 1954. 5 pages.
South Pacific Post, Administration Subsidises School Centre, 6 January 1954, p 16. The Administration will subsidise, dollar for dollar, the building of Ela Beach Pre-School.
South Pacific Post, Cartoon of native university graduate serving tea to two Europeans, 13 January 1954, p 10.
South Pacific Post, Criticism on Conduct of UN Delegates, 20 January 1954, p 1. The United Nations Trusteeship Council delegation in the Territory in March last year received little help from the Australian Association for United Nations due to its rudeness and lack of tact. The leader of the delegation, Mr de Marchena, said that if his country had been in control of Papua the natives would have been emasculated.
South Pacific Post, New Curriculum for Territory School Children, 20 January 1954, p 3. The A School curriculum that has been in use for the past three years has been scrapped and a new one adapted from NSW and Queensland will be used this year.
Administration Press Release, Secondary Scholarships Awarded to Native Students, 23 January 1954. Gives names, ages, previous school, and Australian school.
South Pacific Post, Valuable Report Unavailable for Debate on Native Education, says Barrett, 27 January 1954, p 1. The Government Secretary says that the report of the 473rd Trusteeship Council Meeting is not available. In the report the Australian representative Mr Jones said, “The children of the inhabitants have not yet reached the stage of education that would enable them to undertake a secondary education as it is understood in Australia. Education in the Territory is of a different standard. So far there are no Natives ready to undertake secondary education. It is intended to provide secondary education for them in the Territory.”
South Pacific Post, Delegation Leader Reports on UN Visit, 27 January 1954, p 10. Mr de Marchena gives some of his impressions of his visit to the Territory. “In New Guinea anything good is an exception. Such an exception, that of education, is presented by the admirable missionary centres of all types.” “The Council should for the next few years, concentrate on considering the need, and providing the impetus, for speeding up the preparation of a plan intended not to improve, but to lay down concrete directives for educational development, applying especially to the masses, so that their economic possibilities, rudimentary as they may be, may also be developed.”
South Pacific Post, Students Denied Chance, Missionary Claims, 27 January 1954, p 17. Fr Dwyer says missions were not given long enough to nominate native students for Australian Secondary Education. Consequently 16 of those selected were from the Administration, three from Kwato and one to be announced.
Review of Territory Development, February 1954. A collection of undated pages summarising history and developments in the following areas: Town Advisory Councils, District Advisory Councils, Prominent Events, Wau Leave Centre, Public Service Institute, Developments in Education (statistics), Secondary School Education for Natives in Australia, Education Ordinance, Native Apprenticeship Ordinance, Secondary School Subsidy, Training of Native Teachers, New Standard for Territory Schools, General Notes (English as Means of Instruction, Survey of Mission Schools, 10 Private Scholarships, 91 native Libraries, Correspondence Courses for 216 children). Points of interest on educational matters: (1) The departure of 19 Native Students, selected by examination and special interview, for secondary schools in Australia marked a major development in educational policy. (2) Plans approved to provide a special ‘emergency’ course of training for teaching which will be essentially of a practical nature. 100 students to do the course in 1955. To be carried out in Central Schools, each taking eight or ten trainees. (3) Of a total of 127,000 Mission students, 52,000 are learning or being introduced to English.
TA Huxley, Short Leave Scheme, 2 February 1954. Information concerning Wau holiday cottages. Wau Leave Centre Opened, 8 February 1954. To give Public Servants and their families the option of two weeks leave, in a cooler climate, during the 21 months working term between normal overseas leave. Note on ‘Review of Territory Development, February 1954.
South Pacific Post, Pidgin Attacked by UN Delegate, 10 February 1954, p 5. Mr Mathieson, the UK delegate to the Trusteeship Council, reported that the use of Pidgin in the Territory was lamentable and bound to perpetuate intellectual stagnation. He urged the Administration to replace Pidgin English by English in all institutions in New Guinea in Government and in Mission schools. Under the new Education Ordinance, the Director of Education has the power to determine the language or languages to be used for secular education in schools.
South Pacific Post, UN Delegate Finds Planning Opposition, 17 February 1954, p 2. French delegate M Jean Pignon said that the Administration is opposed to planning.
South Pacific Post, Territory Children Pale, Worn Out, Claims Council Member, 24 February 1954, p 4. Port Moresby District Advisory Council wants to know if the Administration intends to go ahead with its original plan to have a secondary school within the Territory. Councillor MH Jewell wants the secondary education subsidy retained as the Territory is not good for European children’s health.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Wau High School, 17 February 1954. Owing to financial limitations, living accommodation is provided for only forty boarders, twenty boys and twenty girls, only a small fraction of the 292 children at present receiving Secondary Subsidy and attending schools in Australia. Mr Sheekey of your Department said this was only acceptable if it was the first stage in the provision of a much bigger institution which would come into full operation over six years. Groves recommended this approach be approved and that plans be drawn up to develop the school over six years to eventually cater for 300 residents. Also recommended that the provision in the draft building estimates for 1955-57 for two Regional High Schools for Papua and the New Guinea Islands be retained.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Meeting Held from Tuesday 23rd to Friday 26th February 1954. 18 pages. Major decisions are summarised in the South Pacific Post article of 3rd March 1954. Topics discussed were - District Education Committees; Secondary Education of Natives in Australia: Proposed to provide an Australian standard school in P&NG; District Education Committee Membership: His Honour said this is not justified; Committee on Languages: Membership has been submitted to His Honour; Classification and Designation of Schools: See Draft Regulations (below) and South Pacific Post article of 3 March; Certification, Registration and Recognition of Teachers: See Draft Regulations (below); Inspection of Schools: See Draft Regulations (below); Teaching of English in Schools: See SPP article of 3 March; Status and Education of Native Women: An officer to visit colonial territories to see what is being done; Native Agricultural Extension: Need to co-ordinate standards between Departments; School textbooks: Needed in Social Studies, Hygiene, and Arithmetic. A Representative of Canberra be invited to attend next meeting at Moresby on a date to be determined. Territory of Papua and New Guinea, Proposed Draft Regulations under the Education Ordinance 1952 as Amended by the Education Board at the Second Meeting, February 1954. Defines the Registration and Recognition of Schools (Sections 20 and 21). Types of schools are: Village, Village Higher (Area), Station, Central, Secondary, Teacher Training (Grades I and II), and Technical. Gives conditions for registration and inspection of schools.
Administration Press Release, Second Meeting of the Education Advisory Board – Teaching of English in Primary Schools, 2 March 1954
. See South Pacific Post article ‘Natives Given Better Chance’, 3 March 1954. Also mentioned were educating Native women, and the Committee on Languages.
South Pacific Post, Natives Given Better Chance to Learn English, 3 March 1954, p 7. The Second Meeting of the Education Advisory Board in Rabaul, recommended last week to commence teaching English in the third year of primary, a year earlier than previous. The Board resolved to introduce the following structure for education. Primary schooling was to be eight years, four in Village Schools and four years in Village Higher Schools. Post Primary was to be three years in Central Schools. The children were to become literate in the Vernacular in Class 1 and 2 of the Village Schools. English was introduced in Standards 1 and 2 but the Vernacular remained the medium of instruction for General Subjects. The study of English was continued in the Village Higher Schools (Standards 3 to 6) which will gradually become the medium of instruction. By the end of Standard 6 the children would be reasonably fluent and literate in English. For integrity and continuity of culture the Education Advisory Board laid stress on the necessity of teaching the native students to read and write in the vernacular. Panels of names for membership of District Education Committees have gone to the Administrator.
South Pacific Post, School Subsidy for Services, 3 March 1954, p 3. The Minister for Army announced ₤115, backdated to 1953, for servicemen and their wives in the Territory who send their children to Australian Secondary Schools.
Administration Press Release, Expansion of Public Service Training Facilities within the Territory for European and Native Personnel, 3 March 1954. A Public Service Institute is to be established within two months, which will conduct both tutorial and correspondence courses for officers of the Public Service. Evening classes at Moresby, Lae and Rabaul. An Auxiliary Division of the Public Service is being created for Natives, for eventual transfer to the Third Division.
South Pacific Post, Territory Children, 3 March 1954, p 10. AW Charles says that if secondary schools are built in the Territory the Administration will still have to pay fees for the children to attend so they may as well send them to Australia.
South Pacific Post, Morobe PSA Rejects Wau School Plan, 10 March 1954, p 9. Proposed school is not big enough.
South Pacific Post, Natives to Become Public Servants, 10 March 1954, p 10. An Auxiliary Division is being created for Natives. Establishing a Public Service Institute to conduct tutorial and correspondence courses.
Government Secretary to His Honour, Estimates 1954/1955: Works Programmes 1954/1955, 17 March 1954. Cleland currently in Sydney but heading to Canberra for Budget talks. The Estimates will be dispatched on time by 29 March, the Works Programmes were dispatched 13 March. Most of the 5-page document is concerned with lack of housing in the Territory and how it is affecting recruitment. Gives the history of this problem including Hasluck asking Cabinet, on 1 July 1952, for a special grant of ₤1million in the year 1952/53 to build 250 houses. The current programme provides for 50 houses in Port Moresby and another 50 throughout the Territory. The housing requirements prepared on data provided by the Public Service Commissioner calls for 250 houses at Port Moresby with 111 at places throughout the Territory. At the same time, we need to provide for site development – roads, electricity reticulation, sewerage, furniture, and fittings. A married officer who had just arrived resigned because he had little prospect of obtaining a house for several years; and a meeting of the Public Service Association criticised the lack of housing and proposed that no more male officers be appointed until the housing lag was overcome.
South Pacific Post, Funds Adequate for Wau Secondary School, 17 March 1954, p 9. Funds for the first stage will be in this year’s Estimates. The Education Department says it has the teachers if houses are provided.
South Pacific Post, The School Plan, 17 March 1954, p 10. The editorial says it is time the Administration and the Department of Territories took a firm line on Wau. Many are opposed to sending kids to Wau or any Territory High School because of the tropical climate, lack of equivalent educational facilities, no competitive sport, and lack of social contact.
Administration Press Release, American Professor of Linguistics Making Scientific Study of Pidgin English, 20 March 1954. Dr RA Hall to write a book on Pidgin.
South Pacific Post, Territory Children Healthy, 24 March 1954, p 8. D Gunther says that the climate won’t hurt children but they need to take simple precautions against diseases.
Administration Press Release, American Professor of Linguistics Making Scientific Study of Pidgin English, 25 March 1954. Another 20 scholarships to be awarded. Applications close 30 September 1954. Written examination, psychological tests and an interview.
Administration Press Release, Special Short-Term Training Course for Native Teachers, 26 March 1954. A one-year course is to be conducted in 1955 to provide 100 teachers for Village Higher Schools. Applicants must have Standard VIII of the syllabus for Native Schools.
Administration Press Release, Study Courses for Administration Officers, 29 March 1954. 66 officers have enrolled in correspondence and tuition classes starting 5 April and continuing until November. The courses arranged by the Public Service Commissioner’s Department will enable long serving officers to become permanent members of the Second Division.
South Pacific Post, Officials Discuss Assault Plan on Pidgin, 31 March 1954, p 5. The South Pacific Commission is considering supplying thousands of books in English to stamp out Pidgin.
South Pacific Post, More Natives for Australian Secondary Schools, 31 March 1954, p 9. Another 20 scholarships to be offered in 1955. Must have Form I English and be less than 15 years 6 months in age.
South Pacific Post, Short Teachers’ Training Course for Natives, 31 March 1954, p 10. One-year course for Standard 8 graduates to prepare as teachers for Village Higher Schools. Nine teaching centres (listed) to be used. Hope to enrol some Mission graduates as well. Will train some teachers for Mission schools. A similar crash programme was used in Britain after the war.
South Pacific Post, Fight on Pidgin, 7 April 1954, p 10. A recent visit of an official from the South Pacific Commission emphasised the fact that the Administration is still doing nothing about this ‘scourge.’ Policy directives have been issued from Canberra though these may have been inspired by the political expediency of putting a silencer on an ever-growing number of critics in the United Nations. The use of Pidgin in Administration schools still brings no reprimand and the Department of Education still puts out news sheets in Pidgin.
South Pacific Post, Need for New School, 7 April 1954, p 7. A letter to the editor presses for a European Secondary School in Port Moresby.
South Pacific Post, Man Wanted: Assistant Administrator, 7 April 1954, p 10. Cartoon with caption ‘Lambert: Half these men disqualify themselves – they’ve had experience in the Territory.’
TA Huxley, Promotions Appeals Committee, 16 April 1954. 18-page report explaining the Promotions Appeals System.
TA Huxley, Leave, 27 April 1954. Embarrassment is being caused to the Administration by officers returning early from leave.
Legislative Council Debates, First Council Sixth Meeting of Second Session, 10 to 13 May 1954. Rev J Dwyer speaks on the secondary education of Natives and asks for a fairer selection system for secondary scholarships. Mr James asked Groves if the physical and psychological effect on students to study at Wau had been considered. Cleland gave a Review of Activity and Progress in the Territory. A summary appears under ‘South Pacific Post, Good Progress, 19 May 1954’ and ‘Address to the Legislative Council, 13 May 1954.’ Cleland, “The greatest problem at the present time is the question of housing – that is out top priority. There must” be an effective housing scheme instituted if we are going to hold and retain a happy and contented staff.
South Pacific Post, First Move for High School in Moresby, 12 May 1954, p 4. Preliminary plans are being to put the school on the Estimates three years hence. Priority would probably be given to Wau.
South Pacific Post, Change Native High School Selection System - Missionary, 12 May 1954, p 5. Fr Dwyer asked the Legislative Council to change the system as it favours Administration pupils.
South Pacific Post, Territory Covered in Policy Speeches, 12 May 1954, p 7. Menzies outlined progress in the Territory. Evatt says “A new ministry will be established for New Guinea. The retention and development of New Guinea are absolutely basic to Australia’s security.”
South Pacific Post, Adult Education Centre for Port Moresby, 12 May 1954, p 11. The Administration will soon establish a Public Service Institute in Port Moresby to enable the Public Service and the general public to study in all subjects up to university degrees. Primarily established to enable employees to qualify for promotion within the Service. A principal, two permanent lecturers and a number of part-time lecturers.
South Pacific Post, Canberra Farce, 12 May 1954, p 12. Editorial: “As Territorians well know, the government of this country for years has been hamstrung by an ever-growing army of chair bound civil servants in Australia and the time for a clean sweep is long past. Will the Territory someday be fortunate enough to get a Minister whose vision is not blinded by party politics and whose demands for efficiency will result in a department that is ‘on the ball’.
Meanwhile it is up to the Legislative Council to expose the Department of Territories – let their officers first serve in the Territory.”
Address to the Legislative Council by the President Mr DM Cleland on Thursday 13th May 1954. 25 pages covering Visitors to the Territory, Prominent Events, Legislative Council, Town Advisory Councils, Communications, Uncontrolled Areas, Economic Development, Building Activity, Trade Figures, Balanced Policy, Work of the Missions, Grants-in –Aid, Health, Education, and The Staff.
South Pacific Post, Good Progress made in Trade Returns, 19 May 1954, p 1. The Legislative Council retired 11 May after three years. Next meets in October. Administration schools have increased from 81 in 1951 to 106 in 1954; pupils from 4,500 to 6,000 in the same period. Teachers from 247 to 328. Mission schools from 3,100 to 3,400; pupils now 127,000; teachers from 4,100 to 4,600.
South Pacific Post, Missionary Criticises Education Department, 19 May 1954, p 2. Rev DE Ure in the Legislative Council said that several the 19 Natives sent to Australia had spent all but one year of their education in Mission schools so the Missions should get the credit.
South Pacific Post, Extensive Tours by Mr Hasluck, 19 May 1954, p 4. Hasluck has been to the Territory four times. There have also been four visits by groups of Federal parliamentarians.
South Pacific Post, Member Pleads for Native High School, 19 May 1954, p 9. Barrett wants Natives educated in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Treasury Overspends on Estimates, 19 May 1954, p 11. £23,500 overspent on schools and ancillary buildings.
South Pacific Post, Educate Women, 19 May 1954, p 16. Simogun wants both sexes sent to Australia so that they will be equal in culture and education.
C Julius, The Village School, 1950, 20 May 1954. First presented to the South Pacific Conference in 1950. 5 pages. Reproduced as Part (i) of Paper No 3 with an introduction by WC Groves.
R Thompson, What Should a Child Have Been Taught by the Time it Leaves School, 20 May 1954. Paper presented to the 1953 South Pacific Conference. Reproduced as Part (ii) of Paper No 3 with an introduction by WC Groves.
South Pacific Post, Back to School at Konedobu, 2 June 1954, p 7. Cartoon of Departmental Heads seated in a classroom. The caption is from Oliver Goldsmith ‘And still they gazed and still the wonder grew that one small head (of a department) could carry all he knew.’
South Pacific Post, A Good Result, 2 June 1954, p 10. The editorial says that the Menzies-Fadden government re-election is welcomed by most Territorians. Over the past three years the government has shown more awareness of the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Housing Shortage Threatens Progress – Mr. Lambert, 9 June 1954, p 2. The Secretary for Territories says that if more houses are not built soon recruiting will have to cease.
Dr RA Hall, A Scientific Approach to Pidgin, 17 June 1954. Address to the P&NG Scientific Society in Port Moresby. “Pidgin is a perfectly good language in itself. A Native can learn Pidgin in about six months. It has a simplified vocabulary of about 1,500 words, compared with about 80,000 in English. English is an extremely difficult language to learn.” “To replace Pidgin with English in Papua and New Guinea would need literally thousands of European teachers and would impose a fantastic financial burden.” Also see quotes in South Pacific Post article below.
South Pacific Post, Replacement of Pidgin Impossible - Professor, 23 June 1954, p 2. Professor of Linguistics at Cornell University, Dr Robert A Hall told the P&NG Scientific Society that Pidgin is a perfectly good language. “It is quite conceivable that in the distant future, a matter of centuries, not decades, Pidgin may be replaced gradually by English as a means of instruction and Pidgin may then fall into disuse.”
South Pacific Post, Secondary School for Port Moresby Not Yet Justified, Director Says, 30 June 1954, p 9. Groves told the Port Moresby Town Advisory Council that there were not enough children to justify a boarding school. If the children in Australia were brought back and given boarding facilities there may be sufficient children but then he would have to recommend the cessation of secondary education subsidies. The TAC was in favour of extending education in Moresby to the first and second years of High School plus retaining the secondary education subsidy.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1954 to 30 June 1955.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1954 to 30 June 1955.
Functions of the Department of Education, 6 July 1954. A draft paper listing 18 functions. Attached is a paper titled ‘Legislation Administered by the Department’, which lists the Education, Native Apprenticeship, and Forsayth Trust Ordinances, as well as the Cinematograph Censorship Regulations.
Organisation and Functions of the Department of Education, 6 July 1954. This five-page document lists the functions for each Division, Branch and Section of the Department. Loch Blatchford note: The structure of the Department of Education is a bit confusing and is explained below. The Department consists of five Divisions: Headquarters, General, Special Services, Female, and Technical. 1. The Headquarters Division consists of four Branches: Administrative, Inspectorial, Social Welfare, and Public Libraries. The Administrative Branch is comprised of four Sections: Administration and Co-ordination, Staff, General, and the Equipment Section. The Inspectorial, Social Welfare, and Public Libraries Branches are not divided into Sections. 2. The General Division has no Branches or Sections. 3. The Special Services Division has no Branches but five Sections: Broadcasting, Visual Education, Publications, Rural Science, and Languages. 4. The Female Education Division has no Branches or Sections, and 5. The Technical Division has no Branches or Sections.
South Pacific Post, Australian Indifference to Territory Criticised by Newspaper, 7 July 1954, p 5. The editorial in the ‘Sun-Herald’ last week said Australia had never devoted enough attention to New Guinea. It was galling for Australians to listen almost every year to criticism on the United Nations Trusteeship Council of the way they were running New Guinea. “Australia had never devoted enough attention to New Guinea and resources were not available to do the job that should be done.”
South Pacific Post, Native Girls to Wait Four Years for Secondary Education, 7 July 1954, p 10. Simogun pleaded in the Legislative Council for equal opportunity in Administration schools for girls. The Administration spokesman, said yesterday, that girls attending Administration schools would have to wait at least four years before they could be sent to Australian Secondary Schools. The standard required is Standard 9 while the highest standard the girls had reached at this stage was Grade 5.
There are four central schools for girls in the Territory, each with a European teacher in charge and native trainee teacher assistants. Tavui has 11 girl students in grades 4 and 5; Dregerhafen has 40 in grades 1 to 4; Hanuabada has 39 in grades 4 and 5; and Kerema has 17 girls in grades 3 and 5.
Administration Press Release, Study Classes for Administration Native Clerks, 7 July 1954. Organized by the Native Wages Board and the Department of Education, at the request of the Native clerks, these classes, in English and Arithmetic, were established early last month. Enrolment has increased from 165 to 195. Two classes a week of two hours each. Three men have asked if their wives can attend so that they will be able to assist at their local elementary schools.
TA Huxley, R Mash and D McCarthy, Operations of the Department of Education in Papua and New Guinea: Investigation Under Sections 10 and 12 of the Public Service Ordinance into the Administration, Organisation and Method of the Department of Education, 8 July 1954. Loch Blatchford’s note: I do not know exactly when the report was completed. Until I have further evidence, I have used the date that it was sent to Groves as its completion date. The report was referred to as document ‘J’ and Groves’ reply as document ‘K’. It was a lengthy report consisting of 55 pages plus another 73 pages of appendices. It was structured to answer the terms of reference in the sequence they were presented. The Committee set out its considerations and recommendation against the following introductory background: “The problem of education in Papua and New Guinea is one of peculiar difficulty because four racial groups are involved; the attitude of the dominant Europeans is generally one of intolerance; the Natives are at a primitive and retarded stage of development, not readily accessible and are separated by a diversity of languages, cultures and degrees of development; there had only been a very small and ill-informed background to education; a greatly accelerated tempo of social and economic must be demanded; Mission aims and methods differ from the Administration and one another; wartime devastation; Australia is not aware of the significance of Territory development. “Educational development can only mature within a policy of overall development. Progress towards these long-range objects must be by the means of the clear definition of short-range objects or stages which are clearly within the understanding of the individual officers of the Department and which allow for the formulation of practical means towards their attainment. “The Committee has not been able to discover…what is Australia’s policy towards Papua and New Guinea and consequently objectives have been vague and general- ‘the advancement of the natives,’ mass literacy and “blending of cultures.” Within the Department of Education, the Committee could find no practical definition of long-range educational policy nor practical short-term objectives. “The ultimate purpose of all Australian effort in Papua and New Guinea must be the security of the north-eastern approaches to Australia…must ensure that these people are increasingly oriented towards Australia. “The long-range educational policy must be defined to give effect to the object indicated in paragraph 4 above, while the short-term objects should be fluency in English, Health Education and, to make the native people economically productive. “No marked educational progress is possible unless a most vigorous programme of training native teachers is embarked upon as speedily as possible.” Loch Blatchford note: Space does not permit a detailed analysis of the report but it is well worth a read for researchers wanting to understand the structure, functions and difficulties face by the Department. A few quotes are included below: “The present organization of the Department of Education was designed ahead of any clear conception of policy and the definition of firm educational objectives… Though this organisation is imposing on paper, its operations, in reality, have not been comparably effective or significant.” “…many extraneous functions… a serious distraction from the main and essential tasks of the educator… resulted in the dissipation of resources and has made too wide calls on the attention and energy of top management… and a lack of concentration on essentials by the Director of Education.” The following annexes were attached to the Report: Appendix A. Summary of Establishment. Appendix B. European Staff Postings as at 22 October 1953. Appendix C. Functions of the Special Services Division. Appendix D. Cost of Teacher Training. Appendix E. Children in Schools in Papua New Guinea and Cost to Administration. Appendix F. Technical Education: A Revised Plan for the Organisation and Development and Development of Technical Training in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in relation to the Economic and Industrial Advancement of the Territory and its People. Department of Education, Technical Education: A Revised Plan for the Organisation and Development and Development of Technical Training in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in relation to the Economic and Industrial Advancement of the Territory and its People, circa 8 July 1954. This document appeared as Appendix F in the Huxley, Marsh and McCarthy Report mentioned above. It is 63 pages and of interest to those studying technical education in PNG. The report is in seven parts: 1. Technical Education: The Need and its Solution. 2. The Plan and its Organisation. 3. Technical Equipment: Buildings, Sites, Machinery and Other Technical Equipment. 4. An Analysis of the Minimum Staffing Requirements Under the New Proposal. 5. Financial Analysis of Plan. 6. Explanatory References, Charts and Statistics. 7. Summary and Recommendations. Department of Education, Cost of Teacher Training, circa 8 July 1954. This document appeared as Appendix D in the Huxley, Marsh and McCarthy Report mentioned above. It gives the costs for Sogeri, Kerevat, and Dregerhafen Education Centres from 1946 to 1953. Department of Education, Children in Schools in Papua New Guinea, and Cost to Administration, circa 8 July 1954. This document appeared as Appendix E in the Huxley, Marsh and McCarthy Report mentioned above. It gives numbers and costs for European, Asian and Mixed Blood, and Native children in Administration and Mission Schools.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Investigation Under Sections 10 and 12 of the Public Service Ordinance into the Administration, Organisation and Method of the Department of Education, 16 July 1954. Public Service Commissioner sent the report to Groves on 8 July 1954. In his reply, Groves notes that Sub-paragraph (3) if Section 10 of the Public Service Ordinance requires that “The Departmental Head shall, within a reasonable time, report to the Commissioner, in writing, whether or not he concurs with or adopts the suggestions or proposals and, if he does not concur with or adopt them, he shall state his reasons.” Groves advised the PSC: “By setting myself aside as far as possible from the normal routine of my work as Director of the Department, and with the wide range of necessary official documentary references at hand, I anticipate that the full statement of my comments will be completed for passing to you in approximately two weeks, i.e., about the end of July.”
WC Groves to Rev SG Andrews, 16 July 1954. Groves talks of his period in the BSIP in 1939-40.
WC Groves, Newsletter for June 1954, 22 July 1954. [1] Groves attended the Sixth Meeting of the South Pacific Research Council at Noumea 31 May - 12 June 1954 as one of the Australian representatives on the Social Development Section of the Council. [2] District Education Committees have been established for the New Britain, Morobe and Central Districts. Membership is listed (5 for each committee) and appointments appeared in Government Gazette No 29 of 3 June 1954. [3] During May and early part of June, Roscoe “completed a tour of the Sepik District as the first phase of a Territory-wide survey of teacher training facilities in connection with the ‘Emergency’ Teacher Training Scheme to be put into operation at the beginning of 1955.” He visited Administration Centres and Missions in the area. “On 21st June, Mr. Roscoe embarked on the second phase of his survey which will cover the South and North East coasts of Papua, the Trobriand Islands and Conflict and Engineer Groups.” [4] A new Native Teachers’ Correspondence Course has been prepared and is now in operation… designed to improve teaching efficiency and educational level. [5] Two senior school girls have been appointed as student teachers in Village Higher Schools in New Ireland. Very few such student teachers have been appointed … and if these girls are as successful as present indications predict, female student teachers will be appointed in other schools. [6] The Area Education Officer, Kerema, Mr Howard Cochrane recently started a class for Native Clerks and Medical Orderlies with a view to improving their English. Held weekly with an average attendance of 20. [7] The annual examinations for upgrading Native Administration Clerks were held in May. 69 sat 16 passed. [8] Also gives European staff movements, returns from leave, transfers, resignations, promotions, and new appointments, as well as accessions to the library.
Administration Press Release, Handicraft’s Course Conducted for Native Teachers in the Kerema District, 29 July 1954.
Address delivered by His Honour the Administrator Brig DM Cleland to Cadet Patrol Officers, 2 August 1954. 10 pages. Addresses Cadets after a six-week course. Speaks on Tradition, Human Relations, Conditions of Work, Attitude to the Natives (“They are simple people, just like children in many ways.”). Appreciation of Problems, Constitutional Position, Some Aspects of the Public Service, Historical Summary, Standards, Territorial Service, Seven Lamps of Public Service.
South Pacific Post, Term Reports Praise New Guinea Students, 4 August 1954, p 5. Reports that the 19 secondary students in Australia show improvement.
South Pacific Post, UNESCOs Praise for Territory’s Education Aims, 18 August 1954, p 13. Objectives are excellent. Praise for the 1952 Ordinance which provides the Administration with authority to control all schooling and a strengthening of the inspectorate. Notes with satisfaction steps to improve primary education. Alarmed by drop in Mission enrolments and lack of advancement in total enrolments from 1949- 52. Need for a development plan in which supervisory and financial arrangements between government and missions are clearly worked out. The Missions have lost 140 teachers owing to the Administration’s insistence on a higher teaching standard. In 1952/53 Education received 6.7% of the Budget. The previous year it was 7.5%.
WC Groves Admission to Central Schools and Idubada Technical Training Centre in 1955, 19 August 1954. Asks for nominations of Papuan students to for entry in January 1955. Must be competent in English, have completed Standard V and pass an entrance examination.
South Pacific Post, Expansion Predicted by Hasluck, 25 August 1954, p 2. Hasluck said yesterday that Territory development would increase greatly from this year onwards. An extra ₤2 million grant would allow expansion in, amongst other things, education services.
South Pacific Post, Bigger Grant, 25 August 1954, p 14. The editorial said “The amount to be spent is still pitifully small but Territorians have learned to be thankful for small mercies.”
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Report of Special Committee on “Investigation Under Sections 10 and 12 of the Public Service Ordinance into the Administration, Organisation and Method of the Department of Education”, 26 August 1954. Groves submitted two copies of his comments and observations. Volume I contained an Introductory Statement by the Director of Education’ and a number of Annexures and supplementary documents. Volume II contained Groves Detailed Comments on the Respective Sections of the Committee’s Report. “I would direct you attention in particular to the overall recommendation… which reads – In my view there is so much in the Committee’s Report that conflicts with modern educational practice in relation to dependent peoples that a much more detailed and highly specialised review of education would appear to be necessary if the best results are to be obtained from any reorganisation. I would therefore very strongly recommend – and ask that this be brought under the notice of the Honourable the Minister for Territories – that arrangements be made for the carrying out of a full investigation of the organisation and operations of the Department with a view to the clear determination of future policy and activities. I suggest that the proposed review be carried out by experts not directly connected with the Territory, with up-to-date knowledge of the present-day approach to education in dependent areas, within terms of reference which would enable the investigation to have the widest possible cover and produce the most authentic and well-considered conclusions and recommendations.” A copy of this letter and Groves’ comments and observations was sent to His Honour.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Report of Special Committee on “Investigation Under Sections 10 and 12 of the Public Service Ordinance into the Administration, Organisation and Method of the Department of Education”, 27 August 1954. Groves forwards a copy of his comments and observations to the Administrator.
WC Groves, Comments and Observations on Report of Special Committee on “Investigation Under Sections 10 and 12 of the Public Service Ordinance into the Administration, Organisation and Method of the Department of Education”, 26 August 1954. Volume I consisted of an Introductory Statement by the Director (6 pages), a Review of the Operations of the Department (26 pages), papers on the Status of and Education of Native women and Girls (8 pages), Charts of School Organisation, School Growth, Staff Wastage, Education District Organisation and Staffing, Works Undertaken 1949-1954, and proposed changes. Volume II consists of Groves’ ‘Detailed Comments on the Respective Sections of the Committee’s Report.’ On his arrival in Port Moresby in August 1946, Groves says he was starting from absolute bedrock. “The Department was allotted a most disreputable building, an ex-Army hut ... with an earthen floor and not even the bare essentials of office furniture.” His staff, which continued for some months, consisted of a general assistant, an officer to maintain the Broadcast Session for Natives, a stenographer, and one English-speaking Native assistant. “The year 1951/52 was to be regarded as one of ‘consolidation’ with ‘no extension’ … no European Officers were appointed during a period of approximately two years, there being an absolute cessation of recruitment, actually a number of resignations and withdrawals reduced the total of European staff, so that the position during 1951/1952 was one of retrogression.” “A Cadet Training Scheme designed to secure a regular flow of specially trained European officers as teachers in Administration schools, was instituted in the earlier years of the Department’s life. The training programme was worked out with the then principal of the Sydney Teachers’ College (Professor CR McRae) and the then principal of ASOPA. Whereas only half a dozen officers have been trained under this scheme, due mainly to the lack of resources for the purpose and especially to the financial restrictions referred to earlier, there is convincing evidence that this scheme was well-conceived and could have produced valuable results… In its recently revised form, the scheme will continue to produce significant results and should be pursued on an annual uptake.”
Public Relations Officer, Unchecked Report of Radio Broadcast over ABC National News, 6.45 a.m., 2 September 1954. In the House of Representatives last night, the Minister for Territories, Mr Hasluck, said that his Department planned to bring the whole population of Papua and New Guinea under the control of the Administration by the end of next year – perhaps 400,000 additional native people in remote Highland areas would come under control. Describing the Government’s plans for the Territory for the next three years he said that District Services staff would be increased by 120 Europeans and that five more Sub-District Stations would be established and 26 Patrol Posts. Plans for the next three years included the opening of 600 additional native primary schools and 45 native schools above primary grade.
WC Groves, Subsidies for Secondary Education 1955, 7 September 1954. The Minister has approved subsidies for European children, both of whose parents reside in the Territory, at the rate of ₤115 per annum for each student, plus one return fare from the child’s home in the Territory to as far south as Sydney.
South Pacific Post, Three Year Plan for Expansion, 8 September 1954, p 2. Announced by Hasluck in the House of Representatives in his budget speech. “Within the next few years, it was planned to provide 600 additional primary schools, 45 native super-primary schools, 3 native technical schools and associated ‘on the job’ technical training, and 3 additional native teacher training colleges.” “This would be side by side with an expanding mission education programme and secondary boarding school and super-primary facilities for European children.” “The whole programme would mean 1,500 more European and native teachers and workers. ₤400,000 on capital works over the next 3 years and an increase of ₤250,000 in annual costs.”
South Pacific Post, Minister Proud of Territory Progress, 8 September 1954, p 13. In the Budget debate Hasluck said that Australia could stand before the world with pride and with self-justification in its record in Papua and New Guinea.
South Pacific Post, Three Year Plan, 8 September 1954, p 14. The editorial congratulates Hasluck on the introduction of a Three-Year Plan for the Territory.
WC Groves, Refresher Course for Certain Native Teachers Held at Port Moresby During Second Term Vacation, 9 September 1954. A report prepared by Ken McKinnon was widely circulated to assist other Education officers in conducting similar courses for Native teachers under their supervisory charge.
KR McKinnon, Refresher Course for Native Teachers, 9 September 1954. A 5-page report detailing activities undertaken during a four-day course. Names those attending. The main aim was to work through assignments of the current correspondence refresher course for Native teachers. The aim was widened as special difficulties and interests became apparent. The main difficulties were that the Departmental syllabus is not set out in sufficient detail for Native teacher and they find it difficult to plan work programmes from it. The teachers wanted further courses and for wives to accompany them for tuition suited to their needs.
TA Huxley, District Administration, 9 September 1954. The members of the Chinese community are being asked by His Honour, the Administrator to refrain from giving (costly) presents to Administration Officials and I now ask for your co-operation in eliminating this undesirable practice… criticism has slowly but surely intensified. As a result, it has now developed into a most unhealthy doubt in some areas regarding the impartiality of the acts of administration by its officers.
South Pacific Post, Official Explains Restrictions on Administrator, 15 September 1954, p 14. Lambert explains the relationship between the Territory and Canberra and why supervision is necessary.
TA Huxley, Missions/Administration Conference 1954, 20 September 1954. To be held at the Red Cross Hall at Ela Beach from 15 to 23 November 1954.
Administration Press Release, Three Year System of Financing Development. Territory Commonwealth Grant Increased, 22 September 1954. Speaking in the Estimates debate at Canberra, Hasluck said that the Commonwealth grant for Papua and New Guinea would be ₤2,100,000 greater this year, making a total grant of ₤7,560,000… the increase… followed a period of reorganization and consistent attempts to build up the efficiency of the services in the Territories. The Minister said that Cabinet had accepted in principle the main features of a program of development to be spread over three years, and perhaps more important still had agreed that the program would come up for review each April before a sub-committee of Cabinet, of which the Prime Minister was chairman. Mr Hasluck said Parliament would have to be prepared to make more significant financial contributions… He trusted that both this year and in future years Parliament would be prepared to accept the idea of expanding expenditure. ₤1,300,000 would be allocated for construction of residences, offices, hostels, and schools.
South Pacific Post, New School for Moresby May Start Soon, 22 September 1954, p 5. Plans to include the first and second years of Secondary education are being investigated. High on the priority list.
South Pacific Post, Same School for Asians, Europeans, 22 September 1954, p 7. Fr Dwyer says Catholic schools are open to all Catholics. Consequently, European children are now attending the schools which, until recently, have had only Asiatic students on their rolls.
Administration Press Release, Four More Privately-Endowed Secondary Education Scholarships, 24 September 1954. Each will be for ₤50 and tenable for five years. Two have been presented by an anonymous donor ‘AVM’ who is already financing four similar scholarships and the New Guinea Club has increased the number of its scholarships from two to four. Loch Blatchford’s note: A bit of correspondence concerning the possibility that a number of students at Ela Beach Primary were not of sufficient standard to be awarded a scholarship for 1955 and may have to repeat.
Department of Education, Schools Broadcasts - Questionnaire, 29 September 1954. Wants to know which sessions are listened to and the quality of reception.
South Pacific Post, Budget Sliced Again – Top Priority for Houses Ordered, 29 September 1954, p 18. Hasluck has ordered top priority for houses so Directors are reviewing their final budget estimates.
Department of Education, Newsletter for August-September 1954, circa October 1954. 29 pages of items of general interest – visitors, staff movements, library accessions, happenings in the Districts. Mentions the ‘Emergency’ teacher training scheme. Enrolments are expected to be: Madang 10, Kavieng 14, Brandi 7, Lorengau 12, Rabaul 30, and Popondetta 30. Includes a summary of Education in the Cook Islands by Dr CE Beeby, Director of the New Zealand Department of Education.
Department of Education, Staff Postings -September 1954, 4 October 1954.
South Pacific Post, Greater Responsibility for Territory – Vital Development Plan Starts, 6 October 1954, p 3. Hasluck outlines Three Year Plan procedures allowing uninterrupted progress in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, The Small Vote, 6 October 1954, p 14. Only 50% of people from the New Guinea and Islands electorates voted in the Legislative Council elections.
WC Groves to Assistant Administrator, Trade School Wau/Bulolo Area, 7 October 1954. Gives background to adult Native evening classes throughout the Territory. “The Natives themselves were very keen on having such classes… there seemed to be a widespread belief amongst them that a working knowledge of English would be attained without great effort and in a short time simply by virtue of their attending these classes. There was what I may appropriately call an element of pathos about the whole thing.”
WC Groves, Emergency Teacher Training Scheme, 12 October 1954. Approval has been given to the establishment of auxiliary Teacher Training Centres in association with the Central schools at the following places. The figures indicate the anticipated enrolment which may or may not be realized. Madang 10, Kavieng 14, Brandi 7, Lorengau 12, Rabaul 30, and Popondetta 30. The Education Centres at Sogeri, Kerevat and Dregerhafen will not be included in the Emergency Teacher Training Scheme. They will continue to provide the normal two-year Secondary Course for Natives, at the conclusion of which, those wishing to become teachers will be trained as prescribed in Course ‘C’. Entrants to the Emergency Course will be paid and allowance of ₤1 per month and on satisfactory completion of the training course, they will be posted to schools in their own districts at a commencing salary of ₤4 a month and rations. Entrants will be given grading examinations. “This is not a qualifying examination for entrants… the purpose is to give a reasonably accurate measure of the entrant’s possibilities.” The Course is that detailed in Course ‘B’ of the Syllabus for the Training of Native Teachers. The basic text, a copy of which will be supplied to all trainees, is ‘Teaching in Papua and New Guinea,’ a Correspondence Course of Native Teachers 1954. Lists other books supplied to trainees.
South Pacific Post, Scholarships Increased, 13 October 1954, p 5. Four more privately endowed secondary scholarships; this brings the total to fourteen.
SJ Pearsall to His Honour the Administrator, Pre-School Play Centres, 18 October 1954. A 16-page document giving background and recommendations. Refers to Miss Adamson’s survey and report upon ‘Pre-School Facilities and Needs in Papua and New Guinea’ which was received from the Department of Territories in February 1953. Pearsall says that he has examined all the papers and believes that “From a local association point of view, the point of contact with the Administration has been defined and is no longer a somewhat ‘nebulous’ body; a firm promise of Administration help has been given and local autonomy, within certain standards, has been preserved.”
Romolo Carboni to Hon Paul MC Hasluck, 20 October 1954. The Roman Catholic Apostolic Delegate in Sydney had received reports from PNG on education. One was forwarded to Hasluck with the comment: “It seems that the existing Ordinance on Education does not guarantee such rightful freedom and independence which the Catholic schools, and other Mission schools, are in justice entitled to… the authorities responsible for the Catholic schools cannot exercise their proper influence in determining the overall educational policy.” [Note: See Lambert to HH, 10 November 1954]
WC Groves, Interviewing of Teacher Trainees at Sogeri, 20 October 1954. Roscoe, Ralph and N Fell interviewed the 17 graduates. They are the first to complete the Trained Teachers’ Certificate based on completion of the two years Secondary Course followed by a year of professional training for teaching. They will be posted to schools in charge of an Education Officer.
JC Cox, A Review of Visual Education Section from 1947 to 1954, 20 October 1954.
South Pacific Post, Education Subsidies Wanted for Protected Persons, 20 October 1954, p 7. The Rabaul Town Advisory Council wants the same as European children.
South Pacific Post, English Wanted in ‘Rabaul News’, 20 October 1954, p 25. Is printed in Pidgin by the Department of Education. The New Britain District Advisory Council would like one page printed in English.
Administration Press Release, Native Handicraft Training in Papua and New Guinea, 1 November 1954.
Legislative Council Debates, Second Council, First Meeting of the First Session, 1 November to 6 November 1954. Barrett asked if funds had been made available for i) new buildings at Vunamami, ii) building with local resources, iii) assistance in secondary education to children of Australian Protected Persons resident in the Territory and, iv) construction of a secondary school for Natives in the Territory. Groves answers were Yes, Yes, Under consideration, and No but will be put in the 1955/56 draft financial estimates. Fr Dwyer asked for statistics concerning 1954-55 estimated expenditure on staff, children, construction, and maintenance of schools for European children in the Territory. ₤34,725 had been allowed for salaries and allowances for staff of 800 pupils at 16 schools and ₤10,000 allowed for the Port Moresby school plus ₤1,300 for furniture. Groves told Fr Dwyer that 10 Natives were expected to qualify for Secondary Subsidy to Australia in 1955, while around 300 European children were expected to qualify. Whether the children of Asian and mixed-race parents would qualify was under consideration.
South Pacific Post, Budget Details: Major Works Programme Continued, 3 November 1954, p 3. The Treasurer, HH Reeve made his Budget speech to the Legislative Council on Monday. ₤575,000 asked for Education for 1954-55, an increase of ₤94,000.
South Pacific Post, Education Allowance below Reality; Public Servants Say, 3 November 1954, p 3. The Public Service Association argues that boarding schools cost ₤378 a year; the subsidy is ₤154.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Educational Policy, 10 November 1954. Cleland is sent a copy of Carboni’s 20 October 1954 letter and a summary of Hasluck’s views [see Hasluck, Memorandum, 10 November 1954 below]. Cleland is told “The Minister wished you to have copies of this correspondence before the mission conference and has asked that the subject be noted as one on which he would like to have discussions with you when he is next in Port Moresby.”
PMC Hasluck, Memorandum, 10 November 1954. “The Administration has complete control of policy decisions in education since these decisions are the exclusive right of the Administrator. In addition, the Government has a majority vote in all the advisory boards that have been set up, and therefore it has control of all recommendations made to the Government concerning education.” “The position is therefore very unsatisfactory to the missions which for many years were the sole dispensers of education and which now carry on equally as much educational work as the Government.” “It has been suggested that if an Education Board, comprising two Government and two mission members and an independent Chairman, were set up, to be responsible for educational policy, the drafting of regulations, inspection of schools, distribution of grants-in-aid, etc., but which would undertake no teaching of any kind, many of the anomalies of the Ordinance would be removed.” Hasluck acknowledged that this proposal would ‘meet with strong opposition from the Administration’ as the Administrator had already rejected amendments to the Ordinance. Hasluck concludes is memorandum with “I am sure that you will recognize the injustice of the missions being deprived of any effective voice in the determination of education policy. I would be most grateful if you would do all in your power to see if the regulations objected to could be amended as suggested or along other lines as you might deem fitting.”
WC Groves, Public Service Conciliation Committee, 11 November 1954. “The responses to advertisements in Australia for teachers for the Territory indicate that the present conditions – accommodation, salaries and prospects of promotion – are not attracting sufficient suitable applicants.” Groves gives comparative statistics for Territory and NSW staff at various levels. “I have found myself over and over again having to reject an application for appointment from a well-qualified officer from Australia because of this accommodation matter, and especially because it is not normally possible to give the applicant even an estimate of the time which he might be required to spend in the Territory before being able to bring his family to join him.” “The history of staff wastage during the eight years of the Department’s existence is significant. 83 resignations from a total of 105 teaching personnel employed during the period. Nine officers had university degrees.”
WC Groves to The Secretary Public Service Conciliation Committee, Statement Submitted by Director of Education, 13 November 1954. Corrects a mistake in his 11 November submission. Press release, 15 November 1954. Minister visiting the Territory in January.
Administration Press Release, Administrator’s Visit to Canberra, 15 November 1954. Hasluck was supposed to visit the Territory on 19 November 1954 but Cabinet business necessitated a postponement. He has not been here since January and “many matters have arisen which it is desirable should be discussed personally.” Lambert and Archer arrive from Canberra this afternoon for discussions on organizational matters. The main subject would be functional re-grouping of the Department of the Administrator, the Government Secretary and District Services and Native Affairs. (Gives changes). The recent visit to Canberra by the Public Service Commissioner covered Public Service and organizational matters which also required personal discussions with the Minister. There was no significance in these series of visits – it was and is just co-incidental that all three have followed so closely together.
Opening Address to the Mission Conference by His Honour the Administrator Brigadier DM Cleland, 15 November 1954. It was anticipated that the Minister would be here next Sunday to participate in the concluding session of the Conference however cabinet business has caused him to postpone his visit. Cleland spoke on the strong and sincere spirit of administration/mission co-operation, Native labour legislation, Native Lands Commission, Grants-in–Aid (enlarged progressively), Medical (a great deal to be done), and Education. On education Cleland said that while health has made a greater advance than education because the educational problem is more complex and it is one that requires more time and patience before any adequate dividends … become tangible and of substance. The Department of Education started practically from scratch and has never since then been adequately staffed … we must not only plan but produce positive action in increased tempo in teacher training. The education of women has not received all the attention which it should. The Education Advisory Board, its composition and functions are as you know prescribed in the Education Ordinance which was the result of joint consultations between the Administration and representatives of the Missions… Even at this stage in its life it may be felt that improvements can be made to give it increased efficiency and effectiveness. If that is so I shall be glad to receive for consideration any constructive ideas which may flow from this Conference.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck's Plans for Schools Not Possible, MLC Says, 17 November 1954, p 21. Hasluck’s plans to open 600 schools can’t be carried out Barrett told the Legislative Council. “Practically no provision of funds for the erection of six schools let alone 600.” Groves said teachers were not available and it takes years to train them. Barrett said that in 1952 the Minister stated that an overall plan for Territory development was impracticable.
South Pacific Post, Territory’s Teachers at ‘Disadvantage’, 17 November 1954, p 25. Groves told the Conciliation Committee on wages and hours that teachers are disadvantaged in terms of housing and salary in relation to NSW. This explains the poor response to recruiting drives. Also 83 of 105 teachers recruited (including 9 with university degrees) over the past 6 years have resigned. Gives statistics for NSW/Territory wage comparisons.
Leo Scharmach to His Honour the Administrator, 18 November 1954. The Conference of Bishops has viewed Carboni’s letter to Hasluck (20 October 1954) and Hasluck’s reply (11 November 1954). It was the intention of the hierarchy to discuss the matter will Cleland “but your unexpected departure to Australia precludes that possibility… at the close of our private Conference we will be writing to His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate (Carboni), and will submit our views on the questions raised.” “Your frank request to the Mission Conference for suggestion how better to implement a progressive educational policy for the country, your request, too, for suggestion for any improvement in the method of the distribution of the grants-in-aid, indicate an objectivity of outlook and a singleness of purpose for the country’s good that merits the highest congratulations.”
Conference of Christian Missions in the Territory and the Administration, November 1954: Resolutions of the Conference, circa 20 November 1954. Resolutions relating to Education included recommending the establishment of a Territorial Literature Bureau in 1955, an increase in Grants-in-Aid to Missions, providing a definition of ‘school’ in the Ordinance, and extending the powers and functions of the Education Advisory Board.
TA Huxley, Recreation Leave, 20 November 1954. Concerns early return from leave.
South Pacific Post, Administrator Regrets Lack of Teachers, 24 November 1954, p. At the Missions’ Conference (previous one was 2 years ago) Cleland regretted the lack of concentration of teacher education. “We must not only plan but produce positive action in increased tempo in teacher training. The Administration is giving urgent consideration to this…offer your recommendations.” “It is of utmost import in the long term that all our plans should embrace adequate and comparable facilities for female education.” The Education Advisory Board has been constituted and met twice. “It is the desire of the Minister and myself that the Board should take real and effective part in the general educational field.” District Education Committees have also been established.
C Champion, Administration/Missions Conference 1954, 3 December 1954. The Acting Government Secretary forwards the Conference resolutions to Directors.
C Champion, Entertainment of Visitors: Policy, 3 December 1954. Defines protocol for accommodating and entertaining in the Districts.
South Pacific Post, Papua’s Oldest Council Meets in Moresby, 8 December 1954, p 19. Details on the London Missionary Society in Papua from 1895 to today.
Administration Press Release, Seventeen Students Complete Full Secondary and Teacher Training Course at Sogeri, 9 December 1954. Graduation certificates were presented by Cleland. Reports the early days of Sogeri. Groves said that the ultimate plan was to have a chain of similar educational centres throughout the Territory working at the same high level. The MV ‘Leander’ is taking the Administrator and Mrs Cleland on a tour of Eastern Papua before Christmas.
Groves to Government Secretary 11 December 1954. Canberra Press Release, Australian School of Pacific Administration, 14 December 1954. Changes in policy affecting ASOPA were announced by the Minister at the annual distribution of diplomas at the school on Tuesday, 14th December 1954. “The main purpose of the changes is to enable the school to concentrate more effectively on the training of public servants for the Australian Territories and to make the school’s courses available to a wider range of officers in those services.” ASOPA is funded by the Commonwealth Government as is the Australian National University. The ANU has commenced research which will have a direct bearing on the problems of Territorial administration. ASOPA is to continue as a separate institution with its own principal and staff. This involves the rejection of various other suggestions which had been advanced for linking it with other institutions. As soon as possible ASOPA should be transferred from Sydney to Canberra. The long course is to be reduced from two years to one year. During 1955 no patrol officers will come from the Territory for the long course but those already at ASOPA will complete the second year of the current long course. Orientation courses of three to six weeks for new recruits. Special six-week courses for higher administration officers are to be introduced with two to be held in the second and third terms of 1955.
South Pacific Post, Vital Changes for ASOPA: Courses Reduced, 15 December 1954, p 1. Hasluck says that due to the high standard of recruits the Patrol Officers’ Course will be reduced from two years to one year and the College will be transferred to Canberra.
South Pacific Post, Institute Principal Takes up New Post, 15 December 1954, p 5. DI Glastonbury arrived to take up his position at the newly established Public Service Institute.
South Pacific Post, Grammar School Headmaster Wants More Territory Native Students, 15 December 1954, p 11. Ipswich Grammar wants as many as it can get.
Administration Press Release, Ten Native Students Granted Australian Secondary School Scholarships, 20 December 1954. Tenable for six year and provides for all tuition fees, complete maintenance, books, incidental expenses, and free transport to and from Australia each year. Gives names, previous school, and posting in Australia. One girl.
South Pacific Post, First Native Students Receive Teacher Training Certificates, 22 December 1954, p 22. The first to complete the six-year course at the Sogeri Education Centre. Cleland presented the certificates. Gives history of the Centre.
GT Roscoe to Rev Fr O’Hanlon, 23 December 1954. Speaking of the ‘emergency’ teacher training selection procedures Roscoe says “I have not allowed the formal requirements to stand in his way… Our teachers in charge of training have been instructed that all the ‘emergency’ trainees are to be given a chance…the weeding out will be done at the end of the course…as I grow older, I place less trust in standard tests for prediction of scholastic success. What really matters is character and that is something no formal test can measure.”
South Pacific Post, Ten More Native Students for Australian Schools, 29 December 1954, p 11. Names the students. Includes one female and six from the London Missionary Society.
South Pacific Post, A Year Gone, 29 December 1954, p 17. Editorial: The Federal Government has made more money available to the Territory treasury but the grant remains pitifully small. The Administration has made little progress in the field of education and is pursuing its dangerous policy of educating a handful of natives at secondary schools in Australia.
Christmas Message from the Administrator, ‘Papua and New Guinea Villager,’ Vol 5, No 12, December 1954.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1955
Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society, Annual Report and Proceedings, 1955.
Department of Education, Syllabus for Native Schools, January 1955.
Department of Education, Syllabus for Native Schools, Part II, Village Higher Schools, January 1955.
Department of Education, Syllabus for Native Schools, Part III, Intermediate, January 1955.
Territory of Papua and New Guinea, Regulations No.47 of 1955, Regulations Made Under the Education Ordinance 1952, Education (Council Schools) Regulations 1955. Defines ‘Council School’ and ‘Native Local Government Council.’ Gives membership and functions of Local Education Committees. Loch Blatchford’s note: Cleland put draft Regulations on hold while the ‘investigation’ was underway. (Groves, Participation of Mission, 21 April 1955)
WC Groves, Syllabus of Training in Manual Arts, 1955. An introduction by Groves but no syllabus, just one page titled ‘Handcraft Syllabus for Village Higher Schools.
Department of Education, The Problem of Language Paper No. 1 ‘Pidgin’, January 1955. Recommendations: Immediate full recognition of Pidgin by proclamation in the ‘Government Gazette.’ A Pidgin primer to be printed and widely used. Suitable reading material be published in Pidgin, and given wide distribution.
TA Deitz, The Problem of Language Paper No. 2 ‘Media of Instruction in Papua and New Guinea’, January 1955. Conclusions: The second language of the Territory should ultimately be English. Pidgin should be officially recognized at once and given full status. Literature of all kinds should be printed in Pidgin at once, including primers, readers, health manuals, newspapers. The medium of instruction to be the vernacular or Pidgin for the first four years, absolutely. English to be gradually introduced as the medium of instruction at fifth year, in selected subjects only.
WC Groves, Melanesian Pidgin: Summary of Main Points Emerging from a Comprehensive Review of the Subject, January 1955. I believe that, if Pidgin were officially and openly adopted for educational and other communication purposes in the Territory, and text books and a wide range of locally adapted literature produced in it, the result in accelerated development of the Native people would be inestimable.
Papua and New Guinea Villager, Vol 6 No 1, January 1955. Article on Women’s Clubs. Vunamami Rural Education Centre, January 1955. Extracts from papers by F Boisen, V McNamara and WC Groves on the Centre.
HH Reeve to Assistant Administrator, Finance 1954-1955, 4 January 1955. Compares actual expenditure for the first five months with the estimated expenditure.
TA Huxley, Discipline – Relations by Administration Officers and Employees with Native Women, 4 January 1955. Current reports received at this office indicate the prevalence among members of this Administration of indulging in sexual relationships with native females. The practice is one which is most seriously regarded both by the Minister and the Administration, and every effort should be made to stamp it out immediately. In every instance consideration must be given to a recommendation for dismissal from the Service.
South Pacific Post, Students in Lae Compound, 19 January 1955, p 1. Four Native secondary school students on leave from Australians secondary schools on their way home to Kavieng had to sleep in the Native compound after they were offloaded.
South Pacific Post, Schools Open on Monday, 19 January 1955, p 3. About 1,340 enrolled in European schools. Gives details.
Administration Press Release, New Native Central School Opened at Goroka, 24 January 1955. The twentieth new native school to be opened in the last twelve months. Lists the schools and includes three girls’ schools.
GT Roscoe to District Commissioner, Daru Area School, 25 January 1955. (Roscoe was acting Director. Groves in Goroka.) “It is noted that you consider the building no longer fit for occupation. This Department is not a building authority; nor does it control funds for building construction and maintenance … rests with the District Commissioner. If, in your opinion, there is no prospect of replacing them, all this Department can do is to close the school and withdraw the Education Officer from Daru, discontinuing all Departmental activities within the District. Please advise whether you recommend such action.”
South Pacific Post, New School Opened for Chimbus, 26 January 1955, p 3. Groves opened Central School at Goroka last week. First Central School to be opened in the Highlands. Will later be developed to provide secondary courses and teacher training.
South Pacific Post, PSI Principal Returning, 26 January 1955, p 7. Glastonbury returning to Port Moresby, on Monday, after arranging in Australia for Administration Officers to take university and other courses through the Public Service Institute.
South Pacific Post, Rabaul School Standard to be Raised, 26 January 1955, p 9. The Administration Asiatic school standard is to be raised to Queensland Senior by 1957. This year students will be able to sit for Queensland Junior. Planned to erect a new block opposite the existing school to become the Regional Non-Native Secondary School, to cater for children who do not wish to avail themselves of Secondary Education Subsidy.
South Pacific Post, Welcome Home, 26 January 1955, p 12. Editorial decries treatment of returning Native secondary students. “If we are to send the cream of the native population to school in Australia, the Territorian must be prepared to meet the native on equal terms when he returns. And this means sharing public utilities on a basis of equality.”
P Hasluck, The Position of Official Members of a Territorial Legislative Council, circa 1 February 1955. Undated 5-page document outlining the duties and responsibilities of members. Cleland sent copies to all members on 1 February 1955.
Public Service Commissioner, Facilities for External Studies 1955, 10 February 1955, p 11. Tutorial assistance will only be available for Diploma of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at Queensland University and subjects leading to matriculation in Queensland.
Administration Press Release, Inaugural Meeting of Advisory Committee on Languages Opens February 14th, 11 February 1955. Appointed on the recommendation of the Education Advisory Board to recommend on language of instruction and formation of a basic orthography for Territory languages. Gives membership.
South Pacific Post, School Building to Proceed, 16 February 1955, p 11. Ela School.
South Pacific Post, Education Board Meets in Port Moresby Next Week, 16 February 1955, p 21. Third meeting will open on 21 February. Gives complete agenda including Education Ordinance of 1952 and Regulations to come into effect 1 March. District Education Committee Reports, Resolutions of the Administration/ Missions Conference, Report of Committee on Languages, Teacher Training and Technical Training.
JT Gunther to Official Members of the Legislative Council, 20 February 1955, p 11. Gunther, as Assistant Administrator, reissued Hasluck’s paper on the Position of Official Members of a Territorial Legislative Council, first issued by Cleland, 1 February 1955.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of the Third Meeting Held at Port Moresby, from 21 to 25 February 1955. 53 pages covering many aspects of education including Language, Admin/Missions Conference, Education Ordinance and Regulations, Missions and Teacher and Technical Training, Expenditure, Text Books, Rural Bias, Gramophone Records, Choice of Schools, Literature Bureau, Finance for Missions, Asiatic and Mixed-Race Scholarships, Inspections, Inclusion of Missions in the Three-Year Plan. The resolutions are repeated at the end of the minutes. Groves told the Board that the Department of Education was presently undergoing reorganization which he considered would be satisfactory when complete. A three-year plan (proposed by the Minister) involving large-scale extensions in all fields of the Department’s work had been completed recently. Financial provision for the implementation of the plan had been guaranteed but the success or failure depended upon securing adequate staffing, which was, at present, an acute problem.
PMC Hasluck to Secretary, Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 24 February 1955. 7 pages. After considering the Huxley, Marsh & McCarthy report on the Department of Education, Groves’ two volume reply and the papers on file Hasluck said, “I am not particularly interested at present in the detailed criticism of the Department or in the Director’s justification of his actions. My purpose is simply to try to select those tasks which the Government requires the Department of Education to do now and to lay down clearly and definitely that these tasks must be accomplished first.” The immediate tasks of the Department of Education are as follows: First attention to be given to primary schools with the goal of teaching all children in controlled areas to read and write in English. For the above purpose, (i) efforts to be made to ensure the co-operation of the Christian missions, and (ii) special attention be given to teacher training. Manual training and technical training to be developed both in conjunction with the primary schools and in special schools in response to the developing needs of the people.
Administration Press Release, First Teacher Training Course for Native Girls, 24 February 1955. Twelve students have been enrolled in the one-year course at Popondetta as part of the Emergency Teacher Training Scheme. They will return to their own Districts where they will be posted to Native Girls’ Schools as Assistant Teachers under the supervision of European women teachers.
CR Lambert to Director of Education, Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 28 February 1955. Lambert forwards a copy of Hasluck’s statement of 24 February 1955.
Administration Press Release, Principal of Public Service Institute to Visit New Guinea Area, 28 February 1955. DI Glastonbury to visit Goroka, Madang, Wewak, Manus, Rabaul and Lae in March to advise Administration personnel on courses and methods of study.
South Pacific Post, Six Students to Go to Australia, 2 March 1955, p 3. Another six natives will follow the ten who have already left. This makes sixteen in first year and twenty in second year.
South Pacific Post, Board Recommends More Pidgin for Territory Schools, 2 March 1955, p 4. The Education Advisory Board announced yesterday that the abolition of Pidgin from the Territory was ‘quite impracticable.’ It recommended that the Administration should adopt the language officially; Pidgin as a medium of instruction in areas where pidgin was in general use; teaching of English of the highest importance; Pidgin and the vernacular are preliminary to English not a substitute. The Board also recommended grants to missions be increased and made available for mission teacher training. The Board wanted more books in English and the Vunamami principle be applied to girls’ schools.
South Pacific Post, Teacher Course Starts for Native Women, 2 March 1955, p 9.
South Pacific Post, Students Install Long Pipe-Line, 2 March 1955, p 10. 100 students from Dregerhafen constructed a 2¾ mile pipe-line from the reservoir to school.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Department of Education: Matters Submitted for Reference to the Honourable The Minister for Territories During his Forthcoming Visit, 9-20 March 1955, 9 March 1955. Groves asked for papers on the following topics to be submitted to the Administrator so that Hasluck can consider them during his visit: Proposal for Native Teachers to visit Australia. Establishment of a Literature Bureau in the Territory. The provision of financial assistance for the education of Asiatic and Mixed-Race students in Australia. Establishment of a Social Development organization within the Administration.
WC Groves, Visual Education and Broadcasting for Natives: Suggested Establishment of a Social Development and Information Organization Within the Administration, 9 March 1955. Groves suggests to His Honour that a Division be established in one of the Departments of the Administration to oversee Broadcasting, Information Publications, Films, Native Library Service and Aspects of Social Welfare. 5 pages.
South Pacific Post, Comprehensive Itinerary Arranged for Minister, 9 March 1955, p 2. Hasluck arrived today to visit Moresby, Kikori and Tapini areas. Looking at drilling sites, rice growing and schools. Leaves for Australia 20 March.
South Pacific Post, Educating Natives, 9 March 1955, p 12. Editorial warns that we may be educating Natives to reach for rainbows when the Territory needs artisans. Expresses the hope that apprenticeship scheme launched last year will get off the ground.
South Pacific Post, Bulolo School Children to Get Transport, 16 March 1955, p 7. Utility to be permanently attached to the school.
South Pacific Post, New Classrooms for Lae Primary School, 16 March 1955. Two extra classrooms to be included in next year’s estimates.
P Hasluck to His Honour, Education and the Advancement of Native Women, 18 March 1955. After reading Groves’ memorandum ‘Education and the Advancement of Native Women’ of 1 March and the enclosed paper by Miss BA McLachlan dated 24 February on the same subject, Hasluck reported that “there is a serious state of imbalance between the rate of advancement of Native men and that of Native women and that exceptional measures have to be taken to correct it.” Hasluck did not want to create a single branch of administration for the advancement of women but to ensure that, in all branches of administration the advancement of Native women goes side by side with the advancement of men. “What we are advancing is the welfare of the natives as a community, not the cause of feminism.” Hasluck proposed an intensive three-year programme in areas where the progress of men has already gone far ahead of the progress on women to enable women to make up the leeway, it being understood that these are temporary and exceptional measures to redress past mistakes.
DM Cleland to WC Groves, 19 March 1955. In connection with the forward programming of works to service the activities of your Department, I have noticed that the priorities you have submitted do not appear to implement precisely the policy which I desire adopted. It is considered that expansion in the immediate future should emphasise: 1. Provision of a training centre for girls and reasonably equated provision for girls’ schools compared with those for boys; 2. A concentration of teacher training activities in one main centre and a quickening of this activity; 3. Completion and full operation of the three technical training centres situated at Iduabada, Lae and Rabaul; 4. The progressive extension of central and higher village schools throughout the Territory, both for boys and girls.
P Hasluck to His Honour, 22 March 1955. When in Moresby Hasluck discussed secondary education with Cleland and the Assistant Administrator. Hasluck expects the Administration to make submissions on this and the objectives of educational policy recently announced (24 February 1955). To aid in the preparation of the submissions, Hasluck provides his points of view on secondary education: (a) The eventual plan should be for conducting the whole of the secondary education of natives in the Territory, the present system of providing annual scholarships for their education in Australia being regarded partly as an experiment but chiefly as an expedient. (b)It is probable that the system of secondary education allowances to enable the children of Australian parents to receive their secondary education I Australia will be continued as the prime method… some early provision will have to be made within the Territory for children of Australian parents who do not choose or are unable to send their children to Australia to secondary schools. (c) The overall aim of the policy in respect of the Asiatic and mixed blood population is to attract them towards the European population rather than forming either separate racial minorities or identifying themselves with the natives. It is immediately necessary to provide some means for their secondary education inside the Territory at schools open to all non-native children. (d) In a number of cases there would be grounds for enabling both Asiatic and mixed blood children to have their secondary schooling in Australia and this would be in keeping with our general policy of turning their thoughts to closer association with the European community…provision should be liberal enough to ensure that it is available to all those who are likely to be able to benefit from it. Every effort should be made to ensure that the girl or boy who is already living close to European standards should receive every opportunity of confirming his or her future as that of a member of the European community.
South Pacific Post, Native Apprentices to Start Work in May, 23 March 1955, p 1.
DM Cleland to WC Groves, Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 30 March 1955. Cleland refers Groves to recent announcements made by the Minister on Education in the Territory (24 February 1955), Education and the Advancement of Native Women (18 March 1955) and Secondary Education (22 March 1955) and asks Groves how he proposes to augment his activities to carry out the tasks and what other phases of educational activity should be maintained. Groves was also asked to make adjustments to his capital works programme “to reflect in true and proper proportion the changes which are required and result from the policy memoranda.” (Groves’ reply was on 9 August 1955)
Department of Education, Expansion of Education Activities 1954/55, circa April 1955. A 7-page draft paper covering new schools, expansion of existing schools, emergency teacher training, new syllabi, supplementary activities, teachers’ correspondence courses, part-time courses, and appointment of committees and boards. Cadet Education Officers are being appointed annually. Six were appointed in 1954 and have completed the first year of a two-year course while an additional eight have commenced training this year.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, ‘Visual Education’ and the Re-Organisation of the Department of Education, 1 April 1955. For the purpose of the re-organisation of the Department of Education now under consideration, and in line with the general idea that this Department’s efforts and resources should be concentrated upon the development and maintenance of a system of schools, I am not proposing that provision should be made within the new re-organisation of the Department for Visual Education in its present form... It seems to me that the time has arrived when the consideration of the future place of such work within the organization of the Administration should be firmly determined.
DM Cleland to Departmental Heads, District Commissioners and Members of the Educational Advisory Board, Education Policy, 5 April 1955. Forwarded copies of Hasluck’s Memorandum of 24 February 1955 on ‘Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea’ and 18 March 1955 ‘Education and the Advancement of Native Women’.
WC Groves to F Boisen, 5 April 1955. 6-page letter enclosing the Minister’s 24 February Memorandum on the special investigation carried out by Huxley, Marsh, and McCarthy - “It actually rejects that report practically in toto” - and informing Boisen of other Ministerial thinking on education. Groves asks for Asiatic enrolment statistics for the Asiatic Secondary School at Rabaul as Groves has to include ‘as a high priority in our Three-years’ Works Programme, the necessary buildings for the beginnings of a European-type high school at Rabaul.” “The one principle on which the Minister is clear… is that their (Asiatic and Mixed Race) education will be exactly the same as that for Europeans, and as far as secondary education in the Territory is concerned, Europeans, Asiatics and Mixed Race students will attend the same schools.” Groves wants to establish a ‘Vunamami’ type school in each district and add a mechanical section to the rural and scholastic sections.
South Pacific Post, University College, 6 April 1955, p 1. The Public Service Commissioner Mr Huxley said a University College should be established in the Territory in about four years. “We hope to have a University College for all students established in Port Moresby, by the time the Native Secondary School students return from their Australian studies. The Public Service Institute opened its first courses for Administration personnel this week. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Queensland. 19 are studying for matriculation and 26 for degrees.
FC Barron to Director of Education, Report on Teaching Training Course at Franciscan Mission, 14 April 1955. The course of five weeks’ duration was conducted by the District Education Officer. There were 35 trainees all of whom had been previously engaged in teaching with the mission. “Several of the students could not add 4 and 5 without counting on their fingers… whilst others were barely literate in Pidgin. Most of the trainees were very good types, but four or five of them had a definite minus IQ and should never have been put on as teachers. A religious zeal is not sufficient qualification for a teacher.”
WC Groves to District Education Officers, Investigation Under Sections 10 and 12 of the Public Service Ordinance into the Administration, Organisation and Methods of the Department of Education, 19 April 1955. Groves sent the full text of the Minister’s statement to District Education Officers. Cleland had only sent the sections on policy and immediate tasks. Groves wanted his officers to know how he and the Minister viewed the report but several times in his letter he asked his officers to keep the matter confidential. “Not all of us at that time were aware of the exact nature and purpose of the investigation.” “I think that it is fair to say that the report of the investigating committee was in its general nature, as well as in its detail on certain aspects of the terms of reference, completely condemnatory. My interpretation of the report, after having read and studied it closely, left me with that very definite impression.” Groves said of the Minister’s statement on the committee’s report “The most significant feature is that the Minister expresses himself as not being prepared to accept the recommendations of the committee.” “As you will see from reading the Minister’s statement, the main trend in our future organization and work will be towards a concentration on the establishment and running of schools, and it will be necessary to direct practically the whole of our departmental resources towards this end.”
DM Cleland to Government Secretary, Special Grants to Missions for Technical Training, 19 April 1955. Missions should be informed that consideration is being given to a scheme whereby financial assistance may be given to a Mission to commence technical education or to extend its facilities for technical education and that, before submitting a final scheme for the approval of the Administrator, it is desirable that they submit information so that we get as complete a picture as possible before giving them an indication of what we will or will not do.
WC Groves to GT Roscoe, Participation of Missions in Training of Native Teachers Under Special Grants-in-Aid Requirements, 21 April 1955. Briefing notes for upcoming talks with the Administrator on this topic.
WC Groves to GT Roscoe, Addendum to my Minute of 21st April 1955 in Connection with is Honour’s Memo about Missions Participating in Training of Native Teachers, 23 April 1955. We should stress the urgent need for a greater number of Europeans for teaching positions to enable us to give more attention to the training of teachers and to the provision of supervision of Native teachers employed and of regular ‘refresher’ training for them. The need is so great that we should take all possible action to make the fullest possible use of all available resources for training Native teachers which meet the prescribed requirements.
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Entry of Missionaries of Non-European Descent into the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 29 April 1955. I would appreciate it if you would let me have a brief statement showing the new approach to this question.
Administration Press Release, Native Apprenticeship Scheme Comes into Operation Today, 2 May 1955. Four and five-year courses. Gives subjects.
WC Groves, Special Grants to Missions for Teacher-Training, 9 May 1955. The matter was discussed at the Administration - Missions’ Conference in 1954 and at a later meeting of the Education Advisory Board. The matter is now being given official consideration and Missions are asked to provide the detailed information suggested by Cleland in his 19 April letter to the Government Secretary.
South Pacific Post, PSI Lecturers to Tour Territory, 11 May 1955, p 3. To visit correspondence students.
South Pacific Post, Royal Commission – Canberra Move for Territory, 18 May 1955, p 1. Pressure on the Government to appoint a Royal Commission into the administration of Papua and New Guinea may come from some Federal parliamentarians following startling allegations of inefficiency and waste. Mr JW Mitler on leave in Canberra is trying to stir trouble.
South Pacific Post, Council Moves for Curfew Extension, 19 May 1955, p 9. The Rabaul Town Advisory Council has proposed and extension of curfew hours from 9 pm to 11 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and bringing forward the morning curfew from 6 am to 5 am for all days of the week. “A Papuan can’t be on premises other than his own without written permission from the occupier of the premises… With leave passes from their employers they can be on the streets at any time.”
BA McLachlan, Notes on Education of Girls, 19 May 1955. Summarizes the situation for all levels of education.
WC Groves to all Education Officers, Educational Provision for Native Girls, 23 May 1955. The Minister’s Memo and McLachlan’s paper were attached. Groves said that his officers were to “give immediate consideration to the introduction of steps to bring about a significant change in the proportion of girls to boys attending school within the next three years… special reference as to what steps have been taken and to the results in terms of increased enrolments… is to be included in all future Monthly Reports from Education Officers.”
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Recruitment of Cadet Education Officers, 23 May 1955. Assuming that the suggested 25 be available (five to be female), I believe that there would be some advantage in having their training spread over a number of Teachers’ Colleges… if possible, at Bathurst and Wagga. My suggestion is that up to 10 be placed in each of the two provincial colleges, with the additional five at Sydney.” Groves proposed that the Cadetship be extended from two to three years. “I imagine that it is inconvenient at present for them (ASOPA staff) to travel to Bathurst… and as the alternative a special introductory or orientation courses, including Tropical Hygiene, be provided at ASOPA at the beginning of the third year… and completion of the Third Year of the Cadetship here in the Territory during which time the Cadets would be given further orientation by being attached to suitable teaching Centres in the Department”
WC Groves, Relationship between the Department of Education and Native Local Government Councils, 26 May 1955. 3 pages clarifying the relationship.
A Rosenstiel to WC Groves, 26 May 1955. She sent Groves a copy of her recent article ‘Long Term Planning: Its Importance in the Effective Administration of Social Change’, reprinted from ‘Human Organization’ Vol 13, No 2, which describes the close relationship between FE Williams and Sir Hubert Murray. The article is attached to the letter.
WC Groves, Extension of Schools-1956, 30 May 1955. This memorandum was sent to Education and Native Affairs staff in each District to try and identify places where Station Schools would be supported if they were established there in 1956. Groves anticipates 120 teachers to graduate from the ‘emergency’ Course B of Teacher Training at the end of the year and considers the establishment of fifty new station schools catering for 1,200 children to be a reasonable target for 1956.
WC Groves to Government Secretary, Reorganisation of Departments, 1 June 1955. After discussions with the Administrator and Assistant Administrator it was decided to transfer some of the activities of the Special Services Branch to the Department of Native Affairs. Groves wants the matter formalized in a memorandum. He also suggests handing Public Libraries to the Department of Civil Affairs.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Fourth (Special) Meeting, 2 June 1955. A special meeting was called to recommend to the Minister the provision of financial assistance to Asiatic and Mixed-Race students for secondary education. The Board recommended the provision of 50 scholarships for Asiatics and 30 for Mixed-blood children currently attending schools in the Territory and a further 50 scholarships for students already studying in Australia. The scholarships were for ₤145 per annum plus air fares. A further ₤200 was available in hardship cases.
Administration Press Release, Notification of Native Curfew, 4 June 1955. New curfew hours from 11 pm to 5 am will be gazetted shortly.
Government Secretary to Director of Education, Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 6 June 1956. Asks for a reply to His Honour’s 30 March memorandum.
WC Groves to the Government Secretary, (1) Education and the Advancement of Native Women. (2) Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 8 June 1956. Miss McLachlan is collating material on the first topic and the Minister’s directives have been circulated to Districts and information is being forwarded to Moresby. Both matters will be given priority when Groves returns from Noumea. Groves cites lack of staff and the variety of special matters that have required priority attention as the reason for the delay in replying to the Administrator.
WC Groves to the Treasurer and Director of Finance, Variation in Functions – Control of Public Libraries and Museums and Special Services, 12 June 1955. As from 8 July Public Libraries will come under the Department of Civil Affairs.
GT Roscoe to the Assistant Administrator, Secondary Education of Asiatic and Mixed-Blood Children, 15 June 1955. Advises the staff and facilities needed to bring the Administration Chinese School in Rabaul to a standard comparable with a State High School in Queensland and New South Wales. Needed are a science laboratory, a domestic science block and staff for both plus a technical instructor.
DM Cleland to Departmental Heads and District Commissioners, Organisation of the Administration of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 15 June 1955. A nine-page document outlining the changes in functions and procedures for the Department of the Administrator, the Department of Civil Affairs, and the Department of Native Affairs as well as the functions and responsibilities of District Commissioners.
GT Roscoe to WJ Neve, 17 June 1955. Groves out of country until 5 July.
United Nation Trusteeship Council, Examination of the Annual Report of the Administration of New Guinea, year Ended 30 June 1934: Observations on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 20 June 1955. Currently there is one full-time inspector. A good case could be made for increasing the supervisory staff of the Department instead of keeping it constant. Even allowing an estimated minimum of one inspecting officer per 200 schools, a supervisory staff of 14 would be required. No indigenous representatives sit on the District Education Committees or on the Advisory Board, and it is to be hoped that such representation will be secured as soon as possible. The education budget remains at 6.7% of public spending. In view of the Territory’s urgent problems in education, the sum appears inadequate… in capital works as elsewhere education is suffering from lack of funds. A scheme for sending indigenous pupils to secondary schools abroad was inaugurated in 1954… UNESCO notes with satisfaction… and congratulates the Administration on achieving it. A certain expansion of the scheme may be hoped for. The supply of qualified teachers is regarded as the major educational problem in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Administration Officers to Attend SPC at Noumea, 22 June 1955, p 7. Groves and Dr Scragg will represent the Territory from June 20 to 30.
DM Cleland to Director of Education, Variation in Functions – Control of Public Libraries and Museums and Special Services, 24 June 1955. Libraries and Museums are to go to Civil Affairs so negotiate with them on the transfer. It is intended for Special Services will go to the Department of Native Affairs but this will have to wait until the Executive Officer responsible for these matters is appointed and if approved the transfer can take place.
RW Wilson to Acting Assistant Director of Education, Secondary Education of Asiatic and Mixed Blood Children, 24 June 1955. As you are aware, it is proposed to establish an Intermediate High School in Rabaul…there could be some merit in giving priority to the building of the Science Laboratory and the Home Science block in an effort to make these operative next school year for operation as complementary to the existing Chinese School.
GT Roscoe to the Public Service Commissioner, Salaries of Teaching Staff, 29 June 1955. Gives salary ranges for all ages and Education Officer levels, plus a Tropical Allowance of ₤150 for singles and ₤250 for married couples. Cadet Education Officers enter a ₤1,000 bond to finish the course of training and then continue in the employment of the Territory Service for two years. At the time of selection, the Cadet must be under 24 years of age.
South Pacific Post, Asian Children May Get Education Aid, 29 June 1955, p 2. Fr Dwyer told the Legislative Council that the Education Advisory Board had already given favorable consideration to giving education subsidy to help parents of Asian and Mixed Blood people with education expenses.
Department of Education, The Training of Native Students for Teaching, 30 June 1955. A paper prepared for the information of the Education Advisory Board. Gives information on the types of teacher training, entry requirement and the history of the ‘emergency’ teacher training scheme – Territory survey, revised syllabus, placement of trainees, etc.
TA Dietz, The Problem of Language: Media of Instruction – Vernacular v. Foreign Language – The Iloilo Experiment, July 1955. At the second meeting of the Education Advisory Board, it was suggested that a controlled experiment be undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of education in the vernacular and education in English. Lack of resources did not permit this research however a study undertaken in the Philippines “proves that in the first two years of schooling the vernacular must be used as the medium of instruction.”
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1955 to 30 June 1956.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1955 to 30 June 1956.
DM Cleland to Director of Education, 12 July 1955. “Your general submission to the PSC on the re-organisation of your Dept…has been outstanding too long as it is… you will please submit your recommendations to the P.S.C. immediately and no later than C.O.B. Friday 15th July 1955. You will regard that as a firm time limit.”
WC Groves, Proposed Participation by Missions in the Technical Training of Natives Under Grant-in-Aid Arrangements, 13 July 1955. As suggested in Cleland’s 19 April 1955 memorandum to the Government Secretary, Groves informs Missions that consideration is being given to a scheme whereby financial assistance may be given to a Mission to commence technical education or to extend its facilities for technical education and asks that they submit information on their current and proposed activities in that field. Groves hopes to put the matter before the July meeting of the Education Advisory Board.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education: Proposed Reorganisation, 15 July 1955. Groves advises Cleland that he has forwarded the information to the Public Service Commissioner. Groves still wants to discuss Visual Education with Cleland.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education: Proposed Reorganisation, 15 July 1955. Information on Departmental organization and staffing.
Department of Education, Analysis of Staffing, 15 July 1955. This was attached to Groves’ 15 July 1955 letter to the Public Service Commissioner. It gives tables for staff analysed by position, division, school, location; staff in primary, secondary, technical, teacher training.
Department of Education, Organisational Charts, 15 July 1955. This was attached to Groves’ 15 July 1955 letter to the Public Service Commissioner. Two pages giving a diagrammatic representation of the organization of the Department.
Public Service of Papua and New Guinea, Salaries of Officers of the First Division, circa 15 July 1955.
South Pacific Post, ‘Not Ashamed of Our Record’ Trusteeship Council Told, 20 July 1955, p 14.
South Pacific Post, Generous Scholarship Approved for Territory Students, 27 July 1955, p 1. Hasluck has approved ₤1,000 pa to study to become a doctor.
South Pacific Post, Canberra Visitors, 27 July 1955, p 14. Editorial: “at least five of the six politicians from Canberra know as much about this country as a dog knows about its grandfather. If their ignorance is indicative, then most of the members of the House of Representatives possess the vision of a scratching rooster and the education of a barn-yard duck.”
Education Advisory Board, Proceedings of Fifth Meeting, 27 to 30 July 1955. Held at Goroka in the Eastern Highlands. 13 pages. Recommendations: School committees to be established to stimulate an interest and sense of responsibility in schools. The term Papuan be used instead of Native and Mixed-Race instead of Mixed-Blood. The formation of a Territory wide English-Speaking League for those desirous of practicing the use of spoken English. An attempt must be made to provide universal primary education. Secure literacy in the vernacular and then the common language (English). Provision of greater financial aid and other appropriate forms of assistance to the Missions: Substantial subsidies for registered teachers, smaller subsidy for recognized teachers; higher subsidies for central schools, teacher training, manual and technical training, domestic science, and agricultural training institutes, and to include the maintenance of students and boarders; supply of equipment to registered and recognized schools. A special committee be set up to review Grants-in-Aid to Missions.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Entry of Missionaries, etc. of Non-European Descent into the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 3 August 1955. Reviews policy from 12 March 1952.
Department of Territories to PM Hasluck, Entry of Natives of the British Solomons and New Hebrides as Mission Workers or as Students at Territory Missions, 4 August 1955. Hasluck approved the recommendation that the Administrator be authorized to deal with individual cases on their merit.
Extract from Commonwealth Gazette No. 36, 4 August 1955. One page document giving the salary for an Education Officer Grade I with various academic qualifications.
Department of Education, Re-Organisation of the Department of Education, 5 August 1955. Lists the functions of the Department.
WC Groves to DM Cleland, Education in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 9 August 1955. A 41-page document in reply to Cleland’s request for information on how Groves proposed to augment his activities to carry out the tasks set by the Minister. Groves was also asked to advise what other phases of educational activity should be maintained and to make adjustments to his capital works programme. Groves proposed that the present system of school organization be retained as the basis of immediate extension. At least forty new Station or Village Higher Schools are to be established at the beginning of 1956 and plans are to establish 102 new schools between 1956 and 1958, increasing the pupil enrolment by 17,500 to 22,500 representing an increase of 75%. The Three-year Works programme as submitted provides for most of the building requirements. Other proposals include: Course B teacher training is to be maintained and extended to include the fullest participation by the Missions. The three Administration Technical Schools are to be extended and a new one established in Bougainville. A special three-year course for training Native lads to become Manual Arts teachers commenced this year with thirteen students enrolled in two centres. These courses 13 will be continued and extended. Three new Central Schools are to be established for girls and one special centre for teacher-training. Additional European teachers, if available, will be recruited as required.
Administration Press Release, Secondary Education Assistance for Asian and Mixed-Race Students, 11 August 1955. Hasluck has approved that all Asian and Mixed-Race children will be eligible for a secondary education subsidy on the same basis as for European students. Annual subsidy of ₤145 and one return fare. 30 scholarships to be awarded annually to Mixed Race children to the value of ₤345 (means tested) plus one return fare. Will be reviewed at end of 1957.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Entry of Natives of the British Solomons and New Hebrides as Mission Workers or as Students at Territory Missions, 11 August 1955. Cleland advised of the Minister’s Approval of 4 August 1955 and told that “The precedents we are trying to uphold refer to persons of other races than that of the indigenous people.”
WC Groves to V Parkinson, Education, 13 August 1955. Groves will be arriving Sydney late September or early August for at least four months leave. “After that, I will not personally be greatly concerned with the matter (posting of Cadets), since I will be approaching retirement age by then – or may perchance have moved myself off to some other sphere where I will no longer be directly concerned with the Department of Education in Papua New Guinea.” Provision is to be made in the new establishment of the Department for something like sixty Cadets, presumably thirty for each of the two years, but giving us the number does nothing in fact to secure any increased number of candidates and I think that no one would say that the present two groups of Cadets represent much beyond the minimum level for such appointment. As I have reviewed the reports received on them, I can see that they will need a lot of in-service training and supervision after they have taken up duty here that it will not be possible to regard them as fully effective as teachers and to give them much responsibility in their respective postings for at least two years after they commence”
WC Groves, Secondary Financial Assistance for Asian and Mixed-Race Students from the Territory of Papua and New Guinea attending Secondary Schools in Australia, 18 August 1955. Three pages giving definitions of Asian student and procedures to be followed to obtain a scholarship. Another circular was attached providing guidance to the Means Test Committee, and a further circular providing a summary of steps to be taken by the District Education Officers and other Education Officers.
South Pacific Post, Financial Aid for Asiatic Secondary School Children, 17 August 1955, p 1. Hasluck has approved for Asians and Mixed Race. Will commence in 1956 and reviewed at end of 1957 in the light of progress in the establishment of secondary schools in the Territory for all standards.
South Pacific Post, Territory Chinese, 17 August 1955, p 14. Editorial supports the Secondary Education Subsidy and now wants citizenship for them.
South Pacific Post, Priests Worried About Delays to New School, 17 August 1955, p 20. Plans for a new school in Lae had been approved locally but were being delayed ‘in some other quarter.”
JK McCarthy to District Officer Rabaul, Native Local Government Councils and Mission Schools, 23 August 1955. The Administrator has determined that Council funds should be used to benefit all people in the Council area and therefore funds should not be given to any one particular group or section of people (Missions) 14 and that if the Council wishes to build schools, they should do so in accordance with the principles laid down by the Administration through the Department of Education.
JK McCarthy to His Lordship Leo Scharmach, 30 August 1955. The Administrator’s ruling on Council aid to Mission schools was forwarded.
South Pacific Post, Details of Territory’s Budget, 31 August 1955, p 1. Nearly ₤2 million more to spend but no details on Education.
RW Wilson, Procedure – Removal of Natives from the Territory, 2 September 1955. 12 pages concerning the policy and procedures governing the removal of natives from the Territory and the admission of natives to Australia.
WC Groves to RE Gibson, 8 September 1955. Harry Maude is resigning from the South Pacific Commission if his branch is to be moved to Noumea from Sydney. I have had “feelers” from Maude himself and through our Government about my taking the job on. But I feel that I am a bit advanced in years for it and I am afraid that I am not attracted by the idea of spending the remaining years of my working life mainly at Noumea. Nor is the salary particularly attractive compares with what I receive here. [Loch Blatchford note: On 11 October Roscoe says that Groves has been gone 4 weeks.]
WC Groves, Use of Pidgin, 9 September 1955. The Minister has approved the recommendations of the Education Advisory Board concerning the use of Pidgin with the provision: “That the purpose of this approval it to further the aim of teaching all children in controlled areas to read and write English; that pidgin is to be used only as a medium of instruction and then only in schools in areas where it is in general use; that the production of primers, readers and text-books in pidgin is not to be allowed to prejudice or limit the production and distribution of similar material in English for use in all phases of school work.”
WC Groves to the Public Service Commissioner, Reorganisation of the Department of Education: Provisional Promotions, 13 September 1955. In the light of my own age and the need for a suitable officer to succeed me as Director on my retirement … I am submitting under separate cover confidential notes on the senior officers concerned – Mr GT Roscoe, Mr D Owner and Mr RC Ralph.
South Pacific Post, Auditor’s Report – Administration Mismanaged, 14 September 1955, p 1. The Auditor General in his report to parliament gave two pages of ‘scathing analysis of Territory accounting.’
South Pacific Post, More Recruits for Administration, 14 September 1955, p 22. Hasluck told the House of Representatives that the Administration plans to recruit 300 for this financial year.
Administration Press Release, Outstanding Authority on Pre-School Centres to Tour the Territory, 16 September 1955. Miss CM Heinig to tour from 21 September to 1 October 1955. Gives her background and itinerary.
South Pacific Post, The Drum, 21 September 1955, p 1. Reports that the number of recruits now cut to 76 from 300.
South Pacific Post, Two Natives for Junior Farmers’ NSW School, 21 September 1955, p 4. Five-day leadership course.
South Pacific Post, World Famous Kindergartner to Visit Territory Centres, 21 September 1955, p 14. Miss CM Heinig who pioneered Pre-School Centre Organisations in the United States is to visit Papua and New Guinea to advise the Administration and parents on latest developments.
PM Hasluck to the Secretary Department of Territories, Secondary Scholarships for Mixed-Blood Children in Papua and New Guinea, 27 September 1955. Hasluck considers that there may be a special case to be made for four students who missed out on scholarships because they were a few months over the age limit.
GT Roscoe, Interview with His Honour the Administrator, 28 September 1955. Main topics were Secondary Subsidies (European), Native Scholarships and Hasluck’s Scheme for Recruits.
L Scharmach to His Honour, 28 September 1955. He is upset at Cleland’s decision not to allow Local Government Councils to give money to Missions. “The position is not satisfactory, and cannot be accepted by me.” The Catholic teachers and Catholic Committees request that the subject be reviewed.
South Pacific Post, Salvation Army for Territory, 28 September 1955, p 1. Col HR Scotney says the Army may be established in the Territory of the right kind of work can be found for it. He has teacher and nurse training in mind.
South Pacific Post, All Officers Visiting Territories, Mr. Hasluck Tells House, 28 September 1955, p 3. Hasluck told the House of Representatives that all his senior officers had visited the Northern Territories or Papua and New Guinea in the last 2 or 3 years. Hasluck spends 2 to 3 months each year traveling in the Territories. “If any of the senior officers in the Territory has a particular problem which could be dealt with more expeditiously by his coming down to Canberra, he comes down most readily.”
CR Lambert to His Honour, Secondary Education Assistance for Asian and Mixed-Race Students, 29 September 1955. Lambert forwarded the Minister’s memorandum of 27 September 1955. Cleland consulted Roscoe who was acting Director who recommended raising the age limit by one year in all cases and by two years in approved cases.
H Wyndham to The Secretary Department of Territories, 30 September 1955. Sets out the years of probation a Cadet will have to complete before he will be awarded a Teachers’ Certificate.
GT Roscoe, Subsidy and Scholarship Examinations to be Held October 30 and November 1, 3 October 1955.
Administration Press Release, Administration Technical Students Available for Industrial Apprenticeships, 4 October 1955. There are sufficient technical school students at the three centres to meet all employers’ requests for apprentices. Handwritten inter-office memorandum stating Roscoe to see Cleland 2.30 pm on 4 October concerning Asian and Mixed Blood Educational Assistance.
South Pacific Post, Secondary School Exams for Territory Students, 5 October 1955, p 4. Subsidy exams will be held October 30 and November 1 for those completing Grade 6 European Syllabus and planning to go to Australian Secondary Schools.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, In-Service Staff Training, 5 October 1955. Roscoe suggests a position be created at the Public Service Institute to oversee in-service training for teachers to keep them professionally up-to-date. Other suggestions were study leave to complete a year at university, correspondence courses, and annual conference of teachers, and the regular publication of a newsletter or journal.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Staff Recruitment, 5 October 1955. After discussions with the Minister during his last tour and Cleland on the previous day, Roscoe put forward the proposal to recruit Australians with the Queensland Junior or NSW Intermediate Certificate to come to the Territory to complete the one-year Course “C of Native Teacher Training at Sogeri. Upon completion they would be posted to schools as probationary officers. They would be encouraged to undertake correspondence courses and upon completion of the Leaving Certificate would be appointed as Education Officers Grade I. Roscoe suggests that as he will probably be leading a group of ten native teachers on a tour of Queensland in the New Year, he could interview applicants while he is in Australia. Cleland passed the matter to the Public Service Commissioner for his suggestions.
Administration Press Release, Corporal Punishment in Papua and New Guinea, 5 October 1955. Hasluck said that during the past four years twelve natives have received corporal punishment (caning). Ten cases involved six strokes or less. Only one case since 1952.
South Pacific Post, American Expert Advises Pre-School Training, 5 October 1955, p 10. Miss Heinig said in Rabaul that the first six years was the most important period of development.
South Pacific Post, New Rabaul Pre-School, 5 October 1955, p 10. Miss Heinig officially opened the Rabaul Pre-School on 26 September 1955.
South Pacific Post, Moresby Holds its First Inter-School Carnival, 5 October 1955, p 31. Boroko, Convent, and Ela schools have a sports carnival.
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Secondary Education Assistance for Asian and Mixed-Race Students, 11 October 1955. Cleland replies to Lambert’s minute of 29 September 1955 and recommends as Roscoe suggested, raising the age limit by one year in all cases and by two years in approved cases.
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, 11 October 1955. Letter to Groves who has now been on leave for 4 weeks. Points of interest are: “For a few days after you left the direct line from His Honour to your Office was ringing with rather embarrassing frequency…I have found His Honour quite helpful and pleasant. He is looking very closely into the matter of Grants-in-Aid to Missions… is prepared to appoint the ‘ad hoc’ committee recommended by the Education Advisory Board; I was summoned before the Arbitration Board to give evidence why so many Education Officers had resigned in the past few years (McKinnon is an applicant for employment in the NSW Service but has not made up his mind yet) and I mentioned the lack of staff buildings and equipment. The Minister has approved the Native teachers’ tour of Queensland and I will be leading that early February. I will return in the middle of March and then proceed on 8 weeks leave, returning to the Territory about the middle of May.”
GT Roscoe, Age Limits for Asian and Mixed-Race Students attending Secondary Schools in Australia, 12 October 1955. Representations have been made to have the age limits relaxed. As some relaxation is likely all students irrespective of age should be allowed to sit the qualifying examination and a final determination made on receipt of the Minister’s ruling.
South Pacific Post, PSA Serves Writ on Arbitrator, 12 October 1955, p 1. Hasluck has refused an arbitrator to hear claims for additional educational allowances. The PSA went to the Supreme Court, which asked the arbitrator to show cause why he should not hear the PSA claim. The case will be heard on 25 October 1955.
South Pacific Post, Move to Curb Childish Pranks on Buses, 12 October 1955, p 22. Roscoe has asked parents and teachers to cooperate.
South Pacific Post, Official Criticises Government Policy on Native Training, 12 October 1955, p 22. George Harrington, the acting Principal of Malaguna Technical School said that the present Government policy towards technical training for natives could seriously hamper future progress in the island – construction work now being carried out by students is to be taken over by an outside contractor.
South Pacific Post, Opening of PS Institute, 19 October 1955, p 3. The Administrator officially opened yesterday. Already 400 people have benefited from advice and assistance.
Rev A Beavis to Right Hon Paul Hasluck, 21 October 1955. Asks for Government financial assistance for mission teacher training.
GT Roscoe to the Public Service Commissioner, Cadet Education Officers’ Status on Completion of Training, 5 October 1955. Roscoe points out that there is no inspector of schools for native schools and would the Director General be willing to accept reports on Cadets from District Education Officers, Superintendents and Chiefs of Divisions.
Legislative Council Debates, Second Council, Fourth Meeting of the First Session, 24 to 28 October 1955.
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, 25 October 1955. [1] George Harrison has been forward buying construction materials from local suppliers and now owes ₤3,000. The Treasurer has issued a ‘please explain’ because the Assistant Administrator has given instruction that this practice should cease and orders be supplied by the Department of Works. [2] The Administrator has asked the Department to accept full responsibility for compiling and adapting all syllabuses for trade training and the responsibility of organising training classes in all trades… with the few men we have left, it is really beyond our means. [3] Raising the age limit for secondary scholarship means that we will need ₤30,000. The vote is for ₤19,000. His Honour asked me when discussing the proposed raising of the age limit whether this would involve more expenditure. At the time I had the idea that the estimates would be adequate even for the larger number, but in now appears that I was wrong.
South Pacific Post, Few Mission Pupils Effectively Instructed, 26 October 1955, p 7. So said Acting Director of Education, GT Roscoe to the Arbitration Court. “A lot of them would be receiving semi-education - religious instruction and primary writing and reading. This is not anywhere near teaching in the sense we expect when we say they are going to a school.” Gives statistics for mission/administration schools and pupils. Roscoe believes he will have difficulty in filling the 60 vacancies in the Department. When Roscoe had previously discussed recruitment problems Hasluck had promised him staff “All the staff you need! But with due respect to Mr. Hasluck, in the light of past experience, I cannot take that too seriously.”
South Pacific Post, Jobs Offered by Brazilian to Territory Teachers, 26 October 1955, p 10. A Brazilian who taught at Madang returned to his homeland because of poor conditions in the Territory. He has since written to several teachers offering them jobs and better conditions.
South Pacific Post, Fairy Story Efforts to Obtain Education, 26 October 1955, p 12. Kundiawa people keen to obtain education. Have built 30 buildings in one month at no cost to the Administration.
South Pacific Post, Education Priority for Europeans, 26 October 1955, p 12. Europeans working in the Territory would not stay unless education for their children was assured. The Minister for Territories was alarmed at the proposed expense of the Wau High school and decided to hold up the project for some time. The parents protested and the Minister introduced the secondary subsidy scheme, which has continued since.
South Pacific Post, Senior Officer Reveals Huge Teacher Shortage, 26 October 1955, p 14. Acting Director of Education Roscoe told the Arbitration Court that the Education Department is 8,300 teachers short of the number required to educate the Territory people. Staff at present consists of 100 Europeans and 200 locals. Teacher loss since 1946 was 117 European officers. 48 teachers were lost between 1951 and 1953 and 34 were lost last year. Housing is poor and the Territory is a professional backwater.
South Pacific Post, Children Need Break from Territory Climate, Doctor Says, 2 November 1955, p 3. Dr H White says that European children should go to cooler climate at age 8. Roscoe says they should not be separated from their parents before 14.
G Mackey, Proposed Course for Cadet Education Officers – Department of Territories, 3 November. At the request of the Department of Territories we have provided a course of training in basic woodwork for Cadet Education Officers who will be appointed to Papua and New Guinea. The Commissioner of the Commonwealth Public Service Board wants more subjects than basic woodwork. The planned syllabus consists of 36 weeks instruction of 6 hours weekly, 2 hours Theory, Drawing and Calculation, and 4 Practical Work.
RG Menzies to Rev L Dickson, 5 November 1955. The immigration policy of the Territory… is to avoid, if possible, those conditions which have acted against the interests of indigenous people in other dependent areas of the world whenever immigrant groups from Asia have entered their country.
P Hasluck to Rev A Beavis, 8 November 1955. Hasluck suggests that the question of the government bearing some of the expense of mission teacher training be put to the Education Advisory Council and the next missions’ conference.
South Pacific Post, Administration to Investigate Mission Education, 9 November 1955, p 1. Roscoe said that a ‘considerable number’ of mission schools now being subsidized did not comply with the Education Department’s minimum standards. Sub-standard schools under a new full-scale investigation would have their subsidy withdrawn. The new Education Ordinance came into effect on 30 June. Missions apply for registration by September 30. School heads supply details on school buildings, teacher qualifications, number of pupils, texts. An inspector then inspects ₤5 a day fine to operate an unregistered school. Roscoe said he believed most native teachers did not know how to teach. “Too many mission teacher training centres concentrate on theological training and not teaching methods. When the Director, Mr. Groves first came here in 1946, he suggested that one centre be established for teacher training. But the missions refused on religious grounds. They thought their teachers would not return to them. This year, for the first time, one mission has sent 40 trainee teachers to Administration Centres for examination.”
South Pacific Post, ₤58 Only for Adult Education, 9 November 1955, p 11. Mr Ure of the LMS told the Legislative Council that the Education Department only allowed ₤58 for mass literacy. “The mass literacy campaign began after the visit of Dr Laubach some years ago. The plan was to teach some thousands of adult people to read and write in the vernacular.”
SJ Pearsall to His Honour, Grants to Mission Schools from Council Funds, circa 10 November 1955. Three-page summary of previous decisions. In this case Cleland decided that because of the overall position in the Gazelle Peninsular for Councils to provide up to ₤150, to missions, for goods and/or works done but not actual cash, without affecting Administration Grants-in-Aid. Policy to be reviewed by the Minister.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Bursaries for Mixed-Blood Children, 14 November 1955. The Minister has approved that the age limit be raised by 2 years for 1956. Gives procedures for applying the means test.
Rev A Beavis to P Hasluck, 16 November 1955. Beavis will put the matter before the mission representatives.
LF Butler to His Honour the Administrator, Recruitment of Cadet Education Officers, 16 November 1955. This five-page minute summarizes negotiations between the Prime Minister, the Premier of NSW, the Secretary of the Department of Territories and the Director General of Education NSW to obtain approval for 25 Cadets to train annually at NSW Teachers’ Colleges and be awarded universally awarded teaching qualifications at the end of their probation in the Territory. On the basis of this history, Butler opposes Roscoe’s proposal of 5 October 1955 to recruit Cadets with Intermediate equivalent entry qualifications. Butler says the Minister has repeatedly directed that the minimum requirement for entry to the Second Division is the Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Secondly, the aim is to produce Education Officers who will have some academic equipment that will be universally recognized in the event of their leaving the Territory Service.
South Pacific Post, Missionary Answers Dishonesty Charges, 16 November 1955, p 1. Percy Chatterton objects to the Department of Education using young inexperienced Patrol Officers to check mission enrolments. Tells of the difficulty defining ‘school’ and ‘trained teacher.’ The joint teacher training institution suggested by Groves at the Mission/Administration Conference was favoured by two of the four mission representatives.
South Pacific Post, Teacher Training before Adult Education, 16 November 1955, p 10.
South Pacific Post, ‘Secret Dossiers’ Remark Distorted Says Mr Cleland, 23 November 1955, p 21. The Administrator said that it was quite reasonable, in view of the widely scattered areas, that the Administration should use patrol officers for a routine check that the schools are operating and the approximate number of pupils.
South Pacific Post, Native Students Choose Land for Ambitions, 23 November 1955, p 23. 6 of 23 students who sat for a qualifying exam to continue secondary education in Australia wanted ultimately to become farmers, said the Rabaul District Officer.
South Pacific Post, 90 Territory Students for Australia, 30 November 1955, p 7. 92 Europeans sat for the subsidy exam and at least 90 will attend Australian Secondary Schools. 114 Asian and Mixed Races sat for the same exam and so far, 65 who are eligible on academic requirements and within the age limits have indicated their desire to continue their education in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Education for Natives, 30 November 1955, p 16. Letter to the Editor from M Tutanava of Vuvu Education Centre listing Catholic achievements in education.
Department of Education, Expansion of Education Activities 1954/55, December 1955. A five-page report naming schools opened from 1953 to 1955 and listing activities for all sections of the Department for 1955.
Department of Education, Headquarters’ Staffing, circ December 1955. Table giving Designation, Classification Status, Occupant and Notes.
WC Groves to GT Roscoe, 6 December 1955. [1] The Minister approved 26 Cadet appointments… We may get 20 ultimately. But by the time they’re trained we’ll have lost just as many: and in any case I’ll be just about on my way out then – so I can’t be giving much thought to them. [2] Basis of Agreement in Regard to Native Local Government Councils and Schools, 6 December 1955. The Agreement was signed by the Administrator, the District Commissioner and Mission Representatives.
South Pacific Post, Fr Dwyer Replies, 7 December 1955, p 3. Dwyer summarizes Mission contribution over the past 70 years. His reply is a reaction to criticism of mission influence in secular affairs.
South Pacific Post, Boarding School for Girls Opened at Rabaul, 7 December 1955, p 11. Tavui was opened last week with 22 pupils aged 13 to 18. The aim is for the school to become a teacher training centre. It is the first Administration native girls’ boarding school in the New Guinea Islands.
South Pacific Post, Fr Dwyer’s Letter, 7 December 1955, p 15. AE Stephens, who reported on trouble in Rabaul, in replying to Fr Dwyer’s letter of today’s date says on missionaries “Before I came to this Territory, the ex-Administrator. Col JK Murray said: ‘The most dangerous people in that Territory and the Missionaries. I’ve had the devil’s own job trying to find the truth from all that they say. Watch them!’”
South Pacific Post, Federal Elections, 7 December 1955, p 16. Editorial says of elections next Saturday “many Territorians would not be ill-disposed to a political swing, if only for the purpose of securing a change in the political control of the Department of Territories.”
South Pacific Post, Government and Missions, 7 December 1955, p 16. ‘Educationist,’ in a letter to the Editor quotes Prof WR Crocker of the ANU in a book ‘On Governing Colonies,’ which criticizes missions, and especially the Roman Catholics, in developing countries.
South Pacific Post, Native on Missions, 7 December 1955, p 16. I Towai in a letter to the Editor says that the missionaries are creating trouble.
South Pacific Post, Six Point Plan to End ‘War,’ 14 December 1955, p 1. An extensive report on Local Government Councils providing financial support to mission schools. The issue dates back to 1953. Gives the history and current resolution.
South Pacific Post, Students Complete Emergency Training Course, 14 December 1955, p 9. 12 native girls and 23 boys recently attended an emergency teacher training course at Popondetta (included Rose Kekedo and Josephine Abaijah). The first time the course had been held. Will be held again next year.
South Pacific Post, Madang Warning on Pre-School, 14 December 1955, p 12. Unless a start is made on the new building the ₤2,000 grant could be lost.
South Pacific Post, Education by Missions, 14 December 1955, p 18. Letter to the Editor concerning the Administrator’s defence of Roscoe (‘Secret Dossiers’, 23 November 1955). Says the missions are discriminated against, especially in Konedobu. Two other letters on the same day, same page, praising the work of the missions.
South Pacific Post, More on Education for ‘Outback’ Children, 21 December 1955, p 5. GE Bliss told the Madang District Advisory Council he thought it remarkable that plantation children had to do correspondence lessons. Suggests a subsidy to send primary children to Australia. Roscoe is opposed the separation from parents before age 12.
RW Wilson to the Director of Education, Training of Teachers for Mission Schools, 22 December. Roscoe is asked for his comments on the Minister’s letter to Rev Beavis of 8 November 1955.
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, 22 December 1955. [1] The Administrator has called for a plan of development for the Department of Education to cover the next eight years. This has been duly prepared and submitted and I am enclosing a copy for your perusal. [2] The (Trainee) Teachers’ examinations are in progress and it is interesting to note that the written papers from Vuvu are about the same standard as those received from our own training centres. The performance of written papers generally was not really good but on the other hand… the practical teaching will justify the award of a Certificate to every one of the candidates except one.
GT Roscoe to DM Cleland, Department of Education: Proposals for Development, 22 December 1955. A six-page outline of suggested developments. In brief, Roscoe was aiming for: A good primary school in every village by the end of 1963. An efficient post-primary (central) school for every area served by a group of primary schools. 8,000 to 10,000 trained teachers. A good primary school for European, Asian and Mixed-race where ever there are twelve prospective pupils. At least ten secondary boarding schools of European-type should be established. Adequate facilities for the technical education of Europeans, Asian and Mixed-race pupils as well as natives. A University College affiliated with the University of Queensland, to commence operations by the beginning of 1960.
South Pacific Post, New School Opened at Milne Bay, 28 December 1955. The first Government school built in the Southern section. Built by native labour at Waga Waga.
South Pacific Post, Agreement on Education, 28 December 1955, p 10. ‘Democratas’ in a letter to the Editor, outlines the inconsistencies in the Administration ‘6 point plan’ on Vunapope issue and the statements made by the missionaries.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1956
Australian School of Pacific Administration, List of Papers Presented to Papua and New Guinea Senior Officers’ Courses, Nos. 1-6, 1956-61. Nine pages listing the authors and titles of papers presented to each course. None listed for education. The theme for Course 1 was ‘Native Economic Development in Papua and New Guinea.’
NW Drummond to the Secretary Department of Territories, circa 1956. Concerns the award of NSW Teachers’ Certificates to ASOPA trained Cadets. Drummond suggests that, in order to standardize procedures, the Inspector of Schools in PNG visit NSW and, in 1957 an NSW officer visit PNG.
Trust Territory of New Guinea, United Nations Trusteeship Council Visiting Mission 1956: Terms of Reference, circa January 1956.
The Board of Missions, Education in Papua and New Guinea: Questionnaire to Chairman and Other Missionaries, circa 1956. At its annual meeting the Board of Missions decided to set up a Special Commission to report on Mission policy. The Board was concerned with the special and urgent problems confronting the Church in relation to Education. Prior to the Commission visiting all Districts it required the Missions to complete a two-page questionnaire on Education. This document is composed of those questions and the Uniting Church’s six-page reply.
WC Groves to GT Roscoe, 3 January 1956. The 8-year plan certainly covers the ground most adequately in terms of basic principles. It seems to me that we may have arrived at a point, after so much frustrated labour, where our plans and ideas will have a chance of being provided with the resources to enable us to give them practical expression. If not … we can do no more than carry out – on the aggressive defensive as usual. Groves will spend Wednesday 11 January with the Department of Territories in Canberra. Leaves Sydney on the ‘Soochow’ on 17. His leave finishes 26 January.
GT Roscoe to the OIC Brandi Central School, Pidgin Supplement in ‘Villager,’ 4 January 1956. Groves has decided that the ‘Villager’ will be confined to English.
GT Roscoe to Assistant Administrator, Training of Teachers for Mission Schools, 5 January 1956. In reference to the Minister’s letter of 8 November 1955 to Beavis, Roscoe says that it would not be satisfactory for ASOPA cadets, on completion of their training, to be seconded immediately for service in Mission schools. “The cadet education officer has not completed his or her professional training until a period of probationary teaching practice has been fulfilled. This should undoubtedly be served in an Administration school under adequate professional supervision.” “If it is considered advisable that a similar scheme should be initiated for the training of Education cadets for service in Mission schools, these cadetships should be quite distinct from the present cadetships intended to staff the Department of Education.” The matter will be put before the Education Advisory Board after Groves’ return from leave, late January.
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, 9 January 1956. Roscoe departs on leave 29 January. Groves expected to be a few days late but Butler and Wilson said there is no need to change arrangements. Roscoe is going to place scholarship holders in school, then take 6 weeks leave, and then off to Townsville to lead ‘Operation Circus’ i.e., the native teachers’ 6-week tour of Queensland. He will return to Moresby the first week 2 in May. There are 56 scholarship holders going to Australia. “The Assistant Administrator recently directed Mr. McCarthy to investigate the progress in our building programme for the current year. He found that although more than half the time has gone, only a small fraction of the projects has been commenced. The bottle-neck is in Mr. O’Dell’s office, where everything must be approved before it is commenced.”
Papuan and New Guinea Teachers on Tour of Queensland, January 1956. Gives names and background of teachers taking the tour.
- T. Roscoe, Enrolments in 1956, 9 January 1956. No child shall be accepted under the age of 4 years 9 months on the 1 January 1956. In the case of one teacher schools the teacher has the option of taking or not taking students under the age of 5 years 9 months on the first day of the year.
South Pacific Post, Native Scholarship Winners Named, 11 January 1956, p 7. 21 were successful. Names them. Two of them were Rose Kekedo and Josephine Abaijah who had just completed Teachers’ College in Popondetta.
South Pacific Post, Closing the Door, 11 January 1956. The editorial deplores the rejection of 14 who missed out on Native Education Scholarships, plus others who dropped along the way. “There is the most urgent need of secondary education facilities within the Territory. It is now three years since Minister Paul Hasluck hustled his scholarship scheme into operation to stifle criticism in the United Nations and other places, of the Government’s complete neglect of secondary education in Papua and New Guinea – never better than a stop-gap.”
South Pacific Post, Shortage of Teachers at Rabaul, 18 January 1956, p 13. Mr J Doonar, Acting District Education Officer, said the Rabaul area is understaffed by seven European teachers. The situation will become worse as others are due for recreation leave. Roscoe said the shortage extended throughout most of the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Inner Cabinet, 18 January 1956, p 14. The Editorial criticizes Hasluck for “his stubborn refusal to allow the Territory Administration to get on with its task unhindered by ministerial and departmental directives issued from Canberra. The control of Canberra has been tightened and there has been no decentralization. Mr. Hasluck will have to do better to win friends in these parts.”
South Pacific Post, Education of Natives, 18 January 1956, p 14. ‘John Triday,’ in a letter to the Editor, has more to say on the Catholic education controversy in New Britain.
AC Jefferies to Director of Education, Daru Area School, 20 January 1956. The District Commissioner reports: “Apart from the new school, the buildings of this establishment are in an appalling condition and are no longer fit for occupation.” He says there is a need for two 20 bed dormitories and four married quarters, all with iron roofs and tanks.
GT Roscoe, Gaukere Literacy Experiment, 24 January 1956. Dr K Neijs compared the effectiveness of teaching English to adult natives by the syllable method and the sentence method. It appears that the sentence method is preferred in the teaching of reading.
South Pacific Post, For Canberra, 25 January 1956, p 1. Cleland leaves for Canberra Saturday 28 January for seven to ten days. Will meet with Hasluck and Territory Department officials.
South Pacific Post, UN Mission for New Guinea Inspection, 25 January 1956, p 3. UN will arrive Rabaul 15 March and visit all Districts of New Guinea except Manus. Then to Port Moresby for talks.
South Pacific Post, Another Jaunt, 25 January 1956, p 16. The Editorial says “UN inspectors are shortly to subject the Australian Government and the Australian people to the indignity of checking our administration of the trusteeship of New Guinea. Australia needs neither charity nor supervision.”
Public Relations Office, Background Information on the Educational System in Papua and New Guinea for Native Population, February 1956.
South Pacific Post, Native Students Leave for Australia, 1 February 1956, p 12. Roscoe left Port Moresby on 27th with a party of 19 school children. Mr Westmore left yesterday with another group. On 31 March Roscoe is taking a group of Native teachers to Australia on a tour of mines, etc.
South Pacific Post, Teachers from Mission, 8 February 1956, p 10. The first mission-trained teachers to qualify for Department of Education certificates as fully endorsed native teachers, recently passed their exams at Vuvu Catholic Teacher Training College. A total of 48 passed in one of the three categories set for qualified teachers.
South Pacific Post, Shortage of Teachers, 8 February 1956, p 20. A shortage of teachers marked the opening of the new school year at Lae. 160 pupils and 3 teachers. The situation should resolve itself when teachers return from leave in a few weeks.
South Pacific Post, School Re-Opens, 8 February 1956, p 20. Madang European Primary school re-opened with 50 pupils and 2 teachers.
South Pacific Post, Lutherans in Conference, 15 February 1956, p 15. The Lutheran New Guinea Mission at its 10th Annual Conference now sitting at Wau, will discuss ways of lifting its education standard to conform with Education Department requirements. This follows a Departmental edict that subsidies will be granted only to those schools whose educational standards conform to Departmental requirements.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education: Provisional Promotions, 9 February 1956. This relates to the establishment recently approved under the Departmental re-organisation. A 12-page list giving name, designation and station, position to which promoted, salary on promotion, and date of promotion.
WC Groves to Administrative Officer, Reorganisation of the Department, 10 February 1956. Groves plans to talk to the Public Service Commissioner about three positions in the recent re-organisation. These are: the grading and salary of the OIC Female Education, DEO I positions and the up-grading of one Chief of Division position to Assistant Director level.
WC Groves, Payment of Fees, and Charges on behalf of Mixed-race Students from the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 20 February 1956. Groves is sending the subsidies direct to the schools in three instalments and wants an accounting for the Treasury.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Department of Education: Provisional Promotions, 20 February 1956. Another 23 pages of officers provisionally promoted under the re-organization of the Department.
EW Dwyer, Promotions Appeals Committees, 22 February 1956. The Public Service Commissioner sets out the functions and responsibilities of such committees.
Public Relations Office, Background Information on the Educational System in Papua and New Guinea for Native Population, March 1956. Three-page overview of the history and current status of the education system.
DM Cleland, Educational Grants-in-aid to Missions, circa March 1956. The Committee to Review Educational Grants-in-aid to Missions met 13-16 February. Has membership. The new system has now been approved by the Minister. The assistance is directed very largely to English teaching schools and there will be a tapering of assistance to vernacular schools. The Administration will increase its overall educational grant by 50%. The new arrangements are: no change in grants-in-aid for 1956; ₤400 per annum for each registered European teacher employed full-time in teaching; ₤60 per annum for each registered native teacher who holds the ‘B’ certificate or higher; ₤40 per annum for recognized native teacher who has passed the ‘A’ course or equivalent; ₤20 per annum for each student doing the one year teacher training course and each full-time technical training student; provision of adequate class equipment to permit efficient teaching; no change in GIA to vernacular schools for 1957; two-thirds of the 1956 grant in 1958 and grant to be terminated at the end of that year. “It will be seen… that the new basis for paying grants-in-aid is on literacy in English except in the first year of schooling in English teaching schools when it might be necessary to employ some vernacular or pidgin to introduce English. The major and continuing Grants-in-aid will be directed to the encouragement of European and Native English speaking teachers.”
South Pacific Post, New Books for Natives, 7 March 1956, p 10. Four new publications for native readers have been added to the library books distributed by the Department of Education.
South Pacific Post, New School at Maipo, 7 March 1956, p 15. A village higher school formally opened at Maipo and a village school at Aitape.
South Pacific Post, Official Move to Outlaw ‘Native,’ 14 March 1956, p 1. Hasluck has issued a direction to the Administration that the word ‘native’ is to be used as little as possible in official correspondence. It can be used as an adjective. This is to avoid resentment.
South Pacific Post, UN Delegates Start New Guinea Tour, 14 March 1956, p 1. Expected to arrive in Rabaul by US aircraft tomorrow.
South Pacific Post, Departmental Policy ‘Impedes’ Progress, 14 March 1956, p 1. President of the Port Moresby P&C criticizes the Education Department for leaving Ela Beach School short one teacher and not providing a non-teaching headmaster.
South Pacific Post, Erection of School, 14 March 1956, p 9. A new European school is commencing construction at Madang mid-March.
South Pacific Post, That Nasty Word, 14 March 1956, p 16. The Editorial approves the Administration’s initial move to discourage the use of the word ‘native’ in official correspondence but asks what do we substitute.
South Pacific Post, Lae P&C Reviews Year’s Work, 14 March 1956, p 19. ₤550 spent on school equipment.
United Nations Visiting Mission to Trust Territories in the Pacific, 1956: Report on New Guinea, 7 June – 14 August 1956. The UNVM landed in Rabaul 15 March 1956. 48 pages. Comments on Education were: Steps should be taken to educate larger numbers in secondary schools located in the Territory. Standardization of syllabus should be instituted. The Administration must establish standards for all mission schools in order to introduce some uniformity in education as well as to ensure that its general educational policy is followed. Therefore, the Mission recommends that the systematic inspection and supervision of schools should be instituted as soon as possible. Special attention should be given to increasing the supervisory staff of the Education Department. Education must be the responsibility of the Administration and should be increasingly shouldered by it. “The 1953 Mission and the Trusteeship Council expressed disapproval of the use of Melanesian Pidgin as a medium of instruction and recommended that immediate steps be taken to eradicate it from all instruction… and from the Territory completely.”
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, 20 March 1956.
Roscoe is replying to Groves’ letter of 23 February 1956. “The establishment for Headquarters staff in the reorganization is barely sufficient if all the positions are filled. If some are left vacant there is a great deal of work that will inevitably be neglected.” On the Committee for the revision of Grants-in-Aid to Missions: “I think that the changes recommended are more than just – if they err it is on the side of generosity. No one could have been more sympathetic to Missions than you have been, and I have shared your attitude; but one becomes weary of the constant demand for more money without a corresponding improvement in services rendered, together with fierce resentment at any control by the Administration, constant references to our ‘godless schools’, and spiritual intimidation of parents who wish to exercise the privilege of choosing the schools for their children.” On English and the vernacular: It will always be true that children learn more easily in the mother tongue; but in practice, in Papua and New Guinea the ‘vernacular education’ provided by the Missions is simply denominational propaganda, and not really education at all.”
South Pacific Post, The Drum, 28 March 1956, p 1. The Drum points out that Hasluck, after he told everyone to ‘lay off’ unnecessary use of the word ‘native’ used it nine times in his next public statement on Papua and New Guinea concerning native teachers.
South Pacific Post, Delegates Cause Confusion, 28 March 1956, p 1. UN Indian member Mr E Chacko has tried to raise the equality of race issue at Rabaul whenever the opportunity presents itself. “He suggested that natives should be asked to dress the same as Europeans.”
South Pacific Post, Teachers for Australia, 28 March 1956, p 5. Ten native school teachers are to visit Brisbane and North Queensland next Saturday for six weeks. Hasluck said the tour had been arranged following a suggestion made by a deputation of teachers in the Territory last year. The tour is arranged to give the teachers a wider understanding of Australian life, industry, and education.
South Pacific Post, School Children Rejected, 28 March 1956, p 9. Younger children rejected from Madang European School due to lack of accommodation.
South Pacific Post, Pupil Tied to Tree, 28 March 1956, p 9. A Methodist Missionary had prefects tie a pupil to a tree for three hours after he had previously run away.
South Pacific Post, Students May Get Air Fares Lowered, 28 March 1956, p 23. Groves has asked Qantas to classify Papua and New Guinea as an international run so that university students can pay half fare.
South Pacific Post, Chinese Wins Degree, 4 April 1956, p 4. The first Rabaul Chinese to graduate from an Australian university. Paul Mow, 25 years, obtained a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University.
South Pacific Post, Territory People Win Bursaries to Australia, 4 April 1956, p 14. Lists winners.
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Bursaries for Mixed-Race Children Attending Secondary Schools in Australia, 4 April 1956. 29 mixed-race people received funds to attend secondary schools in Australia. 9 came from Administration Schools, 16 from Mission Schools, and 4 from secondary schools in Australia. 14 were girls. 15 of the families asked for the money to be paid direct to them. “Their schooling will bear a specific relation with avenues of employment in the Territory.”
WC Groves, Correspondence Tuition for Mixed-Race Children Resident in the Territory at Primary and Secondary Level, 6 April 1956. It is free and available to all. Suggest they undertake Queensland correspondence as “the newly-established secondary school for Asian, Mixed-race and European children at Rabaul will follow the Queensland Secondary Syllabus.”
EW Dwyer, Senior Territorial Officers’ Courses to be Conducted at the Australian School of Pacific Administration, 9 April 1956. List the participants. Roscoe was the Education nominee. Leave PNG 18 June and return 29 July 1956.
WC Groves to GT Roscoe, 11 April 1956. When Butler was seeking nominations for the ASOPA course “I told him on the spot that I was not prepared to nominate any of my senior officers because we could not afford to have them away for the period involved. If it was absolutely essential that one be nominated I left the choice to him. Appears to be no information available on the course… should result in a closer inter-Departmental understanding.”
South Pacific Post, The Drum, 11 April 1956, p 1. Hasluck using ‘indigenous inhabitants’ instead of ‘natives’.
South Pacific Post, Study Courses for Seniors, 11 April 1956, p 3. Senior Administration officers will attend a course in Sydney from mid-June to end of July. Includes three Directors and three Chiefs of Divisions. Will be at least three courses of 6 weeks duration. They will study economic development, policy, and administration.
D Owner to Director of Education, Salaries and Conditions Applicable to the Enlistment of Teachers, 13 April 1956. An attempt to set down some principle to assess Training Time and Experience in considering the employment of personnel.
South Pacific Post, Bustled Trip for Hustled Lecturer, 18 April 1956, p 1. LR Newby has replaced C Wedgwood as Senior Lecturer, Native Education at ASOPA. Hasluck sent him to P&NG to observe and familiarize himself. Mr. Newby’s visit was so unexpected that Groves advised Education Officers he had no time to advise officials of the visit; work out an itinerary; nor have an officer accompany him.
WC Groves, Native Teachers’ Tour of Queensland, 20 April 1956. Gives itinerary.
P Hasluck, Secondary Education for Papua and New Guinea, 23 April 1956. This has been filed under the date 14 May 1956. The first priority in education is to bring primary education within the reach of far larger numbers of people. The next place in the order of priority will have to be given for many years ahead to training the indigenous people, inside the Territory, to help to do the work of the Territory. This educational task will include training in technical schools and training at their employment. There are two main reasons that have prompted me in taking measures to enable native, Mixed-blood and Asian children to obtain secondary education in Australian schools. Both of them are reasons that have a temporary application. The first is that there are no secondary schools in the Territory and it would be wrong to deny the opportunity for secondary education to those children whose lives are likely to be better from having it and who can benefit from it at this stage. The second – and the one which, from the Government’s point of view, is more compelling – is the need to produce as quickly as possible larger numbers of indigenous people who can be used to assist the further advancement of their countrymen… People who will become the instructors and leaders of their own people.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Education Officers – Salaries on Appointment, 27 April 1956. Recommends a formula that combines training and experience to meet the recruitment needs of the Service.
B Morris, School Inspection and Supervision, Education Abstracts, Vol VIII, No. 5, May 1956.
South Pacific Post, Estate Builds own School for Workers, 2 May 1956, p 9. Mamba Estates plantation in the Northern District has built a native school. Koitake established one after the war but it lapsed. Another was opened at Garua Estates, Talasea, last year.
WC Groves, Relationship Between the Department of Education and Native Local Government Councils, 3 May 1956. Teachers should be encouraged to interest themselves and their pupils in local government affairs.
WC Groves, Training of Native Teachers, 6 May 1956. European officers reminded of their duty to train and supervise native teachers… “to teach personally in each class… one lesson in each major subject in each class per week.” “A review of Work Programmes and Teaching Notes, and other records at least once a week… refresher courses during school vacations.”
WC Groves, Information on Education – Papua and New Guinea, 11 May 1956. On the aims and system of education. A revision of a paper given to applicants for positions.
WC Groves, School Extension Programmes – Liaison Between Administration and Mission Officers, 11 May 1956. Both to liaise when establishing new schools or transferring students to ensure a combined approach to the overall problem of providing educational facilities for the peoples of the Territory.
WC Groves, Ministerial Statement on Secondary Education, 14 May 1956. Circulates Hasluck’s statement of 23 April 1956.
WC Groves, Notes of the Recording of Class Work and the use of the Programme and Lessons Register in Non-Native Primary Schools, 15 May 1956. Notes prepared by the staff of Bathurst Teachers’ College are circulated to schools.
South Pacific Post, Minister Denies Segregation, 16 May 1956, p 4. Hasluck says there is no segregation. The only schools especially for natives “were where such schools provided the most effective way of advancing their welfare.” Where natives did not speak English as their native language they could not be taught in mixed schools until they learned it.
South Pacific Post, Administrator Takes Leave, 16 May 1956, p 8. Cleland taking three months leave from today for health reasons. Off to Western Australia.
WC Groves, Native Education in Papua and New Guinea – Policy and Plans, 25 May 1956. A nine-page circular attempting to link the Minister’s statements to the Director’s plans and the approved reorganization. The establishment provides for 516 Europeans which “may be regarded as the maximum required for all time, Natives providing additional staff required.” “Plans for the next 3 years provide for the establishment of 100 new Administration schools of various types, raising the total number to 250, and increasing the pupil enrolment to 22,000.” “A three-year Works programme has been submitted for approval covering the replacement of all existing temporary Administration school buildings and the construction of all schools planned as above.”
Legislative Council Debates, Second Council, Fifth Meeting of the First Session, 28 May to 1 June 1956. Items on education are summarized in the South Pacific Post in June. A copy of the Council minutes is held in the collection under the above date.
South Pacific Post, English Problem for Native School Students, 30 May 1956, p 11. Natives in Australian secondary schools are experiencing problems with English. Maths, Social Studies, and Scripture are OK. Will need a European language to matriculate.
WC Groves, Teacher Training, 6 June 1956. 1955 was marked by a considerable advance in the training of native teachers in the Territory. In six Departmental Training Centres, 132 native teachers were trained. This included 116 Course ‘B’ (12 women) and 16 Course ‘C’ trainees. For the first time two Mission Teacher Training Centres submitted candidates for the Departmental Examination for Teachers’ Certificates. Fifty candidates sat and all were successful. For 1956 there is an enrolment of 206 trainees (40 women). Of these 9 men and 5 women were accepted as Mission nominees to be employed, on completion of training, in Mission schools. Four Mission Teacher Training Centres signified their intention of preparing candidates for the Teachers’ Certificate Examination and other Missions advised that they were engaging specialist personnel to undertake Teacher Training. Mr Buckland, the Superintendent of Teacher Training was killed in a motor accident. His work will be undertaken by Roscoe until a replacement can be found.
WC Groves, Your Own Village Songs, 6 June 1956. Groves wants natives to send in their songs so that they can be put into a book of poetry, in English, for use in schools.
South Pacific Post, Mr Hasluck Wants Christian Unity, 6 June 1956, p 1. The Chairman of the Australian Board of Missions. Archdeacon Robertson, wants a common Christian faith for New Guinea. Things were ‘terrible’ from a religious standpoint. Everywhere natives were being driven into confusion.
South Pacific Post, Administration Aids 611 Secondary School Pupils, 6 June 1956, p 20. Groves told the Legislative Council that of the 611 receiving subsidy, 201 were Asians and 29 mixed-blood. Europeans and Asians received ₤145 and an airfare. Mixed received an additional amount of up to ₤200.
South Pacific Post, MLC Defends Government Education Services, 6 June 1956, p 12. Bishop Strong told the Legislative Council he deplored the lack of co-operation and the belittling of mission education work by Administration officers. He told the Council good relations could be restored if the Administration tried to co- 9 operate with the Missions. Barrett defended the Administration, especially the Department of Education.
South Pacific Post, Need to Work for Education, 6 June 1956, p 12. MLC R Bunting told the Legislative Council it was about time the native people of the Territory were told that if they wanted education for their children, they would have to work for it.
South Pacific Post, Member Praises Education Officer’s Work, 6 June 1956, p 24. Barrett praises a 23 year old Education Officer who has established nine schools in East New Britain in 18 months. He visits all once a fortnight even though he gets sea sick.
South Pacific Post, Prosecution of Parents is Suggested, 6 June 1956, p 24. Simogun wants parents prosecuted if they don’t send children to school.
WC Groves, The United Nations and Australian Trusteeship in New Guinea, 11 June 1956. Gives background on the UN for the information of teachers and for use in Social Studies lessons.
South Pacific Post, Bishop Strong Attacks Move to Replace Dialects with English in Mission Schools, 13 June 1956, p 9. The Committee appointed to examine grants-in aid to missions had recommended that the teaching of the vernacular should cease and be replaced by English. “The most extraordinary, most inexplicable and most indefensible step taken so far in Administration policy.”
South Pacific Post, Official Policy Criticised, 13 June 1956, p 18. JK McCarthy told the Legislative Council he disliked the Government system which sent native boys and girls to Australia for secondary education, removing children at formative years. The sooner we build our own secondary schools the better it will be.
WC Groves, Mixed-Race Students Attending Secondary Schools in Australia in 1957, 14 June 1956. The Minister has approved 30 bursaries with the same amounts and means test as last year. Must be under 14 years 3 months on 1 January 1957 for entry into NSW or 13 years 3 months for entry into Queensland, with equivalent ages for entry to higher grades.
WC Groves, Teacher Training – Supervised Teaching Practice, 19 June 1956. The Teachers’ Certificate Examination is to be centred around Method of Teaching and practical experience in the classroom. Any teacher training course should conclude with at least three months continuous teaching practice under expert supervision. Conditions will be altered to allow those who are successful in the written examination to be provisionally approved for service as probationary teachers and to be awarded a Teachers’ Certificate upon a satisfactory report from an authorized inspecting officer of the Department of Education.
South Pacific Post, English v Vernacular, Mr. Groves’ Reply to Attacks by Bishop, 20 June 1956, p 22. Very long article. A few points are: Good use will be made of the vernacular while intensifying the teaching of English. No mutual mistrust… if relations deteriorate it will be the Missions fault. The Missions have been given three years to change their system. Note: The full text of the Legislative debate on this issue is in the collection under 28 May 1955.
WC Groves, Teacher Training – Copies of Syllabus, 21 June 1956. Every teacher trainee should have his own copy of the Syllabus for Native Schools. Course ‘A’ needs Part I; Course ‘B’ needs Parts I and II; Course ‘C’ needs Parts I, II and III. In the past copies have not been available. Parts I and II are now available. You are invited to apply for them.
Department of Education, Confidential Staff Report, circa 25 June 1956. A four-page document itemizing qualities sought during an inspection. Uses a five-point grading system for each quality and for rating the teacher overall. The ratings were: A. Outstanding, B. Superior, C. Average, D. Below average and E. Unsatisfactory. The areas examined were: Personality, Appearance, Address; Professional Knowledge; Teaching Skill; Industry, Keenness, Energy; Initiative and Adaptability; Acceptance of Responsibility; Personal Relations; Planning and Organising; Special Comments; and General Efficiency.
D Owner, Assessment of Education Officers, 25 June 1956. Comments on some aspects of the confidential Staff Report.
Careers in the Department of Education Papua and New Guinea, The Education Scene, July 1956. Eight-page summary of the Department for prospective employees. Includes an organizational chart of the structure of the Department and another of the organization of Native Education by type of institution.
WC Groves, Examination for Native Scholarships Tenable at Secondary Schools in Australia, 1 July 1956. Twenty scholarships will be awarded. Must be not more than 15½ years at 31 December 1956. Exam will be held on 5 and 6 November 1956.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1956 to 30 June 1957.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1956 to 30 June 1957.
Administration Press Release, New Station School at Mendi, 3 July 1956. It is only recently that Administration influence has put a stop to tribal fighting in the area, but a number of hitherto warring groups joined together enthusiastically for the school opening.
CR Lambert, Secondary Education Allowance for Asian Students, 3 July 1956. The Minister has approved that the age limit for 1957 should be the same as for Mixed-Race. (See 14 June 1956)
South Pacific Post, Large Crowd to Meet Sir William, 4 July 1956, p 1. Sir William Slim arrives Port Moresby this morning.
WC Groves, Area Education Centres, 5 July 1956. Defines the role of the Centre in the Community – rural bias in the bush and technical, commercial bias in the town and sets down the types of activities expected of the Area Education Officer. In addition to running the Centre and teaching he should visit other schools in the area, give demonstration lessons and remedial teaching; assist with lesson notes, general problems, and pupil assessment; give refresher courses and further teacher training during school vacations; issue and account for school equipment and supervise school records in his area; maintain personal contact with Mission Schools and undertake certain supervisory functions in connection with Mission Schools.
South Pacific Post, Mother Writes to Editor, 11 July 1956, p 1. Mother is critical of the Assistant Administrator’s decision to cancel the leave fare for any children receiving a return air fare under the secondary subsidy scheme.
South Pacific Post, Mission Recommends Direct Taxation, 11 July 1956, p 4. The UN Visiting Mission report to the Trusteeship Council praised Vunamami school and says that secondary education facilities for the Territory should not be postponed any longer.
South Pacific Post, Liaison Suggested on Education Allowance, 11 July 1956, p 5. PSA put a proposal to Hasluck for increasing the Secondary Education Allowance by ₤55 a year. Hasluck sent the proposal to the Department of Territories. Hasluck suggests the PSA seeks the views of the P&Cs.
South Pacific Post, School Detail Wanted, 11 July 1956, p 5. The Kokopo Town Advisory Council will ask the Education Department for details of school facilities at Kokopo due to increasing enrolments.
WC Groves, Social Studies Notes for Native Teachers, circa mid July 1956. How to teach Geography.
TB McCall, Building a Christian Nation, Article in ‘The Anglican’, 20 July 1956. McCall was the Home Secretary of the Australian Board of Missions. “If the Government is to set up primary schools at all, it should only be in areas where the Missions are unable to do so within a reasonable period… The Government should provide secondary education, and where necessary, technical education.”
The Missionary Review, Whose Language – Theirs or Ours, mid July 1956. On English: “Let it be the second language and let the foundations of education be laid in the village school in their own language.”
Towards Statehood in New Guinea – But Time is Short, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 July 1956. The present rate of development must be stepped up enormously if Statehood is to be attained before it is too late. Otherwise, the situation will dribble on to the inevitable tragic conclusion of native revolt stirred up by Asian powers. Australia would then have a Malayan situation on its hands and a power vacuum in the near north where there ought to be a strong island fortress. Primitive though the average Papuan is, the seeds of political revolt are already here. In New Britain last year there was an anti-European Cargo Cult riot which ended only with the shooting of five natives.
South Pacific Post, ALP Leader Favours More Millions for Territory, 1 August 1956, p 1. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, AA Calwell, speaking after a three-week tour, says Australia should spend several million more annually on the Territory.
WC Groves, Refresher Courses for Native Teachers, 1 August 1956. During the forthcoming August school vacation, refresher courses for native teachers are to be held at all centres where there is available European teaching staff … all European staff are to be co-opted for such work, whether they are actively engaged in native teaching or not. It will be beneficial for native teachers to hear as many different English voices as possible and to watch or experience as many different types of teaching methods as possible.
South Pacific Post, Education of Natives, 1 August 1956, p 18. ‘Papuan’ in a letter to the editor is thankful for free education but wants European standards.
South Pacific Post, Secondary Forms at Port Moresby School, 1 August 1956, p 20. The Port Moresby Town Advisory Council is to ask the Director of Education when the secondary forms he promised in 1954 would commence.
South Pacific Post, Work on First High School to Start Soon, 8 August 1956, p 1. Work on a ₤500,000 secondary school comprising about 22 buildings would start in Rabaul this coming financial year. It will accommodate about 400 European and Asian pupils. The first buildings due to be built this year will cost ₤50,000. We are considering a plan for those Port Moresby children whose parents do not want them to go to Australia. We will shortly set up a class for these children in Port Moresby.
South Pacific Post, The Drum, 8 August 1956, p 1. Acting Administrator, Mr Rupert Wilson is leaving this month. Mr. Falkinder, who led the parliamentary delegation which left here yesterday, said he and the other delegation members were ‘hot under the collar’ about the appointment of an outsider to the Assistant Administrator job. They will take it up with Mr. Hasluck and give it an airing in the House.
South Pacific Post, Policy on Native Education, 8 August 1956, p 18. Summary of Hasluck’s main points made in his earlier policy statements 24 February 1955 but probably taken from Groves’ summary of 25 May 1956: Mass literacy and a blending of cultures; the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the people, and the voluntary acceptance of Christianity, leading to good will and harmony between Papua and Australia.
South Pacific Post, Minister Warns of Dangers of Secondary Schooling, 15 August 1956, p 10. Barnes said that the Government would have failed in its task of educating the natives if secondary scholarships produced “imitation Europeans, distorted misfits or self-conscious wearers of Australian school ties. Our efforts will be well worthwhile if it feeds back into the Territory several scores of intelligent, keen, and devoted young men and women to take positions in the Administration to help the advancement of their own people.”
South Pacific Post, Education Policy Involves all Departments, 15 August 1956, p 18. A continuation of Hasluck’s statement of 24 February 1955 but probably based on Groves’ 25 May 1956 summary.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Advertised Vacancy – Inspector of Schools (Non-Native Education), 15 August 1956. Applications were received from Mr RH Breakspear and Mr KR McKinnon. Neither of these applicants has the required qualifications for the position and I therefore recommend that it be advertised outside the service.
WC Groves to RR Cole, 16 August 1956. “I will be going to Australia to act as Chairman of the Interview and Selection Committee for Public Service appointments including Education Officers and Cadets. I should be away September and October. Our present recruitment is for 30 male and female Europeans, and I think we will probably get about 20. We have eight Cadets finishing their course at the end of this year, and propose to spread them over the Districts for the purpose of continuing their training and to get local orientation and adaptation. For the first time this year we will have the examination and practical teaching testing of about 400 teacher-trainees, 200 from Missions and 200 of our own, for certification.”
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Cadet Education Officers: Status on Graduation, 20 August 1956. “In all circumstances, it may be taken for granted that this Department will be only too willing to co-operate with New South Wales in this matter, because it is considered very desirable and most necessary, that our Cadets should be given opportunity to qualify for the issue of a Teacher’s Certificate. I hold this view not only because the possession of such a certificate gives the teacher concerned a qualification for employment outside the Territory, but also because I regard it as an aspect of the further training of our ex-Cadets which should provide stimulus to them towards improving their efficiency as teachers.” Groves agreed with the proposal for a Territory officer to visit NSW to discuss procedures, methods, and standards with the Deputy Director of Primary Education and with selected Inspectors engaged in similar work in NSW. He suggested that this take place in February 1957. For the time being however, Groves suggested that NSW send an inspector to the Territory for 3 to 4 weeks to inspect ex-Cadets. A month was required because although the number to inspect was not great, they were spread all over the Territory. “The number of Cadets who commenced duty in the Territory on the completion of their New South Wales Teachers’ College examination at the end of 1955 was 9, of whom 8 now remain in the service. The number completing at Bathurst Teachers’ College this year is again 9 so the total number to be visited on the first occasion, presumably during the first half of 1957, would not exceed 17.” “If and when the number of Cadets should increase – and this is anticipated, though not beyond a total of 20 in any one year – it would probably be necessary… for the actual individual inspections to be conducted on behalf of New South Wales along lines agreed upon between the two Departments, by an authorized inspecting officer from the Papua and New Guinea Department of Education.”
WC Groves, Vunamami Rural Education Centre, 20 August 1956. A progress report on the Centre by V McNamara was distributed to all Education Officers. 4 pages.
WC Groves, Examination for Admission to Central Schools, 21 August 1956. Papers will be sent under seal from headquarters in November and candidates will be supervised by an officer of the Department of Education or the Department of Native Affairs. The completed papers will be sent to the appropriate Central School where they will be marked.
Text of Address by His Honour the Administrator at the Opening Session of the Sixth Meeting of the Education Advisory Board, 21 August 1956. He stressed the importance of co-operation and liaison between the Missions and the Administration, and asks the Board to determine ways in which it might function more efficiently.
Education Advisory Board, 6th Meeting, 21-24 August 1956. The Administrator stressed the essentiality of full co-operation between the Missions and the Administration and deplored the destructive type of publicity which had appeared on several occasions over the past six months. “The principles of close liaison and full co-operation had remained changed through the years.” He told the Board that any individual negating these principles would have to account to him personally. Groves said that there was no evidence that liaison was not effective and the Board agreed with him. He felt that the time had come for a frank discussion… “to determine whether it (the EAB) was fully achieving its purposes or if there were any changes which might be suggested for the improvement of its composition, extension, of its scope, betterment of its present approaches to educational problems, or any new ways in which it could function more fully in the interests of Territory people.” He said that he would be particularly interested in hearing the Board’s views on the question of Grants-in-Aid. [1] Resolution No. 5 – Increased Secondary Assistance Grants for Non-Natives. “The Board considers that in certain restricted cases and subject to a means test, the secondary assistance grant be applies to Europeans and Chinese on the same scale as is at present operative for mixed-race peoples.” [2] Resolution 6 – Grants-in-Aid in Respect of Teachers. “Appreciating that the new system of Grants-in-Aid is intended as a basis only but bearing in mind that missions may pass on the total grants to their native staff, the Board recommends a variation of the present grant as follows: Teacher Grade A ₤60 per annum; Teacher Grade B ₤80 per annum; Teacher Grade C ₤100 per annum.” [3] Resolution No. 7 “That the assistance of ₤20 per annum per teacher trainee be increased to ₤50 per annum.” And “that further consideration be given to the possibility of financial assistance for the maintenance of students in central schools.” [4] Resolution No. 8 “That at an 14 early date a committee be set up with an independent chairman, a representative membership and wide terms of reference, to review the whole problem of providing and financing a system of education adequate to the needs of this Territory in relation to its progressing towards self-government. [5] Resolution No. 10 recommended the changes in the Education Ordinance as contained in Annexure 1 be adopted.
Text of Special Discussion Session Relating to the Functioning of the Education Advisory Board, Annexure No 3 to Minutes of Sixth Education Advisory Board, 24 August 1956. The Special Discussion Session felt that the Board should meet more regularly, changing its venue as often as practicable, that members should be in closer and more constant touch with the Administration, Mission Headquarters, and other bodies, and that more publicity should be given on the work of the Board.
South Pacific Post, Secondary Schools Explained, 22 August 1956, p 28. Hasluck said secondary education in Australia had been provided as it would be wrong to deny the opportunity to those whose lives would be better for having it. The aim is to produce instructor and leaders among their own people.
South Pacific Post, Port Moresby Children May Soon Get Secondary Education, 22 August 1956, p 28. Groves will provide a classroom at Ela Beach if one is available and if numbers warrant it.
South Pacific Post, Council Demands Details on New ‘Mixed’ School, 22 August 1956, p 4. Groves told the Western District Advisory Council that representations had been made by a Europeans to open a ‘mixed’ school. The Departmental long-range policy is for no discrimination as to race, students to be admitted on their cultural status.
GT Roscoe, Inspection of Schools – Division of Native Education, 3 September 1956. Note: Roscoe is acting Director so it looks like Groves is off to Australia on a recruiting drive. Due back end of October. “It has been decided that in future that all schools under the control of the Division of Native Education are to be formally inspected and reported upon once a year. Area Education Officers will be responsible for the inspection of Native Primary Schools within their own area. District Education Officers will be responsible for the inspection of Central Schools within their Districts.” A list of schools attached to various District and Area Education Officers is attached, as is a sample inspection report.
GT Roscoe, Examination Centres and Officers in Charge of the Conduct of the Subsidy Examination 1956, 3 September 1956.
GT Roscoe, Ethics and Morals, 5 September 1956. The syllabus in Ethics and Morals for Administration Native Schools was issued in March1956. The Department desires to be informed regarding its working.
P Hasluck, Australia’s Task in Papua and New Guinea, 10 Sept 1956.
The Seventh Roy Milne Memorial Lecture held in Perth.
South Pacific Post, Kokopo Citizens Move on School Segregation, 12 September 1956, p 1. They are firmly opposing any attempt to allow Chinese or half-caste children to attend the school.
South Pacific Post, Record Spending this Year for Territory, 12 September 1956, p 12. Public expenditure on Papua and New Guinea in 1956-7 will be ₤13,500,000 of which ₤4,250,000 will be local revenue. Hasluck says he will provide additional facilities for non-native children as the school population increases. The emphasis on the training of more native teachers will continue as will the cadetship system for training European teachers in Australia. There is a new basis for Grants-in-Aid to Missions.
South Pacific Post, Examination for Entrance to Technical Training Centres, 19 September 1956. Same exam as for entrance to a Central School. Technical Centres are at Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul. They offer Carpentry, Automotive Mechanics, Boat Building, and Plumbing Trades. Also, Maths and English as they relate to their trade work. Students board for two years then accommodation is provided by their employers. They continue to attend the Centres for a further four years as part-time students – usually one-half day and two nights a week.
South Pacific Post, The Minister Speaks, 19 September 1956, p 16. An almost verbatim record of Hasluck’s speech to Western Australian university students this month. It deals with the principles to be followed in considering how and why the Territory should be governed and led towards progress.
South Pacific Post, General Policy on Segregation in Territory Schools, 19 September 1956, p 3. The New Britain District Commissioner, Mr Foldi, said the broad policy of education at present is to provide one system of schools for Europeans and Asiatics and another for natives. Eventually it was hoped that the native would be able to take his place in the general education scheme. This would result in the gradual reduction of specific schools for natives and the growth of a central all-embracing system of education.
Legislative Debates, Second Council, Sixth Meeting of the First Session, 24 to 28 September 1956. President speaks on need for Administration Mission co-operation. Reeve presents the Appropriation Bill. Fr Dwyer suggests the establishment of a Teacher’s Registration Board. Groves is out of the Territory but will consider the proposal on his return. Simogun wants all children to attend the same secondary schools.
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, 25 September 1956. Appropriation Bill: “Harold Reeve proudly announced that the Education Vote was now over ₤900,000 of which ₤360,000 would be spent on native education… Altogether, he painted a very rosy picture for the future. We certainly hope that all these things come true, but in the light of the past experience we do not allow our hopes to rise too high.”
Legislative Council Meeting: “Father Dwyer rose to speak. We had all been wondering what particular line of attack Father Dwyer would follow on this occasion. He surprised by delivering a eulogy on the work of the Department and the magnificent assistance given to Mission Education by the Administration. He said that the system of Teacher’s Certificate Examinations was one of the most progressive that had yet been taken, and that the new system of calculating financial grants in aid of Missions would stimulate a great development in the way of Teacher Training, and improved efficiency in Mission Schools.” “Eric Ure told me that on the adjournment of the Council he is going to ask what plans there are for the Tertiary Education of native Scholarship holders, and what action will be taken to provide some form of vocational guidance. I told him you would be discussing the matter in Canberra during your next visit.” Teacher’s Certificates for Veteran Teachers: “Eric said it would be possible to furnish such Teachers with correspondence notes , but he doubted whether they would be able to satisfy examination requirements from the notes alone. I told Mr Ure of the intention to establish a separate Teacher Training Institution on the site of the Sogeri Police Depot… and suggested that veteran Mission Teachers who had had twelve months correspondence study and then were given a three months course at the Government Centre, should be able to complete 16 the Teacher’s Certificate examination.” Mission Teacher Trainees: “Stan Paull has already visited Dogura and he says the standard of their Teacher Trainees is so low that no more than three or four out of the thirty candidates are likely to pass. I told Stan the only thing to do was to mark them fairly and impartially, and if the Bishop is disappointed, we shall just have to endure his wrath as we have done before.” “To reduce the amount of paper work required in examining 450 (teacher trainee) candidates, I have got the Government Printer to make up twenty-four books each containing fifty printed forms which include the scale of marking for the Teacher’s Examination lessons. It will thus be unnecessary for the examiner to prepare a lengthy report. He can mark the sheet as he watches the lesson, and afterwards post the pad of forms to Head Office.”
GT Roscoe to Executive Officer, District Services, Department of the Administrator, Sydney Morning Herald – Special articles on New Guinea, 25 September 1956. Funds are sufficient to maintain existing activities and carry out extension programmes, so far as our resources in building and manpower permit. There is every reason to believe that the funds allotted for native education will be increased as rapidly, as they can be utilized to advantage. It is evident that the attitude of responsible Mission authorities is favourable to co-operation with the Administration in carrying out the policy of promoting universal literacy in English.
GT Roscoe, Education Officers Conducting Examinations in Practical Teaching, 25 September 1956. Officers are advised that assessment forms are being printed. There will be a mark out of 100 (with 50 a pass) for the Practical Teaching Examination, another mark out of 100 for the Written Examination. These will be compared with an assessment out of 100 made by the Training Master. If there is a big discrepancy between your mark and the Training Master’s assessment you should give consideration as to whether to amend your award of marks or permit the candidate to teach another lesson in your presence.
South Pacific Post, Official to Discuss School Crisis with Kokopo Parents, 26 September 1956, p 9. An Education Department inspector to visit Kokopo.
South Pacific Post, The Minister Speaks, 26 September 1956, p 18. The second article reporting Hasluck’s speech to Western Australian university students. This article covers the principles of justice and freedom within the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Discrimination at Kokopo, 26 September 1956, p 23. JA Schulz of Kokopo is in favour of a mixed school and to decide otherwise is racial discrimination.
Job Description for Inspector of Schools, circa October 1956.
South Pacific Post, Rise Possible in Student Grant, 3 October 1956, p 1. The PSA delegation has just returned from visiting Hasluck in Canberra. Thinks the Secondary Education Subsidy will be increased. The P&C Association is behind the PSA. Current subsidy is ₤145. Many will leave if it is not increased.
South Pacific Post, The Drum, 3 October 1956, p 1. Hanuabada and ninety-nine per cent of all other villages cannot produce a dozen good English-speaking natives after 80 years of influence.
South Pacific Post, Apprenticeship Move for Native Students, 3 October 1956, p 4. The Legislative Council was told that the Administration is considering apprenticing native scholarship holders to skilled trades in Australia – perhaps Gatton College.
South Pacific Post, Minister Forecasts Publicity Expansion for Territory, 3 October 1956, p 7. Until law and order and acquaintance with administrative procedures were established, a school could not be founded. Technical or secondary education cannot be started until primary education has made some progress.
South Pacific Post, More Natives to Teach in Schools, 3 October 1956, p 9. HH Reeve, in Budget speech, said the number of native teachers was to increase from 315 to 565 in 1957; pupils from 8,300 to 12,000; 50 new schools. Mission grant up a further ₤23,000. The 400 in Australian secondary schools is to rise to 500.
South Pacific Post, Simogun Criticises Segregation in Schools, 3 October 1956, p 11. Wants all at the same school.
South Pacific Post, Financial Help for Secondary School Students, 3 October 1956, p 17. The subsidy is to be the same as last year, ₤145. Mixed race can receive a further bursary of up to ₤200. Currently 639 receiving subsidy including 207 Asian and 29 mixed race.
South Pacific Post, The Minister Speaks: The Principal of Representation, 3 October 1956, p 18. The third article reporting Hasluck’s speech to Western Australian university students. This article covers the principles of representation and trusteeship.
P Hasluck, Australian Policy in Papua and New Guinea, 4 October 1956. The George Cohen Memorial lecture at the University of Sydney.
AJ Campbell to the Minister for External Territories, 9 October 1956. The President of the Eastern Highlands Mission of the Seventh Day Adventist tells Hasluck “It has recently come to our attention that there is a movement afoot for the reintroduction of zoning among mission bodies in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea… the Organisation (i.e., SDA) would not want to see itself bound in an area, where no other mission body could work. Sir, may ‘zoning’ never be reintroduced into this country.” (Hasluck replies 17 October 1956)
South Pacific Post, Minister Denies Canberra Remote Control, 10 October 1956, p 1. Officers in Canberra and Sydney do not attempt in any way to administer the Territories. There are 188 public servants in Canberra and Sydney and 2,200 in Papua and New Guinea. They do however perform certain services; place orders, see suppliers and attend to shipping. Canberra acts as a central secretariat in Territory matters. Also helps to overcome problems – travels to the Territory to help prepare the estimates. “It is not the function of the Department of Territories to administer the Territory or run the Territory. That is something done by the Territory administration. The responsibility of the Minister for Territories is to ensure these two units of government run together and work together.”
South Pacific Post, Mr Foldi Answers Kokopo Citizens, 10 October 1956, p 11. The District Commissioner says Kokopo is most unlikely to get a separate school for Asian children. An education officer will discuss the matter with Kokopo citizens as soon as possible.
South Pacific Post, Territory Control, 10 October 1956, p 16. Editorial on Canberra control “It is one of the unpalatable truths for members of the Administration that their leader, the Administrator, had no more influence over major decisions concerning this Territory than have the people of Australia. In the past the Administrator has been bound from the ankle to the larynx whenever affairs of importance are discussed.”
South Pacific Post, The Minister Speaks: The Application of Basic Principles, 10 October 1956, p 16. Hasluck has previously explained the principles of Justice, Freedom, and Representation. This week he discusses the difficulties which arise from the principles, and the burdens which a mentor is asked to carry when he takes over the teaching of primitive peoples.
South Pacific Post, Discrimination at Kokopo, 10 October 1956, p 22. DH Jones of Kokopo, in a letter to the editor, supports a multi-racial school.
P Hasluck to AJ Campbell, 17 October 1956. “I am not aware of any such (zoning) movement. My own view on the situation is that the overlapping of mission activities and the differing methods of various missions may sometimes cause confusion… and may even impede the full realization of the objectives for which we are all working but… I think the way to overcome this is with discussion.”
South Pacific Post, Junior Officers ‘Stronger than Senior Executives, 17 October 1956, p 4. Delivering a lecture on ‘Australian Policy in Papua and New Guinea’ at Sydney University, Hasluck said the P&NG service is much stronger in the field than in the office, much stronger in the junior and middle levels than the senior levels. More efficient than six years ago but still room to improve particularly in the procedures of administration.
South Pacific Post, Native Policy ‘Not Wise’ for Students, 17 October 1956, p 5. Deputy Opposition Leader, Mr Calwell, said in the House of Representatives that it was not wise to encourage the children of the people of P&NG to go to the mainland for their education. We should do as much as possible to provide secondary scholarships for them in their own country.
South Pacific Post, Mr Hasluck Speaks: Four Basic Tasks for the Territory, 17 October 1956, p 14.
South Pacific Post, The Racial Question, 17 October 1956, p 16. Editorial condemns segregation in schools.
South Pacific Post, Discrimination at Kokopo, 17 October 1956, p 18. AR Broadhurst argues that the Chinese would be happier in their own school.
GT Roscoe, Candidates for Teacher Training 1957, 23 October 1956. At the beginning of 1957 Secondary Courses leading to the Queensland Junior Public Examination will be instituted at Sogeri, Dregerhafen and Kerevat and all students at these Centres who complete Standard 9 in 1956 will be given the opportunity of commencing the Secondary Course in 1957. This will of course mean a drastic reduction in the intake for Teacher Training Courses but it is a price we have to pay for the raising of our academic standards. Officers are requested to make vigorous enquiries in order to find as many eligible candidates as possible for B Course Teacher Training in 1957. An examination will be set by Headquarters at approximate Standard 8 level.
GT Roscoe, Teacher Training 1957, 23 October 1956. In previous years applicants for admission to Teacher Training Courses were screened by the Training Master and the selection of Mission candidates was left entirely up to the Missions. In 1957 a Grant-in-Aid of ₤20 per annum will be paid for each trainee at Mission Teacher Training Centres. It is therefore necessary for candidates to pass an entrance examination. The examination for Course A will be based on the syllabus for Standard 6; for Course B on Standard 8; and Course C candidates will have completed an approved course of secondary training and will be personally inspected by a departmental officer. Course A will not be available at any Administration Teacher Training Centre in 1957.
GT Roscoe, A Personal Message to all Education Officers, 24 October 1956. Advises that advertisements will shortly be appearing in Australian newspapers inviting applications for senior positions in the Department of Education … “is much to be regretted that it has not been found possible to fill these vacancies from within the Service. Nearly all these senior positions include in the list of necessary qualifications ‘University Degree with Post Graduate Studies in Education’”. Roscoe urges staff with university degrees to undertake postgraduate studies.
South Pacific Post, Qualified Staff ‘Foundation for all Territory Work,’ 24 October 1956, p 14. Hasluck said that the indigenous people should be used in the Public Service to an increasing extent. Hasluck has given two instructions (1) employment by the Government is to be used as a form of training. (2) the creation of an Auxiliary Division of the Public Service for natives, giving customary rights of the Public Service including promotion to the ordinary division of the Public Service.
South Pacific Post, Mr Hasluck Speaks: The Problems of Rapid Change, 24 October 1956, p 18. This is the last in a series of articles printed from a speech by Hasluck to University students in Western Australia. The speech outlines the basic principles upon which the Territory is governed.
South Pacific Post, Minister Praises Dr Evatt’s Clear Thinking, 24 October 1956, p 20. When addressing Sydney University students Hasluck praised Evatt’s clear and practical thinking during the hard-fought agreement Australia made with the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Mandated Territory of New Guinea.
South Pacific Post, Missionary’s Reply, 24 October 1956, p 21. Percy Chatterton says that the bulk of mission schools teach the rudiments of English and don’t pretend otherwise.
EW Dwyer, Recreation Leave for Education Officers Under Public Service Regulation No. 86, 26 October 1956. Regulation 86 provides for annual leave during the school vacation. Officers would take four years of 86 leave, no leave the fifth year and normal leave plus long service leave the sixth year.
South Pacific Post, Territory Scholarships for Pre-School Teachers, 31 October 1956, p 8. Two scholarships for 1957, one for a European and one for an Asian. Three-year course in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Kokopo Parents Stand Firm for Segregation, 31 October 1956, p 13. A meeting of the Kokopo P&C affirmed its decision. The meeting was attended by D Owner. Not discrimination as they felt it was in the interests of both races. Owner said there was no need for two schools.
South Pacific Post, 10,000 Teachers in Ten Years, 31 October 1956, p 20. The Education Department aimed to produce 10,000 trained native teachers within the next 10 years, provided nothing interrupted the even flow of progress, said the Acting Director of Education, Roscoe. May get 400 trainees this year. One mission said they will be turning out about 1,000 candidates for teacher training next year.
D Owner, Transfers and Promotions Within Non-Native Division, 1 November 1956. The Public Service Inspector is of the opinion that a senior position wherever it occurs within the Department as a whole, should be offered to the most senior officer at the time. He sees no bar in the fact that the officer’s previous experience is within the Native field or vice versa.
P Hasluck to The Ven Archdeacon CS Robertson, 6 November 1956. The Government is firm in its aim of achieving literacy in English. The methods by which that aim can be best achieved seem to me to be not a question of policy but one of administration and should be hammered out between the Territory Department of Education and the mission schools. As far as the question of placing Government schools near mission schools is concerned, the Government reserves the right to establish schools wherever they may be required. As you know, the Government’s policy is one of close and increasing co-operation with the missions in education. For my own part, I would regard the establishment of Government schools near mission schools as a needless duplication of effort, unless the mission schools were not meeting the demand for education or not providing it at the standard required.
South Pacific Post, Auditor Again Slates Territory Treasury, 7 November 1956, p 9. Unsatisfactory features which had been criticized previously have not been remedied.
South Pacific Post, Mr Morgan Stresses Territory’s Australian Importance, 7 November 1956, p 18. Labor member for Reid, who toured the Territory recently told the House of Representatives last month that the future of the Territory would loom more importantly before the people of Australia, not only because of the obligations to the natives, which Australia has accepted, but also because of Indonesian claims to Dutch New Guinea. We cannot afford to ignore storm warnings near our own shores. Only today it was announced that Indonesia had renewed at the UN its insistent claim to Dutch New Guinea.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Public Service Institute – Assistance to External Students at University, 8 November 1956. In reply to a request from R. A. Ritchie, Groves asks the PSC if the PSI could provide essential reference books for officers studying in the Faculty of Education at the University of Queensland. “This Department is anxious to give as much encouragement as possible to junior officers to qualify themselves for promotion to higher posts.”
WC Groves, Staff Reports, 8 November 1956. The circular of 4 July 1956 stated that in order to avoid bias, inspections would be carried out by two officers, one of them being the Chief of Division, a Superintendent, or an Inspector of Schools. This proved to be an impossible task so District Education Officers and Head Teacher of EO3 status were told to proceed with their staff reports without waiting for the visit of a senior officer.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Mission Schools, 12 November 1956. Lambert forwards a copy of the Minister’s 8 November 1956 reply to Archdeacon Robertson.
London Missionary Society, Papua District Committee, Minutes of Meeting held at Port Moresby, November 12th to 24th 1956. We encourage missionaries who have no qualification acceptable to the Department of Education and who have resided in Papua for five years and over, and who are engaged in educational work to take the Department of Education Special Course ‘S.’
South Pacific Post, Duke of Edinburgh in Territory, 14 November 1956, p 1.
South Pacific Post, A Teacher Intrigues a Duke, 14 November 1956, p 4. Duke visits Port Moresby school.
South Pacific Post, Education Staff Losses 22 Per Cent, 14 November 1956, p 10. Resignations of permanent men were 10% of those employed. Surveys reasons for leaving. Mainly family reasons, ill health and better prospects in private enterprise.
South Pacific Post, Apprenticeship Board’s Activities Outlined, 14 November 1956, p 16. Gives history of the Apprentice movement.
WC Groves, Advanced Course for Teachers Sogeri 1957, 18 November 1956. During 1957, a course for teachers will be held at the Teachers’ college Sogeri. This College was formerly the RPC Depot. Twenty teachers will be withdrawn from schools for the whole of 1957. Teachers selected will be accompanied by their wives and children. Wives will receive tuition in homecraft, infant welfare and allied topics, and children of school age will attend the practice school attached to the College. The course is designed to enable the teachers to qualify for a ‘B’ Certificate, and so to qualify for admission to the Auxiliary Division of the Public Service. Gives names of teachers selected to attend.
During 1957, twenty teachers in three groups, will tour Queensland for a period of six weeks. The first is expected to be from 3rd March to 14th April; the second from 28th April to 9th June; the third from 23rd June to 4th August.
WC Groves, Advanced Course for Native Teachers Sogeri 1957 – Notification of Selection, 19 November 1956. Same circular as 18 November 1956. Advises that they will get the same salary plus 12/6d annual increment and rations whilst on the course.
SA Nielson, Report of Inspection of the Native Central School at Goroka on 7 & 8th November 1956, 21 November 1956.
WC Groves, Vocational Opportunities – Australian Military Forces, 21 November 1956. The Pacific Islands Regiment is enlisting a limited number of young men who have completed Standard IX of the Syllabus for Native Schools.
South Pacific Post, PSA to Re-Fight Case for Education Grant Increase, 21 November 1956, p 12. PSA has put forward another case to Hasluck, who outlines his reasoning for the level.
London Missionary Society to The Administrator, Education, 21 November 1956. We welcome the offer of financial assistance in respect of teacher-training and of certificated teachers, and inform the Administration that our first group of students will commence their training in January next, and will sit for the Certificate Examination at the end of 1957. We regret that the new system makes no provision at all for the payment of grants in respect of scholars.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Seventh Meeting held at Port Moresby 27th to 29th November 1956. Mainly concerned with clarification of the Education Ordinance and drafting Regulations.
South Pacific Post, Public Service: First Natives Appointed by Christmas, 28 November 1956, p 5. To the Auxiliary Division.
South Pacific Post, Houses Planned for Ten Year Expansion, 28 November 1956, p 19. The Administration is now planning to meet the housing needs for the great expansion of native teachers throughout the Territory within the next ten years, said Cleland referring to the Post report that the Education Department was aiming at a target of 10,000 native teachers in 10 years.
South Pacific Post, All Areas Known in the Territory, 28 November 1956, p 19. The original plan to bring the whole Territory under Administration control by 1955 had now been extended to 1959, the Minister for Territories, Mr P Hasluck said last week.
C Wedgwood, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, 1950, Reproduced in December 1956. Notes prepared for ASOPA. 36 pages. Reproduced, with permission, for the Seminar on the Teaching of English as a Second Language, conducted in December 1956 by the Public Service Institute of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.
London Missionary Society to The Director Department of Education, 4 December 1956. Would like a conference with the Department and the local Native community to discuss the provision of adequate Primary educational facilities in the Port Moresby area.
South Pacific Post, Many Failed Exam, 12 December 1956, p 1. 55 out of 176 who sat for the secondary education subsidy exam failed. 81 Europeans passed, 18 failed; 28 Asians passed, 20 failed; 11 mixed passed, 17 failed.
Bishop Sorin, Vicar Apostolic of Port Moresby to J. H. Irvine, 16 December 1956. “Knowing well the policy of our Mission in the matter of Education you will not be surprised to hear that, even in the case of an Administration school being established at Waima, we shall still maintain our own school… as we make it an obligation for Catholic parents to send their children to a Catholic school. We think it is not exaggerated to say that the neo-paganism which takes money and self for its own god and which slowly undermines western civilization is already stifling the sparks of selfless ideals which alone a strict and sincere adherence to a definite form of Christianity could foster and preserve. Such a neo-paganism is bound to increase its influence wherever children are educated in such a way that religion will be to them far less important than secular subjects.”
TL Stanley, Report of Inspection of Village Higher School at Barahaim on 18th December 1956.
GT Roscoe to PV Meere, 20 December 1956. Groves in Australia and due back Christmas Eve. The Teacher Training entrance examinations for Course A and Course B will be based on the syllabus for Standard 6 and Standard 8 respectively. There will be three papers – one in English, one in Arithmetic, and the third in Social Studies and Hygiene. The questions set will not be difficult… the object is simply to eliminate candidates who are not likely to be able to profit from the course of Teacher Training. The reason for the institution of this entrance examination is that the Administration has undertaken to pay ₤20 a year towards the maintenance of each candidate… to satisfy audit requirements we must have evidence that public money is not being spent unprofitably. If the Mission has candidates that do not qualify for the maintenance grant, and considers that these candidates should do the training course, they will be allowed to sit for the examination and if successful will receive a certificate. This will apply particularly to Native teachers already serving in the schools who are being coached by the Mission either by correspondence or by tutorials, conducted by some European. The Yule Island Mission brought in twenty-five such teachers to Headquarters for an intensive course of one month just before the Certificate Examination. The Division of Native Education has now embarked on the colossal task of inspecting Mission schools which have applied for registration and this will take all the time of all available inspecting officers.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Bishop Sorin’s Letter on Establishment of Administration Schools in the Mission Area, 20 December 1956. He does object to Catholic parents being asked to contribute in any way towards the establishment of this school and he makes it clear that he will forbid any of his flock to attend the Administration school. The Administration and the Missions unanimously accept the principle that there should be freedom of choice of schools for their children by Native parents. The interpretations placed on this formula by the two parties are however quite different. The Catholic Mission interprets it to mean that Catholic children will always attend Catholic schools.
GWJ McMeekin, Report of Inspection of the Village Higher School at Mirivase on 18th December 1956, 23 December 1956
CD Rowley, Australian School of Pacific Administration: Training of Cadet Education Officers, late December 1956. This paper is undated. Could have been written in 1957. It was Agenda Item 4(b) at one of the ASOPA Council Meetings. Rowley brought to the Council’s notice the disadvantages of having cadet education officers training at Bathurst. The chairman told him to prepare a paper. This is that paper. It consists of 5 pages and examines the advantages and disadvantages of both venues. Rowley recommended “that the training should in future be given at ASOPA. Staff needs would be for an additional lecturer in Education and some part-time assistance would be necessary.” One of the advantages would be that the “academic year could be planned so as to provide for substantial blocks of practice teaching in native schools in the Territory.” Rowley also envisaged that “at a later stage it will probably be necessary to provide courses for native education officers.” “Theoretically a Teachers’ Training College…established in the Territory itself might be the best solution. But this would be very expensive, and would make necessary the duplication of most of the courses available at ASOPA. Moreover, if we adopt such a plan, we would be leaving the future needs of the Northern Territory out of account.”
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1957
The ASOPA Story, 1957
In 1957 Dr Peter Lawrence begins lecturing in Anthropology at the School. His obituarist later writes: “His first and enduring passion was teaching at ASOPA.”
Information from 'Milestones in the history of ASOPA'
by Keith Jackson AM (first published in PNG Attitude)
Personnel
Gunther, John Thomas.[1] Appointed assistant-administrator in 1957, although again not the first choice, Gunther gradually won the confidence and friendship of both (Sir) Paul Hasluck and (Sir) Donald Cleland. The three men dominated the making and implementing of Australian policy in the Territory for the next seven years. Gunther was government leader in the Legislative Council, chairman of the select committee on constitutional development that recommended the establishment of the first House of Assembly with universal suffrage, and a member of the Currie commission on higher education in Papua and New Guinea that led to the creation of the University of Papua and New Guinea. `any influence I’d had with Cleland and Hasluck I lost entirely 1964-1965’. He was a special representative at the United Nations in 1965 when Australia was under pressure to give Papua New Guinea independence.
Gunther was looking for a new challenge when he was appointed foundation vice-chancellor of the University of Papua and New Guinea in 1966. Although inexperienced in university administration he brought to it a determination to get things done, a shrewd assessment of staff, a tolerance of beliefs, and an office and house open to all ranks and races. He lost arguments to bring medicine, engineering and agricultural science into the university from the start, but he was a strong advocate for the autonomy and standards, of the new institution. By the first graduation, in 1970, UPNG had the finest buildings and grounds then built by the Australians in their colony, and the campus was a centre of creativity and scholarship.
Movement of officials
Late April early May: Menzies visits Territory.[2]
14 June to 3 July: Hasluck visits the Sepik and Eastern, Western and Southern Highlands.[3]
July: Senator Nancy Butterfield visited the Territory.[4]
Late October: Federal Treasurer, Sir Arthur Fadden, in Moresby.[5]
Groves
June: Groves visited Noumea[6]
Groves had visited the Morobe, Madang and Milne Bay Districts for periods between 2 and 12 days, during the year ended 30 June 1957.[7]
2 to 6 September: Groves attended an Administration/Mission Teaching Seminar in Mendi[8]
15 October: Groves to Australia to interview applicants for Cadetships in the different State capitals.[9]
Roscoe
30 June to 27 July: Toured Bougainville[10]
Correspondence & Papers
Australian School of Pacific Administration, List of Papers Presented to Papua and New Guinea Senior Officers’ Courses, Nos 1-6, 1956-61. Nine pages listing the authors and titles of papers presented to each course. None listed for education. The theme for Course 2 held in 1957 was ‘Local Government.’ Suggested Council Functions as set out in the 1957 Senior Officers’ Report on Local Government. Undated. Major recommendations were: To have the power to build, equip and maintain any primary school… it is considered that councils should limit their sponsorship to village higher schools. To appoint education committees. To expend funds for approved education purposes. To seek certified teachers for its schools. Not to establish a school until technical advice received and the proposal has been submitted to the local education committee. To supervise attendance and discipline. To participate in mass education and community development programmes.
Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society, Annual Report and Proceedings, Port Moresby. 1957. Nothing on education.
Womersley JS and McAdam JB, The Forests and Forest Conditions in the Territories of Papua and New Guinea, Port Moresby, 1957. Report prepared for the British Commonwealth Forestry Conference in Australia 1957. Nothing on education.
Teacher’s Personal Report, 1957. An inspection report on a European officer written in 1957.
Department of Education, Subsidies to P and C Associations, 1957. Pays up to ₤50 per annum for approved purchases. Obtain approval before purchased are made but library books will always be approved. Receive 10/- for every ₤1 spent.
WC Groves, Education Advisory Board, 3 January 1957. Five-page summary of Native Teacher Refresher Courses held during the latter half of 1956.
South Pacific Post, Two Great Tasks Face Educationalists, 4 January 1957, p 14. Hasluck said this week that the attainment of universal education in P&NG involved two great tasks: [1] To improve the standard of teaching in existing schools. [2] To build and staff schools for perhaps 150,000 children as yet untouched. At least 10,000 teachers would be needed for the present task. By 1955 there were 538 native teachers. There were about 525 by the beginning of 1957. “A feature of the native training programme is the careful in-service training and supervision given by trained Australian teachers, who work in the schools with the native teachers.” The teaching of English to the native people was a major objective of the Government. However, this did not mean the Government had placed a ban on the teaching of native languages.
South Pacific Post, Two Thirds Pass Examinations, 9 January 1957, p 8. 57 sat for the University of Queensland Examinations at the Public Service Institute.
WC Groves to GT Roscoe, 10 January 1957. On the subject of Bishop Sorin’s letter (16 December 1956), I have advised His Honour personally that there now appeared some doubt as to whether we would in fact be justified in establishing the Waima school. On the side of ‘principles’ His Honour agreed, that the principle on which we should base an approach was that of ‘freedom of choice of the parents’. In other words, we are concerned to provide, as far as our resources permit, Administration schools for those people who desire them for their children, with no special regard in such cases to Missions’ ‘principles’ and their educational application.
Bishop Leo Arkfeld to WC Groves, 13 January 1957. The opportunity you are giving Missionaries to get a Teachers’ Certificate during the coming year is highly appreciated, and we will try to get some of our people prepared for the examination next November.
Bishop Leo Arkfeld to JH Irvine, 14 January 1957. Refers to a requisition for supplies sent July 1956 that have not arrived. Fr Krajci complained and, in an attempt to smooth things over, the Bishop says: “In the name of the Mission I assure you of our wholehearted cooperation which has always marked the harmonious relationship between the Department of Education and our Mission.”
South Pacific Post, Headmasters Praise Native Students, 16 January 1957, p 1. Praise came from three Australian secondary schools. 76 are now studying in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Comprehensive History of Territory, 16 January 1957, p 14. A review of the book Australian Colonial Policy by JD Legge, which gives a foundation to understanding educational developments in the Territory. Gives the history of P&NG. “Already in the beginning there were taking shape the three specters which were to haunt successive administrators of NG – lack of money, shortage of trained staff and governmental indifference.” “By the time Murray assumed the Lieutenant-Governorship (1908), the main pattern of Papuan administration had been established. The next thirty years saw the consolidation of tradition rather than the introduction of distinctive innovations… The post-war period has not in fact presented any complete and dramatic departure from the goals of the past.” He discusses the growing centralization of control in Canberra.
South Pacific Post, Education of Natives, 16 January 1957, p 14. Editorial comments on the high success of native students studying in Australia. States that only time will tell whether it is wise to lift the children out of their home environment and dump them in Australia during their formative years.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, 21 January 1957. The Minister wishes to be advised by cable of the present position regarding the proposed Waima school.
WC Groves to Bishop Leo Arkfeld, 22 January 1957. Your letter did buck me up a good deal, arriving as it did at a time when the volume and range of work here, and the ever-widening responsibility which the work represents, had assumed almost overwhelming proportions. Those of us who have been here from the beginning have, as you know, been working under continuous high pressure since we started. There seems to be no slackening in that pressure, and there are times when I feel quite inadequate to meet the requirements of the job, even sharing more and more aspects of it, as I necessarily do, with a group of very loyal and competent colleagues here at Headquarters. The idea of providing special opportunity for missionaries who have been engaged in teaching in the Territory to qualify them for a Teacher’s Certificate and by that means secure registration and eligibility for grant-in-aid was Mr. Roscoe’s rather than mine. I think the aim is a very worthwhile one, and from the number of applications we have received to undertake the course, it is evident that it will be very useful indeed. I have of course always held the view that many of those engaged in regular reaching in this Territory suffer no disadvantage in the quality of their work in comparison with those who hold actual certificates; and everything possible should be done to enable the former to continue with their valuable teaching work, with official accreditation. Mr. Roscoe is at present on a very comprehensive round of visits covering the three Highland Districts.
RI Skinner to Director of Education, Native Staff Western Highlands District, 24 January 1957. The District Commissioner told Groves: “There is a very heavy population in this area and apart from a few people, who have been partially educated by the various Mission organizations, there are virtually no educated natives in the District and not one who could occupy a position requiring any degree of literacy. Considering that Mount Hagen was established in 1938, this is a very bad position. Also, as you know, we have been allocated absolutely no funds at all for the construction of Native Schools during the current financial year. I was shocked and surprised yesterday when Mr Roscoe and Mr Neve informed me that only 4 native teachers were being allocated to Western Highlands while our neighbours in Eastern Highlands are expecting to receive 16 teachers. As you are aware the Eastern Highland is far ahead of Western Highlands in terms of Native Education and our people are aware of this… I sincerely hope that you will be able to accede to Mr Roscoe’s request for the posting of 10 instead of 4 trained Native teachers to this District. Groves notes on the bottom of the letter: “I leave the required re-arrangement of postings to Mr Roscoe, but we will have to be careful not to effect major disruption elsewhere if withdrawing people already posted.”
WC Groves to Director Department of Native Affairs, Development Committee Western Zone, 24 January 1957. Groves comments on the committee’s recommendations for the establishment of new schools in the District. “Having in mind the Minister’s direction that more adequate provision be made for the enrolment of girls in schools, it would be desirable that these schools proposed above should as far as possible be co-educational… If and when compulsory education is applied to Village Higher Schools under Section 17 of the Education Ordinance, the compulsion will necessarily apply to girls as well as to boys – although it may be necessary to interpret this compulsion in a rather liberal way insofar as the attendance of girls I concerned, according to local circumstances. It is important, however, that the idea of girls attending schools with boys, especially schools of Village Higher School type be established in a village environment, should be introduced at the beginning of any such school.”
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Bishop Sorin’s letter on the Establishment of Administration Schools in His Mission Area, 25 January 1957. Gives the history of this case; namely that Percy Chatterton of the London Missionary Society asked the Administration to establish a school in Sorin’s Catholic area. Sorin objected and said he would not allow Catholic children to attend the school. Cleland says: “Although the establishment of the school has been suspended pending a review of the situation, it is considered that the establishment of a Government school in this area (not necessarily at Waima) is most desirable.”
WC Groves, Enrolment of Girls at Administration Primary Schools, 25 January 1957. Gives enrolment statistics for boys and girls for 1954, 1955 and 1956. Shows that the percentage of girls in relation to boys is falling in most Districts. “If this state of affairs is allowed to persist unchecked, the inequality of standards between men and women which exist in most parts of the Territory now will spread to affect more and more people as new areas are opened up and more schools established.”
District Education Officer to Director Department of Education, Opening of New Departmental Village Higher Schools, 26 January 1957. Suggests that a District Education Advisory Committee be established in the New Ireland District.
South Pacific Post, Hundred More Teachers for Administration, 27 January 1957, p 5. The number of Administration teachers and teacher cadets under training would be increased from 200 to 300 by the end of 1957-58 financial year. 23 new teachers arrive in the Territory in March. 50 cadets are to train at Bathurst Teachers’ College in 1958. At present there are 7 at Bathurst.
South Pacific Post, Boroko, Moresby School Changes Anticipated, 30 January 1957, p 4. Zoning abolished. Grade 6 from Boroko to be absorbed into Ela Beach.
WC Groves, Inspection of Mission Schools where Application for Registration or Recognition has been Made, 31 January 1957. Asks that the following information be presented to the inspecting officer on his arrival: A list of classes, their standards, and the standard of English attained.
WC Groves to Acting District Education Officer Northern District, Proposed School - Asimba, 31 January 1957. Emphasizes the need to liaise with the missions when establishing new schools. D McCarthy recommended in February 1957 that “the principle should be adopted that Administration schools should not be established within one hour’s normal adult walking distance of an existing mission school.” (Note: letter is too faded to determine where it was sent or any other particulars)
DR Deasey, Reading and Writing in Vernacular, 2 February 1957. Acting Field Secretary of Unevangelized Fields Mission asks about the Department’s policy on allowing pastors who are not teachers and who will not be in schools to teach the people they contact to read and write in the vernacular.
DM Cleland to Director of Native Affairs, Aid to Mission Schools, 5 February 1957. It was and is the clear intention of the Rabaul Agreement that any assistance given by a Council would be to a registered Mission Village Higher School. Council aid should therefore not be granted until such a school is fully registered. It was never the intention that it should be given to enable a school to become registered. Responsibility of bringing a school to registration standard is that of the Mission who controls it. 2. It was the intention that the amount or value of the aid granted by a Council in respect of any one school would not exceed the amount of a grant-in-aid which the Mission would have received from the Administration. 3. Grants-in-aid for education on the old basis continued until the 31st December 1956. The old basis should be taken as a guide. 4. The Local Education Committee is purely and advisory one and its decisions are purely in the nature of recommendations and are not binding on any Council.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Gulf District, Extension of Schools – Gulf District, 7 February 1957. My first comment is to remind you… to liaise with local Mission bodies represented educationally in the particular area in which new Administration schools are proposed to be established. The assumption (was) that there would be twenty new appointees male EOs arriving here, after completing the five weeks Orientation Course at ASOPA…the number at the course proves to be considerably less than the twenty referred to… we will have considerably fewer arriving here in March than we had expected. The Administrator has set up here a sort of select committee (the Western and Gulf Districts Special Development Project) to give immediate consideration and absolute departmental priority (by Departments of Native Affairs, Health, Agriculture and Education) to extension of all Administration activities within the Western and Gulf Districts. The idea behind this intensive and high priority development plan is to try by every possible means, even at the expense of other districts of the Territory, to step up administrative affairs in the two districts which have in the past lagged so far behind certain others in relation to the length of time which Administration has been in operation there. How far it will be possible to accomplish all of this with the available resources, it is not for me to say, but it is certain that much greater and additional building and transport resources will be made available to the two districts, and particularly Western, as an essential part of the overall development programme being prepared by the committee. Mr. Ralph has been in hospital for the past two weeks, and has only now resumed duty, with a big accumulation of work to engage his attention.
WC Groves to Acting Field Secretary of the Unevangelized Fields Mission, 11 February 1957. The type of vernacular instruction you describe serves a most useful purpose until the students reach the stage where a school or recognized or registered standard is desirable for them. A proposed amendment to the Ordinance for presentation to the Legislative Council this month… will make provision to declare such places of teaching as exempt schools.
WC Groves to Chief of Native Division, Classification and Salaries of Native Teachers, 13 February 1957. Note: Native teachers on refresher courses compared salaries and some of equal status were being paid more. Groves said “We have, I think, been aware for some time that certain anomalies in teacher gradings and promotions have existed, but the position as revealed amongst the teachers doing the Refresher Course has focused special attention upon it, requiring we take some immediate action to regularize the position, correct certain anomalies… and formulate and make known how the matter will be handled in future.” “One principle which we will apply generally in future… is that no teacher should be upgraded until he has passed through the full range of yearly increments within his existing grade.”
GT Roscoe to Rev Fr J O’Hanlon, 14 February 1957. There were quite a number of typographical errors in the examination papers for the Entrance Examination for Teacher Training. The pressure at Headquarters had apparently been so great that there was no-one able to proofread the papers before they were sent out. (Roscoe was on tour of the three Highland Districts). This is regrettable but it is just one of those things that keep happening where there is so much to do and so few to do it. I find an accumulation of business awaiting my attention, one of the most urgent matters being the organization of Course S, so it may be some weeks before I can give any thought to the entrance examination for Course C. Regarding Course S, it appears that practically every Missionary in this Territory who does not hold a Trained Teacher’s Certificate wishes to enter for the course. Although it has not yet been officially announced, we are accepting for enrolment any applicants who have had three year’s experience of teaching whether in the Territory or elsewhere (instead of five years within the Territory). Difficulties in procuring sufficient textbooks and compelled to order from London. No-one available to write the Study Guides and at present it looks as if I shall have to write them myself. In the Mission schools I have been visiting in the Highlands, it is rather depressing to see grown-up men sitting in rows in elementary classes.
WC Groves, Amendment to Circular No. 6 of 1957, 14 February 1957. Changes the statistics for boys and girls for the New Britain District. See 25 January 1957.
WC Groves, Certificate Examination for European Teachers in Mission Schools (Course S 1957), 14 February 1957. Groves advises that after representations from the Missions and upon the recommendation of the Education Advisory Board, the Department is accepting for enrolment any applicants who have had three year’s combined experience of teaching whether in the Territory or elsewhere. He points out the difficulties in procuring textbooks and Study Guides and asks the students to be patient and not to write to Headquarters as the professional officers responsible for the Course have other urgent calls upon their time.
WC Groves to Public Service Commissioner, Training of Cadet Education Officers, 18 February 1957. Groves refers to a letter Rowley sent to the Department of Territories on 15 October 1956 and stated, “As I recall the discussion at the meeting of the ASOPA Council… the main reason why Mr Rowley suggested that his lecturing staff should discontinue visiting the Bathurst Teachers’ College… was the time and inconvenience involved. Accepting this position, I suggested the alternative (of) a short course which would be conducted at ASOPA itself after the Cadets had completed the two-year Bathurst Teachers’ Course. Groves proposed that the current five-week Orientation Course be extended to eight weeks. Cadets could do part of the Course during their vacations and complete the rest after they had finished Bathurst, allowing them time to arrive in the Territory in March.
WC Groves, Poliomyelitis Injections, 20 February 1957. Asks for information on the location and number of European, Asian and non-native children at each school.
Department of Native Affairs, Development Committee Western and Gulf Districts, 20 February 1957. Gives planned expansion in Education in the forthcoming year. Provision made in the 1957/58 Estimates for an additional Education Officer and necessary accommodation, provision for the establishment of three Village Higher Schools, and the first stage of a rural type school once a site has been selected.
W Burce to WC Groves, A Serious Plea Regarding Approval of an Orthography of the Enga Language, 22 February 1957. The Chairman of the New Guinea Lutheran Mission – Missouri Synod asked for approval two years ago and would like to know what other steps can be taken to avoid further delays.
South Pacific Post, Emphasis Now on English Minister Says, 23 February 1957, p 11. The teaching of English is a major objective said Hasluck. No ban on teaching native languages. Native languages and pidgin are used as aids to teach literacy in English – so that they will have ready access to all that is involved in Western civilization.
Legislative Council Debates, Second Council, Seventh Meeting of the First Session, 25 to 26 February 1957. Discussed Regulations to amend the Education Ordinance, especially provision for applications to be made for exemption from the Ordinance in cases where registration or recognition would be refused. But as Groves pointed out “It must be made clear that the Administration has in mind a minimum requirement, low-level though it may be, even for exempt schools; and there is no intention behind this Bill to provide a blanket exemption which would cover all so-called schools mow in existence, including those nondescript institutions which follow no regular plan of teaching and appear to follow no prescribed standard.” Groves advised the Legislative Council that there were currently twenty-three officers doing the orientation course at ASOPA. They will then proceed to Moresby for two or three days and then to their postings… The Minister has approved the recruitment of twenty-five Cadet Education Officers. Groves personally interviewed sixty-seven applicants. The Cadets will undergo at two-year course at Bathurst followed by an eight to ten week course at ASOPA.”
WC Groves, Dates of Examinations to be Conducted by the Department of Education in 1957, 25 February 1957. Native Secondary Scholarship Exams 14th and 15th October 1957. Teacher’s Certificate Exams A, B and C on 18th November 1957. Teacher’s Certificate S Exams on 18th and 19th November 1957.
Rev CF Gribble to WC Groves, 26 February 1957. At the Annual Meeting of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church of Australasia concern was expressed at the fact that Administration schools were being opened in such close proximity to some of our Methodist Mission Schools.
WC Groves, Criminal Offences, 26 February 1957. The Commission of Police has said that natives coming before the courts are ignorant of the law. Groves requests teachers to take every opportunity to remind pupils how important it is to uphold the law so “we can live in peace and safety and enjoy our goods without fear of thieves.”
WC Groves to District Education Officer New Ireland, Report on Village Higher School Sohun, 4 March 1957. “It would appear from your Report that the teachers at this school are having a very difficult time indeed tin trying to maintain a school in an apathetic community. It is felt that it is useless to continue this school under these conditions and you are directed to close this establishment, holding the teachers for transfer to other schools. You will be advised of their new postings as soon as possible.”
C. Groves, Teacher Training Manual – Papua and New Guinea, 4 March 1957. During 1956 the Training Masters felt the need for a Training Manual for each native student. Groves stated “no Departmental officer and no individual missionary has the time to write such a manual. It can, however be produced in a few months by co-operative effort.” Groves appended a list of chapter headings and asked those interested in contributing to contact him.
D McCarthy, Mission and Administration Schools: Representations by Bishop Sorin, 4 March 1957. The logical extension of Bishop Sorin’s views regarding the role of the Administration in education would be virtually a replacement of the Administration school system by the mission school system and the ultimate surrender of education policy and control by the State. It is recommended that the principle should be adopted that Administration schools should not be established within one hour’s normal adult walking distance of an existing mission school.
WC Groves to Rev CF Gribble, 5 March 1957. Our policy is to co-operate with all Mission bodies in the education field… It is fairly certain that the number of children receiving reasonably efficient primary education would not be more than ten per cent of the total. In the face of this, there is no need whatever to regard the efforts of the Administration and the Missions as being competitive…there is ample room for all. The spread of Administration schools throughout the Territory (pays) full regard to all the local circumstances, including the existence of Mission schools, in every case.
South Pacific Post, Top Position Goes to Gunther, 6 March 1957, p 1. Gunther appointed Assistant Administrator.
WC Groves to Rev W Burce, A Serious Plea Regarding Approval of an Orthography of the Enga Language, 11 March 1957. Mr TA Dietz is handling the matter and he is currently on leave in Australia after attending the UNESCO seminar on the ‘Teaching of English as a Foreign Language.’ Mr Dietz will bring the matter to my attention on his return “with almost certainly a recommendation that your orthography be approved.”
JT Gunther to Departmental Heads, Policy Re Missions to the Territory, 11 March 1957. Hasluck has stated “In general, our policy is to prefer mission work to be carried out with the backing of recognized Churches or well-established missionary societies, which have the resources and the organization to ensure that the mission work will be continuous and well-supported, and that it will be carried out by qualified and experienced staff.”
South Pacific Post, Pre-School Centre for Boroko, 13 March 1957, p 5. Building a new pre-school.
South Pacific Post, New Grade this Year for Ela Beach School, 13 March 1957, p 14. A classroom and teacher will be available for Grade VII if required.
WC Groves to HG Cochrane, 14 March 1957. Of the thirty new teachers nominated for appointment from Australia, 17 have now arrived – 13 men and 4 women. All of these have been posted, and they seem to represent merely a drop in the illimitable ocean of our many urgent needs. The remainder of the 30, including 6 women … will not now arrive until after they have done a course at ASOPA, which is now laid down as essential by the Minister. I understand that ASOPA is not able to conduct another Orientation Course (of 5 weeks in the case of Education Officers) until the beginning of second term, which means that… the teachers concerned cannot be available for duty here until the latter part of June at the earliest. For your information, and because it is having quite a stimulating effect upon us here at Headquarters, the Secretary of the Department of Territories, Mr. Lambert, and Mr. McCarthy of that Department who handles Educational affairs there, are at present here at Port Moresby giving practically their whole time to working out lines along which we may secure a much greater share of the resources available to the Administration for extension of our work; and in this connection they are concentration upon buildings for schools and residences for teachers. This is the most promising thing that had happened for our Department up to date, and I have a confident feeling that it should bring early results to our great advantage.
WC Groves, Territory Students Attending Schools in Australia, 18 March 1957. It is the policy if the Administration to assist Territory students to achieve a full secondary education and to this end financial assistance is made available each year. No assistance is provided for primary students. Europeans: ₤145 and one return air fare as far south as Sydney. Asian and Mixed-race: ₤200 in addition to the ₤145 (Means tested) and one return air fare. Natives: Twenty scholarships where he Administration is responsible for all expenditure.
WC Groves, Staff Reports and Inspection of Schools, 18 March 1957. All Administration teachers and schools were to be inspected in 1956 “because it was realized that in 1957 inspecting officers would be very busy inspecting Mission schools.” Less than half the native schools were inspected. Groves appended a list of Europeans to be inspected and a list of native schools to be inspected. The native teacher inspection reports were to be attached to the school reports.
WC Groves, Mission Relations – Grants-in-Aid for Maintenance of Technical Trainees, 18 March 1957. Asks for statistical information to enable the grants to be made.
GT Roscoe to PV Meere, 20 March 1957. No one from this Headquarters had ever made a tour of the Highlands before and I hope that one result of the trip will be the diversion of a greater proportion of our resources towards the three Highlands Districts. The matter of secondary education for natives is growing in importance and complexity and it looks as though that will be one of our most pressing problems in the next year or two.
KR McKinnon to the District Commissioner Western District, Western and Gulf District Development Plan, 1 April 1957. A review of Education progress over the past year. Now 3 Europeans and 13 Native teachers in the District.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Wewak, Staff Reports, 2 April 1957. I used to think that the Department was passing through a temporary crisis and some day we would be functioning normally, but I know now that crisis is the normal state of the Department and if it is ever to be any different, it will be after I am gone.
GR Cook to the Director, Inspection of Mission Schools, 2 April 1957. “I wish to bring to your notice the immensity of the work involved in carrying out the inspections necessary for the Recognition or Registration of Mission Schools in the Milne Bay District. At the time of writing, I have inspection orders for 155 schools. In discussion with the District Commissioner, I have been told… the ‘Managuna’ is out of service awaiting a new engine, the ‘Huon’ is out of action, the ‘Erlo is unfit for anything but short trips in calm seas. Personally, I feel that if this District is to be developed as is should and could be developed, then there is sufficient justification for a vessel on full time allocation to Education alone. At Centres on the mainland, you will find three ten-ton trucks, utilities and Land Rovers located for the use of Education but because this District has its Administrative Centre on an island, there is naught. I admit that taking such a step would truly establish a precedent, but it would be a step in the right direction.”
South Pacific Post, Native Apprentices in Second Year of Trade Training, 3 April 1957, p 9. 70% passed and went on to the second year.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, 4 April 1957. Hasluck has seen Cleland’s letter of 25 January 1956 and notes: “I do not think it necessary at this stage to lay down rigid directions. The Administration should do its best to serve the general aims of our education policy… and to co-operate with the missions in advancing those aims.
Bishop Sorin (was) merely informing me of what he had done, and it would appear that the Administrator is well seized of the situation.”
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, 8 April 1957. The general plan for the extension of the school system throughout the Territory is based on the need to have a spread of Village Higher Schools and Intermediate Schools – the latter for girls and boys separately – on an area basis, all over the Territory, with regional secondary schools at appropriate points, drawing enrolments from students who have completed the Intermediate School course within the region.
P Chatterton to Director of Education, 9 April 1957. Complains that Education Officers are making direct contact with native teaching staff rather than going through their European superiors and meddling with Mission schools and students.
South Pacific Post, No Responsibility for Children, 10 April 1957, p 10. J Foldi, District Commissioner New Britain, said the Administration could not accept responsibility for children passing through Moresby enroute to schools or home.
Minutes of Meeting of Eastern Highlands District Advisory Council, Goroka, 12 April 1957. IFG Downs wants a Technical School established in the highlands. Fr Schaffer says there is no need to wait until the students are proficient in English. Pidgin is sufficient.
South Pacific Post, Visit to Four Towns by Prime Minister, 13 March 1957, p 1. Menzies arrives 24 April. To visit Port Moresby, Rabaul, Lae and Bulolo. Staying 4 days.
WC Groves to Administrator, Sea Transport, 15 April 1957. Cook’s letter of 2 April is forwarded to the Administrator with the request “that the officer in charge of Marine Branch should be asked to make available to the Department of Education a suitable vessel for a period of 6 months each year.
WC Groves to P Chatterton, 15 April 1957. There can be no doubt that the educational staff employed by your Mission should not be approached directly by officers of this Department; and I can only express regret that such incidents as those referred to in your letter have been allowed to occur. Groves sent a copy of this letter to JT Newnham, the Education Officer concerned, with the comment: “Please do not for a moment think that I am in any way holding you to blame for what may have happened. It may be that the Mission concerned is a little bit ‘touchy’ about such things, and I think the best way to resolve the problem is to agree with them and undertake to do what they appear to require.”
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer New Ireland, Inspection of Schools, 17 April 1957. We are increasingly aware at this Headquarters of the very heavy burden laid on District Education Officers in the inspection of Mission schools for registration or recognition. The Director is favourably disposed towards requesting the Public Service Commissioner to increase our establishment to include several Inspectors of Schools in the Native Division… I would be glad to have a statement from you giving suitable information for inclusion in such as case… the number of mission schools to be visited and the amount of traveling that has to be done.
JT Gunther to Heads of Departments, Investment of Capital in the Territory, 18 April 1957. Gunther quotes parts of a letter Hasluck wrote to a person enquiring about the investment of capital in the Territory. The investment of Australian capital in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea is being encouraged by the Government. The indigenous population number about 1.75 million, with approximately 14,000 Europeans, 2,500 Chinese and 2,000 of mixed race. The Territory cannot be regarded as a distant colony or an out-post of the empire. It is no more remote from the national capital and the heart of Australian population than the out-lying States of the Commonwealth. These circumstances make practicable, as the years go by, even closer association with Australia, should that be the future which the people of the Territory choose. I look forward to a partnership that will be free, close and permanent.
P Chatterton to Director of Education, 18 April 1957. Enquires about the conference he suggested last November, between the LMS, the Department of Education and the local people.
JT Newnham to Director Department of Education, Comments on Mr. Chatterton’s Letter, 18 April 1957. Refers to 15 April 1957 letter. “My discussion with Rev Ure was general, to discover his attitude towards Government schools, I am not using any mission schools for practice teaching, I have not approached any mission pastor except to invite him to take Religious Instruction in the school. I cannot understand M. Chatterton’s complaints and feel that he must have been given misleading information.”
South Pacific Post, Carnival Raises ₤300 for School, 24 April 1957, p 10. Lae Primary School.
Resolutions made by the Missionary Delegates at the Missions/Administration Conference held at Lae from 29 April to 3 May 1957. The Conference recommended the “fullest and closest co-operation and co-ordination of effort between the Administration and the Missions in every secular aspect of education.” Recommendations of a more specific nature were: 2a) That teachers with considerable experience be given a practical test to qualify for ‘S” Certificate in lieu of a practical examination. b) That the Regulations include a parental consent form for pupils changing schools. c) To accept the standardized orthography prepared by the Department of Education to enable the scriptures and other literature to be printed in Pidgin. d) To co-operate in standardizing vocabulary and terms used in Pidgin. e) To extend GIA for teacher training from one to three years. f) Not relevant. g) i) Make the GIA for A, B, and C teachers equal to Administration native teachers of the same grade. ii) Continue the A grade certificate for many years. iii) Pay GIA of ₤20 for each assistant teacher judges to be competent by the Director. h) Missions be given the opportunity to establish hostels for children attending Administration Intermediate and Secondary Schools. i) Mission Heads be forewarned of EAB meetings to enable the submission of agenda topics and the Director of Education to issue an information paper after the meeting. j) Persons giving religious instruction in Administration schools do so in a language of their choice. k) Compulsory education as soon as possible for Administration Recognised and Registered schools. l) Copies of Department of Education circulars to go to Mission heads as well as Mission Education Officers. m) Quarterly returns in lieu of monthly returns. n) To give Mission members of the EAB the opportunity to meet with a Committee having as its terms of reference – to formulate and present to the Administration an overall plan for the extension, with Administration assistance, of education through the Missions, and its findings be sent back to the Missions. o) To welcome Government liaison with Missions when opening new schools. p) To extend the Administration bonded cadetship system to enable persons to serve in other institution under GIA. q) The number of essential records to be kept by native teachers to be restricted to essential ones – roll, timetable and work books. r) A change to be made to the orthography to be handed to the Director of Education. s) GIA to be extended to technical training for boys and girls reaching third and fourth standards. 3. Mission educational and medical supplies to be allowed in duty free on an affidavit. (Now turn to 5 September 1958)
WC Groves to RR Cole, Methodist Mission School, Mendi, 26 April 1957. Groves asks Cole, District Commissioner, and Madden, District Education Officer, to confidentially bring the class size of the Mission school up to 30 pupils so that the Mission could receive Grant-in-aid.
TA Taylor to Director Department of Education, Inspection of Mission Schools, 30 April 1957. Asks for information on teacher training courses, GIA and registered and recognized schools so that he can answer questions put to him by the missions.
Twentieth Session of Trusteeship Council – May/July 1957, Examination of 1955-56 New Guinea’ Report, Conclusions and Recommendations Adopted by the Council on New Guinea. The Council would like greater indigenous representation on all councils, committees and boards. It expresses the hope that the Administering Authority will consider increasing the number of inspectors in the Department of Education and establishing a full secondary school system in the Territory in the near future.
South Pacific Post, Work to Start on School Wing, 1 May 1957, p 10. First wing of a new primary school in Rabaul expected to start in a few weeks.
South Pacific Post, Prime Minister Speaks at Ela Beach, 1 May 1957, p 14. On funds Menzies says, “… the money that we spend is not ours, it is spent on the behalf of the people who pay it to the Government, and therefore every Government has a duty to make up its mind as well as it can how the invaluable funds of the nation ought to be spent... I was rather surprised to be told… there may be some who think that we regard our presence here as something temporary. I assure you that we don’t… Here we are and here we will remain… I shall in future provide a much more intelligent audience for Mr Hasluck than perhaps I have provided in the past. There is hardly a week in the year in which I don’t find a peremptory knock on my door and my friend Hasluck coming to see me, ingratiatingly, quietly, smoothly, explaining to me by fine logic what ought to be done, and before I know what happens I’ve cost the Treasurer another half million… This great Territory represents the greatest single experience that the Commonwealth has ever made outside its own immediate boundaries. We will be judged by it. It is because we know that we will be judged by it that year after year we pay more and more and closer and closer attention to it.”
South Pacific Post, Prime Minister’s Conference, 1 May 1957, p 14. The editorial, in reference to the Prime Minister’s speech, says concerning Hasluck/Menzies conferences, “The public... is left to draw the reasonable conclusion that these two statesmen use the time to eat buns and drink coffee in complete silence… It is to be hoped that his (Menzies) sympathies will be a little more pro-Territory in the future than was apparent at his press conference.”
South Pacific Post, Rabaul School Defended, 1 May 1957, p 16. The Headmistress of Rabaul European School recently criticized some Rabaul people for attacking the standards of the school.
JB Madden, Methodist Overseas Mission, Mendi, 8 May 1957. This letter refers to Gribble’s complaint of 26 February 1957 that the opening of the Administration school at Mendi in the Southern Highlands was interfering with attendance at the Mission school. Madden had this to say, “I fail to see that the Station School at Mendi has in anyway had a bad effect on the enrolment of the Methodist Mission Schools. Their attendance had been consistently poor long before the advent of our school.”
South Pacific Post, Territory Pre-School Centres, 8 May 1957, p 16. History of preschools in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Chimbus Demand European Teacher, 15 May 1957, p 7. Kondom wants a European teacher so the Chimbus will get top government jobs.
WC Groves to P Chatterton, 15 May 1957. Replying to Chatterton’s letter of 18 April 1957, “I think that such a conference… would not be in a position to achieve anything of real worth. Fairly extensive plans are under consideration … to extend and improve the education facilities for the Port Moresby area, and I will necessarily bring under the notice of your Mission… matters connected with these plans as may be of particular interest or concern to the LMS in its educational work.” WC
Groves to P Chatterton, 16 May 1957. Groves’ reply to Chatterton of 15 April 1957 and Newnham’s letter to Groves 18 April 1957 refer. Groves sent Newnham’s letter to Chatterton with the comment, “There seems to be no doubt that the complaints… have not proved to be of such a nature as was represented in your letter to me. I assume that you will take the matter up with Rev Frank Butler.”
DM Cleland to All Administration Officers, The Position of the District Commissioner in his District, 16 May 1957. Prepared at the request of District Commissioners who, at a recent conference. They expressed the wish to clarify their position in relation to Departmental and Technical Officers and to the general co-ordination and direction of administration in their Districts. “Departmental Officers should act at all times in close consultation with District Commissioners. The responsibility for the efficient rendering of technical services is vested in the Heads of Departments and their professional subordinates…and upon the District Commissioner for the progress and welfare of the peoples in his District, for the maintenance of law and order and for the general working of the machinery of the Administration… District Commissioners will not normally intervene in Departmental matters.”
JH Irvine, Educational Supplies to Missions, 16 May 1957. At the recent Missions’ Conference, it became apparent that supplies had not been received by some missions. The lack of adequate and suitably trained Stores staff has greatly handicapped the Supply Officer.
WC Groves to RR Cole, Methodist Mission School, Mendi, 16 May 1957. The question of eligibility for grant-in-aid will not arise in view of the enrolment figures you have supplied. In regard to Mr Madden “I think he really knows that we here at Headquarters have every confidence in him and this applies to every aspect of his work as our senior representative in your District.”
J Newman to Director Department of Education, Education Week for New Ireland District, 20 May 1957. Plans to display work books from various schools.
JT Gunther to District Commissioners and Heads of Departments, Behaviour and Care of Junior Officers, 23 May 1957. “Recently an officer was charged with disgraceful behaviour and later absconded from bail. The Minister asks whether proper care and attention is given to junior officers to prevent them from committing misdemeanours. District Commissioners are to ensure that they are carefully nurtured… best not to place them in the isolation of an outstation immediately… (they) should be allowed the social companionship of persons near their own age and opportunities for sport should be readily available. As an added measure of wisely controlling their leisure time, they should be encouraged to study through the Public Service Institute. When eventually they are sent to more remote parts, you should bring them to headquarters for relaxation and your further surveillance. Later you might inform myself and the Public Service Commissioner what actions are being taken, in your District, to nurture and protect your young officers, so that the Minister can be assured we are not being neglectful.”
South Pacific Post, European Teacher for Chimbu Chief, 22 May 1957, p 12. The Education Department said it would send a teacher when the new batch arrives at end of June.
WC Groves, Native Teaching Staff for 1958, 27 May 1957. During 1957 the maximum effort was made to gather all potential trainees for and ‘emergency’ course of teacher training. As a result, the department’s teaching strength was increased at the end of the year by 192, of whom approximately 70 did not fully qualify. (These have been appointed on a provisional basis.) The recruiting potential for 1957 has been drained, and the output at the end of the year will do little more than replace wastage. The recruitment programme for the financial year 1957-1958 allows for 15 men, 5 women, 3 men for Technical Division and 1 man for Rural Science, a total of 24; and at the end of the year 7 Cadets will have completed their training. Some of these officers will be used to replace other who may be diverted to duties in connection with the inspection of Mission Schools. Further, some will be required as replacements due to marriage or resignations and other for the rapidly increasing enrolments in non-native schools.
WC Groves, Educational Grants-in-Aid to Missions 1956/57 – Statistical Requirements and General Information, 27 May 1957. Forms A to H are to be completed by Missions and forwarded to Headquarters to enable grants-in-aid to be calculated. The following per annum rates will be applicable for registered teachers employed full-time: European teachers ₤400; ‘B’ Certificate native teachers ₤60; ‘A’ Certificate native teachers ₤40. Teacher trainees and full-time technical students ₤20. Educational supplies will be provided to the extent of available funds.
WC Groves, Monthly Reports from Districts and Areas, 27 May 1957. The new form is useful for statistical information but it would be well if it could be occasionally supplemented by an informal account of the most interesting happenings in the district during the month.
Legislative Council Debates, Second Council, Eighth Meeting of the First Session, 27 to 29 May 1957. 28 May 1957, Rev J Dwyer speaking on Finance for Education said “I believe the Government had fallen down on the job because it has left the great financial burden of educating the masses of the people in this country with the Missions. “This I say, Sir, is a shame, upon the Government of Australia; she can almost be called shirking responsibility for which she has at times been severely criticized… the Missions have reached the absolute extent of their spending.” 29 May 1957, Groves in answer to a question from Rev J Dwyer said “Subject to certain requirements which it may be necessary to lay down, a Native student who had attained the necessary scholastic qualifications would be admitted to any secondary school established in the Territory.”
GT Roscoe to Mr Marriott, Social Studies Syllabus, 28 May 1957. It was never the intention of the Department that the Syllabus for Social Studies at any standard would impose restrictions on teachers. It is rather intended to be a helpful guide. A Teacher’s Book on Social Studies is at present in the hands of the publisher. This is not intended to be used as a textbook but as a work of reference to which teachers can turn for information.
South Pacific Post, Territories, Education Facilities Improve, 29 May 1957, p 16. The provision of vocational guidance facilities for native children from P&NG who are undergoing secondary education in Australia was the latest development in secondary education. During 1957 scholarships enabled 77 native children to continue their secondary education in Australia. Secondary classes are being developed gradually in P&NG as the need increases. Secondary classes have been operating in schools at Rabaul (Qld Junior) and are now being introduced to schools at Sogeri and Kerevat. Alternatively, secondary education allowances are paid to residents of P&NG whose children must return to Australia for more specialized training than is at present available in the Territory. A total of 441 Europeans is in Australia under scholarship.
GT Roscoe, Circular to Teachers who were Trained at Bathurst Teachers’ College, 30 May 1957. The Department of Education, NSW has agreed to an Officer of this Department carrying out the inspection of those Officers who were trained at the Bathurst or Sydney Teachers’ College. Will be inspected for three consecutive years, or more. Must receive three satisfactory reports and the final two reports must be satisfactory to be awarded the NSW Teachers’ Certificate. Some teachers have not fulfilled the academic requirements and will be required to sit for supplementary examinations set by the Teachers’ College if within 12 months or the Department of Education NSW if after 12 months.
GT Roscoe, Quarterly Reports, 30 May 1957. District and Area Education Officers are to forward reports at the end of February, May, August and September.
GT Roscoe to Rev G Young, 30 May 1957. Explains the Teacher Certificate examination and GIA system. Says there are no Departmental candidates for Course ‘C’ this year.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Kikori, Monthly Report for April, 31 May 1957. Not all are keen on education. Cochrane reports for the following village higher schools: At Iokea in spite of some opposition from the people, the school promises to be a success; at Mirivase little interest is being shown by the parents in the education of their children; on Miaru relations between parents and teachers are not cordial and attribute this to the teachers’ lack of interest.
Rev Fr JC Dempsey to GT Roscoe, 31 May 1957. Outlines the educational work of the Catholic mission at Sidea in Eastern Papua.
JH Irvine, Submission of Attendance Returns by Mission Schools, 4 June 1957. A large number of schools with a Provisional Certificate of Recognition have failed to furnish monthly attendance returns – co-operation would be appreciated.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer New Ireland, Monthly Report for April, 4 June 1957. “I note that your large volume of clerical work has precluded your inspection of Mission Schools during the month of April. It is extremely important that the inspections should be carried out because no decision can be made regarding the registration, recognition or exemption of a school until a report of inspection has been received. There will certainly be strong protests from the Missions if the payments of grants-in-aid are delayed. There is just one suggestion I might make to lighten the labour of inspection somewhat…In cases where there is not likely to be any dispute, I would suggest that you confine the formal examination to some of the classes and for the rest, offer a general assessment such as ‘satisfactory’, ‘good’ or ‘not satisfactory’.”
GT Roscoe to Rev Fr JC Dempsey, 5 June 1957. Our building programme this year proposes as wide an extension as possible to boarding schools at intermediate leveling order to ensure that as many pupils as possible on completing the Village Higher School have the opportunity to go further. Incidentally, I am more than ever convinced that the boarding school has great advantages over the day school, not only in English but in every subject of the curriculum…there is a continuity which not only makes them fluent in English, but also gives them habits of cleanliness and industry.
GT Roscoe to HP Seale, District Advisory Council Meeting April 1957, 5 June 1957. The Department is entirely sympathetic to the views expressed by Mr. Downs. (He wants Technical Training in Eastern Highlands). Plans are already in hand to establish at least two additional Technical Training Centres some time in 1958. Your comments have been noted for consideration by the Chief of the Technical Division, at present under appointment and due in the Territory early in July.
South Pacific Post, ₤4 Million Needed – Government Mean Says Missionary, 5 June 1957, p 5. Fr J Dwyer told the Legislative Council that the Commonwealth Government should give the Territory ₤4 million for the education of natives. The government has fallen down on the job because it has left the great financial burden of educating the people with the missionary. “But you cannot educate 200,000 people on ₤700,000.”
South Pacific Post, Separate Native High School Possible, 5 June 1957, p 29. Answering a question from Fr Dwyer, Groves told the Legislative Council that natives with necessary school qualifications would go to high schools with Europeans, Asians 16 and Mixed Race ‘subject to certain requirements,’ but it may be educationally wise to provide a separate high school for natives.
P Chatterton to Mission Relations Department of Education, 7 June 1957. Chatterton complains about the volume of paper work connected with the Registration/Recognition system. “I therefore suggest that your Department should either very drastically curtail the amount of paper work… or else make provision for a grant-in-aid for clerical assistance to school managers… Personally I feel that much of the detailed information which you are at present demanding from the missions could be, and in my view more properly should be, furnished to you by your own inspectors when they inspect the schools.” Irvine notes on the file that the information is required for provisional recognition since inspection is not immediately practicable.
South Pacific Post, Politicians to Tour Territory, 12 June 1957, p 2. Hasluck to arrive Friday 14th June to tour the Eastern, Western, and Southern Highlands and the Sepik. Will leave 3rd July.
PV Meere to GT Roscoe, 18 June 1957. Personal correspondence from Fatima College, Banz, Western Highlands.
WC Groves, Inspection Reports on Education Officers, 19 June 1957. Since the matter of selection of officers for provisional promotion will in future depend largely upon Inspectors’ reports, I believe that we should give some attention to reviewing the form itself, and determining how far it is meeting the position, with special reference to the suggested need for an overall review by the Inspecting Officer. Groves set a meeting with headquarters officers for the following week to discuss the inspection form.
WC Groves to WJ Neve, 20 June 1957. Groves states that he has been away in Noumea. He criticizes Neve for comparing the Western Highlands to other districts in an attempt to get more facilities. “It is indeed my personal view that, in relation to the total resources available to us, especially recently, the Western Highlands District has been served disproportionately well.”
JH Jones, Opening Statement on the Trust Territory of New Guinea, 21 June 1957. Points made by Jones include: The Government plans to overcome reluctance of indigenous people to have their daughters educated by broadcast programmes; talks to women’s clubs; more women teachers; patrol officer encouragement; District and local education committee influence… Two guidance officers visit Australia to counsel Territory students. They are also collecting information on vocational and educational opportunities in the Territory.
WC Groves to JB Madden, Education Seminar, 21 June 1957. Groves approves of a seminar Madden is planning and hopes to visit the Southern Highlands at that time. Approves ₤100 to help with costs.
WC Groves, School Latrines, 21 June 1957. Certain Administration schools are not provided with proper latrines, and pupils are following what is euphemistically described as ‘native custom’. Every school must have latrines of a type approved the Department of Health.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Eighth Meeting, 25-27 June 1957. Held at Port Moresby. Groves: “The almost exclusive purpose of this meeting was the putting of the draft Education Regulations in their final form so far as the Board was concerned. Mr. Roscoe reviewed the ‘S’ Course, and emphasized that very liberal interpretation was being given to its application, particularly in respect of the 17 ‘qualifying’ clauses. The Board once again asked the Administrator to consider approving grants-in-aid as follows: Teacher Grade A – ₤60 per annum; Teacher Grade B – ₤80 per annum; Teacher Grade C – ₤100 per annum; Teacher Trainees from ₤20 to ₤50 per annum per trainee.
South Pacific Post, Asians Become Teachers, 26 June 1957, p 17. Hasluck announces the two Asian students from Rabaul had completed teacher training courses with the aid of Government scholarships.
South Pacific Post, 75 Native Students Now in Australia, 26 June 1957, p 18. Hasluck said, “The scheme has three major objectives: to provide the students with a better education, with greater fluency in English, and with an understanding and appreciation of Australia’s objectives in P&NG. “As soon as possible the Territory Education System must develop its own high schools, technical schools and other training institutions. At present, however, the most urgent need is to extend and improve primary education.”
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1957 to 30 June 1958.
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1957 to 30 June 1958.
WC Groves, Means Test Assessment for Mixed-race Students Attending Secondary Schools in Australia, 1 July 1957. Bursary cannot be paid until there is a current Means Test Assessment on file. A summary of the procedure is attached.
United Nations Trusteeship Council, Summary of Observations Made by Members of the Trusteeship Council, 3 July 1957.
South Pacific Post, Chimbu Chief asks for Cattle, Teachers, Officers, 3 July 1957, p 5. Kondom asked Hasluck for a European teacher to learn English.
South Pacific Post, Education for Natives, 3 July 1957, p 15. WR Stent in a letter to the editor wants to know the ‘certain requirements’ that Groves says natives will have to meet to attend European High Schools.
South Pacific Post, The Case for the European, 3 July 1957, p 16. The editorial says the European is being discriminated against. “If the Government wished to be honest…it would say, you who have risked your health, wealth and ambition, to develop the Territory, you who have bred children and raised them so that both you and they are as much a part of the land as the dark-skinned Papuan – you will not always have place here. You must go when the time arrives. The keynote now should be shifted from ‘all for the native’ to ‘all for everybody.’”
M Cocks to Director of Education, 4 July 1957. Mr Cocks is the Secretary in Australia and New Zealand of the LMS. He supports Chatterton’s letter of 7 June 1957 and points out “the primary reason for our presence in the Territory is that we may communicate ‘the glorious Gospel of the Blessed God’ to the peoples, and also that we may do everything possible to build up the Papuan Church so that it ‘may more fully manifest the Divine grace within its own life and in the evangelisation of its own neighbourhood and beyond.’” Cocks complained that “The rapidly increasing amount of recording and administrative work required by your Department is threatening to absorb too great a proportion of the time of our over-burdened District Missionaries, to the detriment of the work for which they have primarily been sent to the Territory.” Cock informs Groves that “The overall direction of the Society’s educational policy is towards eventual withdrawal from primary education, so that our comparatively slender Mission resources in finance and personnel may, in all fields, be made available for higher education; to the end that standards of leadership in the Church may be steadily and greatly improved.” And, “there is no intention on the part of the Directors, or of the Missionaries, to effect a revolutionary change in our educational policy on the Papua field.” Despite the above, Cocks goes on “We are happy to continue our service alongside your department” and asks Groves to “consider making such changes of system in the department as will reduce the demands made on our missionaries.” Finally, Cocks assures Groves “If these readjustments can be effected, I am sure that the growing feeling of tension, as between the Mission and the Department, will be speedily relieved.” Groves noted on the bottom of the letter “I am surprised that Mr. Cock senses a ‘growing feeling of tension as between the Mission and the Dept.’ I think we should enquire of him what had given rise to this feeling.”
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Payment of Education Grants-in-Aid to Registered Teachers in Certain Mission European-Type Schools, 4 July 1957. It is recommended that Registered teachers serving in any European-type school in an area where a similar type of school is being conducted by the Administration be excluded from eligibility for Grants-in-Aid so long as they continue to teach in such school.
WC Groves to KW Liddle, 8 July 1957. Liddle was enquiring about job prospects in the Territory. Groves told him “Husband and wife, even though both are qualified to teach, are not permitted to teach in the same school.”
WC Groves to District Education Officer New Ireland District, Miscellaneous Matters Re New Ireland District, 8 July 1957. “The bare, mainly statistical, information in the monthly and quarterly reports is inadequate to enable the Director and his senior officers to realise what is going on in the sphere of Native education.” Groves wants to know “your own views, your District needs and news concerning your District… even if you have to sit by the roadside and laboriously pound out (with one finger?) ‘Notes of Interest’ whilst you are awaiting transport.”
N Thomson, Suggestions, 8 July 1957. Officers and employees are encouraged to submit suggestions for increasing the efficiency of the Public Service and/or simplification of work of Departments and/or reducing expenditure. The scheme is not designed to provide monetary rewards to officers whose normal duties require them to review methods and submit proposals for reform.
JT Gunther to His Honour the Administrator, Educational Grants-in-Aid, 10 July 1957. Gunther suggests that the wording concerning GIA be amended to include “no such Grant will be paid in respect of mission teachers employed at any school in an area where a similar type of school has been conducted by the Administration etc. etc.” He states “Unless the proposal of the Director of Education is accepted, there could be a heavy dissipation of funds available to him for Grants-in-Aid in the town, with consequent neglect of the rural areas where education is so vitally needed.”
South Pacific Post, Primitive Tribes Seek Education, 10 July 1957, p 11. Hasluck, returning to Australia from a comprehensive tour, said all natives contacted for the first time by Administration patrols within the last two years were now clamouring for education.
WC Groves, Confidential Staff Report, 12 July 1957. An examination of the Confidential Staff Reports has shown that generally speaking the method of indicating gradings under various headings is satisfactory. However, the attention of inspecting officers is drawn to the necessity for providing a statement, under ‘General Comments’ giving information about the work, efficiency and general attitude of the officer concerned, designed to supplement and amplify the points brought out in the pro forma.
WC Groves, Suggestions Scheme to Operate Within the Public Service, 12 July 1957.
WC Groves, Examination for Native Scholarships Tenable at Secondary Schools in Australia, 16 July 1957. Exams will be held 14 and 15 October 1957. 20 scholarships offered and candidates must be under 15½ years on 31 December 1957. Exams consist of 2½ hour papers in English, Arithmetic and General Knowledge and are based on Standard VI Syllabus for Native Schools as revised January 1955. The local selection committee is required to satisfy itself that the student is not over age, has parents’ consent to leave the Territory, has a satisfactory knowledge of English, and is of good moral character and is satisfactory as regards manners and personal hygiene. Must pass a medical examination. Scholarships are for six years.
WC Groves, Examination for Admission to Intermediate Schools, 16 July 1957. The papers are set by Headquarters and the exam will be held on 20 September 1957.
D Owner, Assessment, Grading and Promotion of Children in Non-native Primary Schools, 17 July 1957. Suggests pupils should be compared with their previous performance rather than with other students.
South Pacific Post, Two Nations Gang Up, 17 July 1957, p 10. The Russian and Indian delegates to the Trusteeship Council this month attacked the Administration for restricting the free movement of native people from town to town and maintaining the 11 pm curfew. (Need a permit to enter a town.)
D Owner, Pupil Record Cards, 19 July 1957. Being despatched shortly. Tells what is on them and how to fill them out.
WC Groves, Suppliers of Goods and Services to Native Secondary Scholarship Holders, 23 July 1957. Procedures for the submission of claims.
GT Roscoe to WC Groves, Report on Tour of Bougainville, 23 July 1957. 6 pages. Covers his trip lasting from 30 June to 27 July 1957. He was impressed with the teachers and quality of education in the District.
JT Gunther, The Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Committee, 24 July 1957. Gives background information on the formation and functions of the Committee from 1956.
South Pacific Post, Disgraced Students Return, 24 July 1957, p 1. Four of the first group of native students sent to Australia for secondary school education were last week returned to Port Moresby from Charters Towers for drunkenness and misbehaviour. One spent the night in gaol. (Drinking is outlawed for natives in PNG.)
WC Groves, Refresher Courses for Native Teachers, 26 July 1957. Refresher Courses will be held in all Centres during the August vacation, where there is available European staff. At present the native teaching staff has a strength of 573. 260 of these teachers have not been through one of the organised courses leading to ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificates.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Madang, Staff Postings, 29 July 1957. Staff movement within the District.
South Pacific Post, Mr Hasluck Seeks Legal Action, 31 July 1957, p 1. Hasluck hopes legal action will b taken against those who led the pupils astray.
South Pacific Post, Administration Embarrassment, 31 July 1957, p 18. Editorial says, “The kindest and wisest move the Minister can make now is to direct the Administration to build secondary schools in the Territory for native students so that the disaster is not repeated.” Officers involved in the sending of these first students to Australia did so with a fair amount of trepidation. The Minister was informed of their uneasiness and, in at least two instances, was gently advised that the move was not altogether wise. The Minister in his wisdom over-ruled the advice of his man on the spot and in four years has found himself facing an embarrassment that the Administration would give its right arm to avoid.
South Pacific Post, Too Many Statements by Mr Hasluck, 31 July 1957, p 18. Article on lack of representation on the Legislative Council. Senator McKenna said, “The thing which really does shock residents is that the political structure of the Territory is dependent upon the whim of one man … that toy parliament in New Guinea.”
WC Groves, Posting of Native Teachers 1958, 1 August 1957. Attention is drawn to the effect that 1958 must be a year of consolidation and that very little expansion will be possible. Recommendations or requests for transfers or applications for additional staff should be forwarded to headquarters no later than 30 August 1957.
South Pacific Post, Higher Training for Natives, 4 August 1957, p 11. Hasluck said 169 natives have been appointed to the Auxiliary Division. Those suited would be given additional training at the Public Service Institute and go to higher levels of the Public Service. Some teachers are in the Auxiliary Service.
SJ Pearsall to His Honour, Missions Conference, 5 August 1957. Your Honour gave undertakings as follows at the Missions Conference: (1) That a Conference would be held as soon as practicable and convenient between women of both Missions and Administration working in the various fields of education in the Territory. (2) To issue a written statement of the place of the Missions in Education in the Territory now and in the future, and the relationship between Missions and Administration in this field.
GT Roscoe, Inspection of Mission Schools for Registration, 5 August 1957. Approximately 1,000 Inspection Orders have now been issued. It is now realized that a formal examination in English and Arithmetic for every class takes up a great deal of time. The original instructions are hereby modified and the Inspecting Officer should administer tests to some if the classes from which to judge the adequacy of teaching throughout the school. “In order to speed up the process of Inspection, the Department is prepared to permit the Inspecting Officer to streamline his procedure and abbreviate his testing.”
WC Groves, Examination for Admission to Intermediate and Technical Schools, 6 August 1957. Exams to be held on 7 October 1957. Describes the exam paper format and procedures.
GT Roscoe to PV Meere, 9 August 1957. Talks of teacher training courses and says the new Superintendent of Teacher Training, Mr Newby, due in the Territory 24 August 1957.
D Owner to N Jeffrey, 9 August 1957. Supplies background to the education system in the Territory and adds “Married women teachers are at all times temporary, and have no opportunity to become permanent, or to get promotion positions. No guarantee can be given to any married woman teacher that she will be given employment in the Territory.”
WC Groves, School Latrines, 9 August 1957. It is the responsibility of the Teacher-in-charge of an Administration school to see that sanitary arrangements are satisfactory. It is the responsibility of the District Education Officer to see that Teachers-in-charge of Administration schools comply with instructions.
WC Groves, Attached Territory Newsletter, 12 August 1957. Groves informs the members of the Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Committee and members of the Education Advisory Board that the newsletter was inaugurated by the Vocational Guidance Section of this Department as a means of keeping Native Secondary Scholarship students in touch with Territory developments. It now goes to the main Administration schools and training centres as well as to a number of departmental employees and mission teachers.
WC Groves, Teaching Aids and Materials for Native Schools, 12 August 1957. A set of activity material is being sent to each district for trial and demonstration purposes. It is expected that material similar to these specimens will be available in quantity at a later date. In the meantime, teachers could make some of the sets out of local material. In the process of production are pre-reading and pre-writing booklets, arithmetic drill charts, sound cards, speech training cards, number combination cards, Teacher’ handbook of Teaching Aids, and Handbook of Arithmetic Speed Drill Exercises.
WC Groves, Teachers’ Certificate Examinations 1957, 13 August 1957. To be held 18 November 1957 for Courses ‘A’ and ‘B’ and consist of 2½ hour papers on Teaching Method, and School Management and Organization.
WC Groves, Entrance Examination for Teacher Training in 1958, 13 August 1957. The entrance examination for Course ‘A’ will be based on Standard VI and Course ‘B’ on Standard IX. Nominations close 31 October and Missions are asked to forward nominations by 31 August 1957.
GT Roscoe to PJ O’Reilly, 15 August 1957. Provided three pages of information on the Teacher Certificate Examinations. “About twelve months ago I named as a target 10,000 native teachers within ten years. Already there is evidence that this target will be attainable within that time limit.”
GR Cook to Director of Education, Inspection of Mission Schools, 16 August 1957. The District Education Officer, Milne Bay District, says “the inspecting officer (is required) to examine each class formally in Language in Number. As I am not literate in either Dobuan or the local vernacular employed in these particular schools, I consider that it will be a waste of time and money to pay visits to these schools. They cannot hope to qualify for either Registration or Recognition… there are many more to be processed at the same level. Could not these schools apply for Certificates of Exemption in the first instance? … When I arrived here at Samarai I found inspection orders for one hundred and fifty-five schools. So far, I have managed to dispose of eighteen of that total but I now receive a total of sixteen additional schools for inspection. If inspection orders for schools at the vernacular level continue to come in, this job of inspection will never be done before I retire. Could the Missions be approached with a view to having them apply for Certificates of Exemption in respect of those schools which they know full well cannot qualify for either Registration or Recognition?”
WC Groves, Permits to Enter Australia for Secondary Education Asian and Mixed-Race Students, 16 August 1957. Some students were delayed as they did not have permits. These are issued by Canberra and take six weeks. Each application must have attached a chest X ray, Medical Report, Departmental Form D/5-4/A-4, and Enrolment Certificate from the school.
WC Groves to the District Education Officer New Ireland District, Notes of Interest to June 1957, 16 August 1957.
GT Roscoe, Teacher Training Course ‘S’, 19 August 1957. Five-page explanation of what is required to pass the course.
Area Education Officer Southern Highlands District to the Director of Education, New Schools for 1958 – Additional Staff Requirements, 20 August 1957. Three teachers are required for existing schools and two for the children of Administration servants who are unable to receive any education whatsoever, there being no Missions in this area.
CR Lambert to the Public Service Commissioner, Recruitment of Inspector (Non-Native) Schools, 20 August 1957. Formalities have now been completed for Mr Goodman’s appointment. He will be attending 16th September orientation course at the Australian School of Pacific Administration and will be departing for the Territory on 4th October.
Director of Education, School Latrines, 22 August 1957. Directions on how to build a pit latrine as supplied by the Department of Health.
GR Cook to Director of Education, Inspection of Mission Schools, 22 August 1957. “I have just opened another packet of inspection orders for Mission schools, 18 in all, giving me a grand total to date of 189 to be inspected. From this you can subtract the 18 which I have managed to inspect since I took up duty in March this year… The District Commissioner has assured me again today that there will be no sea transport for any Department for the next two months as there is no money available to keep the trawlers in commission… when that magical something called money is again forthcoming, I shall do my best to get them done.”
A/Director of Education, Suggested Press Release for the Assistant Administrator on Territory High Schools, 25 August 1957. At the commencement of 1959 it is anticipated that the first stage of the Port Moresby High School consisting of five class rooms, and part of the first stage of the Rabaul High School consisting of thirteen rooms, will be completed and ready for use.
WC Groves, Teacher Training - Policy and Plans, 25 August 1957. Seventeen-page report prepared when it was realized that Teacher Training Centres eventually would have to become full-scale Teachers’ Training Colleges along Australian lines. There are seven parts to the report: Current recruitment and training and future development. Enrolments at various levels in Administration schools in 1957. Present and proposed types of teacher training. Requirements for proposed expansion programme. Staffing and courses at the Colleges. Costs. Training teachers to enter the Auxiliary and Third Divisions of the Public Service.
WC Groves to NF Cocks, 27 August 1957. “Your reference to ‘the growing feeling of tension, as between the Mission and the Department’ produces in me a reaction of genuine surprise. I think it would not be out of place for me to ask if you would care to amplify this so that I might know more explicitly what the factors really are which may have given rise to such a feeling on your part – for I am able honestly to assure you that the feeling is not in any way reciprocal… I note in particular ‘The overall direction of the Society’s educational policy I towards eventual withdrawal from primary education’. I do seriously suggest that, in view of its intention … your Mission consider taking advantage of the exemption provision (in the Ordinance) in cases where the requirements laid down for recognition or registration of schools are proving to be such as to cause your Missionaries to devote their valuable time and personal attention to meeting these requirements to the point of interference with the pastoral side of their work.”
TA Taylor to Manager Mission Station School, Inspection of Village Schools, 1 September 1957. “It is now clear that I cannot hope to complete the inspection of all Mission village schools in the District before the end of the year. Close on 200 applications have been made for the registration or recognition of schools throughout the whole of Bougainville and Buka.” Taylor asks the Missions to provide a list of schools, their names, time to visit all the schools allowing for two hours of inspection and travelling time between each school, plus a map showing the location of the schools. He also asks whether it would be possible for the children to attend school in the afternoon as well as the morning to allow inspection. He outlined the minimum criteria to qualify for registration/recognition.
GG Carter to the Director of Education, Reports by District Education Officers on Mission Schools, 3 September 1957. Asks for copies of reports on Mission schools “to help is to improve our schools and guide us to the ways in which we can best meet the educational requirements of our people.” A note on the foot of the letter says “He has already been informed twice that this would be done in due course.”
South Pacific Post, Enrolments a Record for Native Students, 4 September 1957, p 8. 160,000 were enrolled at 30 June 1957 but mission enrolments had decreased by 2,000 students. There is a heartening advance in females at Administration schools. In Papua there are 1,439 females enrolled – up 45%; in NG 2,252 up 31%. (Lots more statistics worth analysing in light of Hasluck’s promises and projections.)
South Pacific Post, Scholarships Approved for Kindergarten, 4 September 1957, p 14. Hasluck approved four scholarships for Australia.
South Pacific Post, 200 Students at School’s Fancy Dress Ball, 11 September 1957, p 25. Ela Beach.
JH Irvine, Submission of Attendance Returns from Mission Schools – Form 8, 11 September 1957. The Administrator has approved that until the new Regulations are brought into force, Attendance Returns may be submitted quarterly instead of monthly.
TA Taylor to Manager Mission Station School, Work in Infant Classes, 14 September 1957. Deals with all aspects of education in the District including difficulty in obtaining housing for European teachers. 6 pages.
P Chatterton to the Executive Officer (Mission Relations) Department of Education, Inspectorial Procedure, 16 September 1957. “One of our missionaries in the Gulf Districts complains that the DEO, while inspecting the LMS school… gave instructions in relation to the promotion of pupils from class to class. Our missionaries will be glad to receive the suggestions of your inspecting officers, either embodied in their reports, or conveyed in letters or memoranda… and after giving them due consideration, will issue such instructions as may seem to be called for to teachers in charge of schools.”
TA Taylor to Director of Education, Progress in Inspection of Mission Schools and Teachers for ‘S’ Course, 17 September 1957. “I am leaving today per ‘MV Nivani’, the District government trawler, for the Buin Area where I will be spending the next three to four weeks inspecting mission schools. The District Commissioner has offered to provide D.N.A. officers to act as supervisors of teachers’ examination ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘S’.”
JB Madden to Director of Education, Report on the Administration/Mission Teaching Seminar held at Mendi from 2nd to 6th September 1957, 18 September 1957. Groves attended. So did five Mission groups, fourteen Europeans and thirty-four native teachers. 4-page report. Topics were: Talks and demonstrations on visual aids. The Daily Programme of Work and the Head Teacher’s Responsibility. Social Studies for the Lower School. The Situational Method. English as a Foreign Language. Vernacular Reading and Primer Construction. Arithmetic for Station and Village Schools. Cultivating Self-Activity by Pupils. The Classroom Teacher – His Approach. Health and Hygiene.
WC Groves, School Supplies, circa 20 September 1957. “During the financial year 1957-58 it will be necessary to exercise the strictest economy in the use of school supplies… blank spaces in exercise books should be discouraged and care should be taken to see that pencils are completely used.”
D Owner, Subsidy Examination 1957, 24 September 1957. To be held 4th and 5th November 1957. Examination papers are sealed and despatched from Headquarters.
South Pacific Post, Territory Under Dictatorship Journalist Says, 25 September 1957, p 16. Mr HW Herbert touring the Territory for the Financial Review said Mr Paul Hasluck and his Secretary Mr Lambert, had set up a tight dictatorship over the Territory. Three elected members in a Legislative Council of twenty-nine. The dictatorship was the most unanimous complaint in the Territory.
WC Groves, School Calendar for the Division of Non-Native Education for 1958, 26 September 1957.
Bishops of the Catholic Church in the Territory to Brigadier D. M. Cleland, 28 September 1957. The Bishops have become aware of the proposal not to pay GIA to teachers where equivalent facilities are already provided by the Administration. “We would appreciate it if Your Honour would give us a clear decision on this matter and assure us that the grants will be given to qualified and registered teachers irrespective of the schools in which they teach… We wish, however, to make it clear to Your Honour that to our deepest regret our loyalty to the Administration in the field of education could not be unreservedly given in the future if the Administration were to deal so lightly with a problem in which Justice is involved.”
WC Groves, Universal Children’s Day, 30 September 1957. The Department of Territories had directed the day be celebrated by schools on 23rd October 1957. Lists UN Agencies and their objectives.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Review of Secondary Education, 30 September 1957. Forwards the review, in reply to requests from the Department of Territories, made on 18 July, 22 August and 9 September 1957.
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Review of Secondary Education, 30 September 1957. Sends Groves report to Canberra. The report consists of 20 pages which cover: Current statistics, Costs, Nature of Financial Assistance Provided, Present Courses and Progress (European, Asian, Mixed-race), Asian School Rabaul, Future Provision of Secondary Schooling, Assistance for Special Cases, Prospects for 1958, Interpretation of Eligibility for Secondary Assistance, Secondary Education for Natives, Accommodation in Australia of Territory Students, Integration, and Recommendations, which are: Four schools for non-natives, each enrolling approximately 200 students. Open to enrolment to suitable students of any race. Courses to Junior Public Certificate level. Financial assistance ceases for children within normal daily travelling distance. Boarding school assistance at these schools, based on a Means Test. 1958 Secondary Subsidy to Australia to remain the same as 1957. An additional ₤200 be available to all students subject to a Means Test. Cost of living for man and wife for bursary assistance be raised from ₤636 to ₤725. Assistance be paid to students, above Junior Public Certificate level, to study in Australia. Australian courses to include vocational courses. A Territories’ hostel be established in an Australian city. Guidance Section to exercise control over Australian courses. Guidance be provided for all students. Staff be increased for the Guidance Section. As boarding accommodation becomes available, scholarships for secondary education at Territory High Schools should be awarded to those natives who appear capable of proceeding to matriculation. Natives not selected for European secondary schools, but capable of post-primary work, should undertake a two-year Territory-type secondary course. The two classes of schools to be regarded as an interim measure with the long-term project to merge the two to follow a Territory-type syllabus to meet the matriculation requirements of a Territory University College. Gunther suggested a conference, with representatives from the Department of Territories, the Commonwealth Office of Education, and the Director and Senior Guidance Officer of the Department of Education, examine the proposals.
Legislative Council Debates, Third Council, First Meeting of the First Session, 30 September to 11 October 1957. [1] Ian Downs asked cost of maintaining a 50-pupil primary school (350), the number of Papuan and New Guinean students attending secondary schools in Australia (4 and 26), the cost (340), the average age of completion (18 or 19 years at Junior, 20 or 21 at Matriculation), have any completed and what are they doing (one Papuan girl completed Victorian Leaving in 1955 and now doing Nursing training in Melbourne). Downs also asked the enrolment, cost of maintaining and building materials of specific schools throughout the Territory. He was also informed that the Director of Education had visited the Morobe, Madang and Milne Bay Districts for periods between 2 and 12 days, during the year ended 30 June 1957. [2] Fr Dwyer was informed that the only site chosen for a Secondary School was at Boroko in Port Moresby but the Administration will consider any application made by a Mission willing to conduct a secondary school to the satisfaction of the Director of Education.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Morobe, Cadet Education Officers – Programme During College Vacation, 1 October 1957. The daughter of the DEO wants to bring a female classmate with her to visit PNG during the long vacation and the son of the Headmaster of Dregerhafen wishes to visit his parents. Groves suggests a number of activities to keep them occupied whilst there – visit villages, become acquainted with other departments, go on patrols, visit schools, etc.
WC Groves, 1957 Subsidy Examination, 1 October 1957. To be held 4th and 5th November 1957.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck Caught in Rash of Questions, 2 October 1957, p 16. In answer to Mr. Webb (Labor WA), Hasluck said failure to teach English in higher grades deprived a school of registration or recognition and it would not then be subsidized. Of 40 mission organizations in the Territory 36 were engaged in education. One taught English only and 34 taught English above the second preparatory class. English was taught in 1,600 of the 3,988 mission schools.
LR Newby to Chief of Division, Native Education, Advanced Course for Teachers Sogeri, 4 October 1957. Has read the monthly reports provided by Newham and notes the lack of practice teaching, preparation of teaching aids and attempts to evaluate the course. He lists two pages of questions that could be answered by Newham, students about their course and teachers about the wives’ course.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Gulf District, Reports for July and August 1957, 4 October 1957.
Department of Education, Teacher Training Course ‘S’ – 1957, Study Guide No. 10, Culture and Curriculum, 8 October 1957. Discusses Hasluck’s statement on the blending of culture, the work of FE Williams, Professor Kandell and the Phelps Stokes Reports. 8 pages.
WC Groves to District Commissioner Manus District, Inspection of Mission Schools, 9 October 1957. “This Department is seriously concerned about the inspection of Mission schools in the Manus District. Scores of schools have been listed for inspection ever since the beginning of this year, and to date no inspections have been carried out. You will understand that it is quite illegal to pay grants-in-aid to Missions for schools that have not been inspected by a Departmental officer. It is quite unjust to refuse to pay grants-in-aid to Missions for certain schools because the Department has been unable to inspect them.” Groves is prepared to send Stan Paul to Manus for 12 months to carry out the inspections if the District Inspector can find suitable accommodation for him, his wife and two children. A tentative booking has been made on the ‘Malaita’ leaving Port Moresby on 21st October. The District Commissioner is asked to radiogram Moresby that accommodation is available.
South Pacific Post, Big Rise in Administration Recruiting, 9 October 1957, p 15. The Treasurer, HH Reeve said in his Budget speech that by 1957-58 over 300 Administration schools will be operating for 14,000 students.
South Pacific Post, Hundreds Attend Daru Education Week, 9 October 1957, p 21. Refresher courses for native teachers, sports, choral acts, etc for schools throughout the district.
WC Groves, Overseas Education, 10 October 1957. Recommends the above periodical produced by the British Colonial Office.
WC Groves, Native Secondary Scholarships, 11 October 1957. It has been decided to re-institute Local Selection Committees consisting of the District Commissioner and the District Education Officer or their nominees, one or more mission representatives and one private person of standing.
WC Groves to B Madden, 14 October 1957. Congratulates him on the recent teacher seminar and says he will send Madden’s report to other officers. Groves is off to Australia on 15th to interview applicants for Cadetships in the different State capitals.
WC Groves, Native Secondary Scholarship Students; Christmas Vacation Arrangements, 15 October 1957. Procedures for arranging transit accommodation and onward movement of students.
LR Newby to Chief of Division Native Education, Popondetta Education Centre – Grading of Teacher Trainees, 15 October 1957. There are 55 trainees. “I am of the opinion that almost half of the trainees will be unable to obtain a ‘B’ Certificate this year. Furthermore, a small number who may be expected to get a Certificate should, because of immaturity, repeat the year. I think that many of those who seem likely to miss out on the ‘B’ Certificate might qualify for an ‘A’ Certificate. There are a few students who seem unlikely to qualify even for an ‘A’ Certificate and who because of age or other handicaps seem unlikely to benefit from a repeat year… It was clear that the English spoken by many of the students was not good enough to allow them to make even a reasonable job of teaching in English.” Roscoe agreed with Newby that students in the ‘Lower’ group be allowed to try for the ‘A’ Certificate and that as many as 12 students be allowed to repeat the ‘B’ Course in 1958. Roscoe did not want students who failed the courses to offered employment as Teaching Assistants.
FC Barron to Director of Education, Inspection of Mission Schools, 15 October 1957. “A number of mission schools listed for inspection made, through various circumstances, fallen so far below the standard listed in the original application for recognition, that the missionaries state that they are not now worthy of an inspection, and would be sure to fail. One of these involves a two day walk each way over mountains with six hours’ walking through mud half-way up to the knees. It will be appreciated, if you will advise urgently, whether these schools must be inspected or whether there is some way that exemption may be claimed without an inspection.”
JH Irvine to District Education Officer Bougainville, Progress in Inspection of Mission Schools and of Teachers for ‘S’ Course, 15 October 1957. The amended Education Ordinance which became operative on 26/9/57 and which, by the application of ‘exemption’ will greatly reduce the number of schools to be inspected. A Mission Relations circular will be issued very shortly giving you all necessary information relating to the changed school inspection position.
JH Irvine to LMS Mission Education Officer, 15 October 1957. Advises Chatterton: “In view of the objections raided by you the Director agrees that our inspectors will be instructed to refrain from tendering any advice to LMS teachers in relation to the conduct of their schools.”
LR Newby to Chief of Division Native Education, District Education Officer – Northern District, 15 October 1957. Suggests that Mission and private transport be sought and paid for to enable inspections to be completed.
LR Newby to Chief of Division Native Education, Reorganisation of Duties at Popondetta Education Centre, 15 October 1957. The reorganisation was undertaken to free the DEO from supervision of the Centre to enable him to carry out his duties in other parts of his District. He had been acting as ‘Headmaster’ of the Centre.
- T. Roscoe, Examination for Teachers’ Certificates 1957 – Course ‘A’ and ‘B’, 16 October 1957. Provides information on the structure of the examination papers. Written tests on Teaching Method and School Management.
South Pacific Post, ₤10 Million a Year Plea to Save Education, 16 October 1957, p 1. Groves startled the Legislative Council last week with a plea to keep most native secondary students in the Territory and for ₤10 million a year, apart from the normal budget to meet the Territory’s education requirements. Hasluck told the House of Representatives that he believed Mr. Groves had not been reported accurately. Groves said, “I can provide plans for the use of that money (₤10 million) tomorrow, and they won’t be elaborate or extravagant. Most will be spent on 28 buildings. We need buildings, buildings and more buildings.” (The Legislative Council is on Groves’ side.) Groves said a review by guidance officers indicated a ‘fair number’ of native secondary students would be brought back to the Territory. Courses were unrelated to the Territory, e.g., Latin, French and Greek. Note to cease the scheme altogether. The Department recommended that no married teachers be appointed as there are no houses. In spite of the minister’s pronouncement three years ago that there would be an extension of primary education and literacy in English, pathetically little has in fact been accomplished.
South Pacific Post, Minister Promises Territory University - Ultimately, 16 October 1957, p 7. Hasluck in the House of Representatives said the Territory would probably have schools to intermediate and then send the students to Australia; then schools to leaving and then to Australia to university; then in the distant future from elementary to university in the Territory. But “at present the major need for education in the Territory is for universal primary education and we are still so far from achieving that goal that we cannot forecast a large-scale development of secondary education.”
South Pacific Post, Equal Pay for Native Teachers, 16 October 1957, p 10. Fully trained native teachers would receive the same basic salary as similarly qualified European teachers, the Minister for Territories, Hasluck, told the House of Representatives.
Department of Education, Application for Teacher Training, 17 October 1957. A copy of the application form.
GT Roscoe to TA Taylor, Inspection of Village Schools, 18 October 1957. Roscoe advises Taylor “if there is no registered teacher at the school it must be exempt” and “the District Education Officer does not recommend registration or recognition. He reports the facts as he finds them, the Chief of the Division recommends registration, recognition or exemption… and the Director makes the final decision.”
D Owner to A McCarthy, 18 October 1957. McCarthy is seeking information on employment for his daughter. Owner gives frank assessment of conditions in the Territory but advises as applications for Cadetship closed 8th September 1957 his daughter should enrol in an Australian Teachers’ College with a view to transferring to a Cadetship next year.
GT Roscoe, Teacher Training, 21 October 1957. The Department proposes to train approximately 90 males and 30 females in 1958. The females will be trained at Sogeri, equivalent to ‘A’ Certificate, must have Standard VI, and special attention will be given to domestic subjects. The males can train for ‘B’ Certificates with Standard 9 entry or ‘C’ Certificate if two years of secondary education have been completed.
T. Roscoe, Nomination – ‘S’ Course Examination 1957, 21 October 1957. Exams will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on 18, 19 and 20 November 1957. The papers are Theory of Education; General Method, Organisation and School Management; and General Method of Teaching the Syllabus for Native Schools.
GT Roscoe, Arrangements for Mission Teachers’ Examinations 1957 – Course ‘S’, 21 October 1957. Procedures to be followed by examination supervisors.
TA Taylor to the Director of Education, Nomenclature for Mission Schools and Teachers, 22 October 1957. Taylor seeks clarification on minimum requirements for a school to be classified registered or recognised and teachers to be classified as registered, recognised or permits to teach.
GT Roscoe, Promotion of Native Teachers, 22 October 1957. District Officers are asked to advise Headquarters of any native teachers they consider worthy of nomination to the Auxiliary Division of the Public Service or further promotion within the category of Administration Servant.
South Pacific Post, Natives Re-Build Asaro School, 23 October 1957. Expect to complete the buildings destroyed by fire in two weeks.
South Pacific Post, School Exams Next Month, 23 October 1957, p 19. Education subsidy examinations 4th and 5th November.
GT Roscoe, Staff Reports, 24 October 1957. Officers should be inspected once a year. In 1956 it was hoped that an officer from Headquarters would be present when inspections took place. This was not possible. Mr K Goodman will be visiting Districts and District staff should take advantage of his presence to complete staff reports upon their subordinates.
JH Irvine to the District Education Officer Sohano, Policy Regarding Mission Schools, 25 October 1957. Missions must make application in respect of every school for Registration, Recognition or Exemption according to their evaluation on the school. Applications for Registration and Recognition will be referred to you by this Headquarters for inspection. Applications for Exemption will be provisionally approved and… the names referred to you for comment at your convenience. A registered (certificated) teacher must be employed on the staff of any school to which assistance is given.
Department of Education, Staff Postings as at 31st October 1957, 30 October 1957. European staff.
South Pacific Post, Rigo School Closed Down, 30 October 1957, p 4. [1] No rations and no teachers’ pay. [2] The Federal Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Arthur Fadden, said at a news conference in Port Moresby last Saturday that Territory education could be expected to move on the same ‘progressive’ place as it had moved in the past.
South Pacific Post, Money Talk Angers Sir Arthur, 30 October 1957, p 5. The Federal Treasurer, Sir Arthur Fadden, last Saturday angrily threatened to close a news conference following press questions about more money for the education of natives in the Territory. He said that they could not get more money for the simple reason that the Commonwealth did not have the money.
South Pacific Post, A ‘Progressive’ Plan, 30 October 1957, p 16. The editorial takes task with Sir Arthur. Suggests the Director of Education should be turned loose on him. “The Director of Education who is an erstwhile should be encouraged to take his backward pupil, the Treasurer, by the ear and explain in simple terms the exact reasons why ₤10 million should be taken from the Colombo Plan and used to educate our own people. The Director while he is at it, could also take a thin cane to the Treasurer for that complacent, ill-advised, and untruthful use of the word progressive.”
Minutes of Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Committee, 31 October 1957. Roscoe gives details of ‘B’ and ‘C’ Courses of Teacher Training and argues that if a person can complete the requirements to enter the Auxiliary Division in a shorter time period, then he should be allowed to do so.
LA Meere, Culture and Curriculum in Papua and New Guinea, ‘South Pacific’ Vol 9 No 9, November December 1957, pp 509 -513.
WC Groves, Administration Vocational Guidance Services, 4 November 1957. The Administration has this year established two instrumentalities to cater for vocational guidance and training needs: The Guidance Section of the Department of Education, and the Vocational Training Advisory Committee directed from the Department of the Administrator. The present Guidance Section comprises two permanent officers and its main concern is with students at secondary school in Australia.
WC Groves to District Commissioner Western Islands, Education: Western Islands, 5 November 1957. There are altogether between 300,000 and 500,000 children of school age of whom less than 14,000 are in attendance at Administration schools. The number in attendance at Mission schools that would be accepted by the Department as fit for registration or recognition, is certainly not much in excess of 15,000. It is therefore, quite accurate to say that only 10% of the native children of this Territory of school age are under effective instruction. The number of native teachers who will complete training in the one Administration centre this year will be not less than 30 and not more than 40, and when these are distributed among 15 Administrative districts, they barely replace wastage without hope of extension of new schools. We cannot train more teachers until we get more Intermediate boarding schools… we cannot establish Intermediate schools until the Works Department erects more buildings.
South Pacific Post, Schools Blamed for Destruction of Native Culture, 6 November 1957, p 8. Senator Nancy Butterfield told the Senate after July visit to the Territory that pupils in mission schools sing hymns and English folk songs and none of their own.
South Pacific Post, Grave School Shortage for Port Moresby, 6 November 1957, p 10. The Administration has post-secondary schools for native girls at Hanuabada and a school at Kila. There is also a large LMS school at Hanuabada. A 500-pupil school would be fine but no money and no teachers to run it.
South Pacific Post, Education Inadequate Mr. Roscoe Claims, 6 November 1957, p 14. Only 30,000 native school pupils were receiving anything like an adequate education, while the Territory’s potential is 300,000.
A Quinton, Report for October, 7 November 1957. Report from Popondetta Teacher Training Centre.
TA Taylor to Director of Education, Administration Schooling in Bougainville, 8 November 1957. Little contact with the District Commissioner, who is reluctant to talk business and does not hold staff meetings.
London Missionary Society, Papua District Committee, Statement of Educational Policy, Extract from the Minutes of the Meeting held Port Moresby 11 to 22 November 1957. “This statement is made for the information of the Administration and Directors of the LMS. We look forward to withdrawing progressively from Primary Education as the Administration is able to take over the responsibilities which we have hereto forborne. When this process has been completed our activities in this field will be confined to religious instruction in Administration Schools, and the organisation of Vernacular Reading Circles as a spare time activity of pupils in Administration Schools. We are governed by two principles: [1] The education we give must be firmly based on literacy in the vernacular and cannot be allowed to give way to any matter of expediency such as the alleged necessity for pupils to reach a certain standard in English at a certain age; and [2] We have a moral obligation to provide elementary education for all and 31 we cannot therefore agree to a limitation on intake which, in order to maintain a prescribed teacher-pupil ratio, would exclude some from receiving any education at all. We regret very much that these considerations involve the classification of most of our schools as ‘exempt’, i.e., unaided. We express our thanks to the Administration and assure the Director of Education that his officers will be welcome visitors to our schools.
GT Roscoe to the District Education Officer Bougainville District, Nomenclature for Mission Schools and Teachers, 11 November 1957. “Please allow me to crave the sympathy of the Inspecting Officer for the Headquarters officers who have the task of interpreting the general provisions of the Education Regulations and applying them to particular cases. There are many questions, the answer to which can be worked out only in practice. When precedents have been established to guide us, the rest will be comparatively easy. I have generally been reluctant to recommend for recognition a school where the teacher in charge was uncertificated. In a few cases the rating on efficiency of a school in charge of an uncertificated teacher was ‘C’ (satisfactory) and in these cases I have recommended recognition because the granting of a ‘C’ rating by an inspecting officer clearly implied that the teacher in charge was competent, though uncertified. By far the majority of schools in charge of uncertificated teachers are rated ‘D’ or ‘E’ and it has been my practice to recommend all of these for exemption.”
WC Groves, Entrance Examination for Teacher Training 1958, 12 November 1957. Examination papers for entrance to ‘A’ and ‘B’ Certificates have been forwarded. The Arithmetic papers are 2 hours and the English paper is 1½ hours.
LR Newby, Equipment Required for Iduabada Teacher Training Centre 1958, 12 November 1957. It is anticipated that up to 45 teacher trainees will be ready to move into the new Centre on about 21st January 1958. Equipment is being sourced.
WC Groves to Department of Administration Public Relations Officer, Native Education – Administration Schools: Estimated Enrolments and Schools for Three Years to January 1960, 18 November 1957. Gives current and predicted statistics for staff, students and number of institutions, for each type and level of Government school. Primary enrolments are predicted to rise by 7,543 pupils or 61.6%. Higher level increases are more modest. It is envisaged that there will be four educational regions each with a co-educational Teachers’ College for 200 students, a Secondary Boarding School working on a local syllabus for 200 students, and an Australian type Secondary School.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, LMS School at Poreperena (Hanuabada) Village, 18 November 1957. The efficiency of this school is far from satisfactory. The Mission authorities were informed it would have to be ‘exempted’ and no grant-in-aid would be payable. The Mission replied that with its available resources it could do no more. There are two qualified, registered European teachers but they have over 500 pupils and their only assistance is a few untrained native teachers. The Mission approached the Department, for the sake of the Hanuabada people, to take over the whole school. Groves recommended that this be done and that the Government pays the teachers’ salaries and rents the Mission buildings until Government buildings are erected.
WC Groves to the Assistant Administrator, Social Development Branch, 20 November 1957. I am strongly against the proposal for School Broadcasts to be regularly associated with whatever provision is to be made for broadcasts for Native people as the responsibility of the Social Development Branch of the Department of Native Affairs, and I submit in emphatic terms that such broadcasts should be the direct and exclusive responsibility of the Department of Education which will naturally work in close co-operation with the Schools Broadcasts section of the Australian Broadcasting Commission.
South Pacific Post, Port Moresby Parents Nuisance Mr. Owner Says, 20 November 1957, p 1. Some Port Moresby parents had lied about their children’s ages. About 40 children at Ela Beach had started school before the authorised age of 4 years 9 months. Others want their children bundled through the grades.
South Pacific Post, DC Opposed to Shifting Native School, 20 November 1957, p 5. Opposed to shifting the native school to allow expansion of the European school, in Madang.
South Pacific Post, Catholic School Opened at Hanuabada, 20 November 1957, p 18. 140 up to age 15 are enrolled.
South Pacific Post, Education Plans for Big School Increases, 20 November 1957, p 5. Groves gives plans for the next five years: 83 new schools for an increase of 7,543 in enrolments; up 65% on current 13,428. Recruit 430 more native and European teachers by 1960, giving 288 native schools and 1003 native and European teachers. Set up four regions each with co-educational teachers’ colleges for 200. A secondary boarding school and another secondary boarding school working to the Australian syllabus. The first will be established in Rabaul in 1960. 394 native pupils in secondary schools by January 1960. Establish six manual art training annexes. Secondary schools are already in existence at Sogeri (for Papua) and Kerevat (for New Guinea Islands). Dregerhafen will have one by 1958 and one in the highlands by 1960.
WC Groves, The Teaching of English in Relation to Media of Instruction, 22 November 1957. The policy statement on Education issued by the Minister for Territories specifies that the teaching of English in schools is to be promoted in the quickest and most efficient way. It is suggested that the practical working out of this policy may be pursued as follows: Oral English to begin at about 5½ to 6 years of age, and to be taught for about two years. All subjects except English to be taught in the vernacular from the outset. At the end of the oral English period the formal teaching of English reading and writing begin. During the third and fourth years, the use of the vernacular as a medium of instruction will diminish so that by the beginning of the fifth year it will be possible to use English as the main medium of instruction. The teaching of the vernacular might continue from the fifth year as a class subject.
BA McLachlan to Rev. Brother G. McCann, 28 November 1957. “We have at present Girls Schools in Rabaul, Dregerhafen, Kerema and Hanuabada. It is to these schools that girls go after completion of the Village Higher School course. The emphasis is on training in domestic subjects but it is from these schools that girls have gone to Australia, or to take up careers in nursing or teaching. At present, we are accepting girls for training as teachers if they have completed Standard VI. In 1958, we hope to train 30-40 girls as Infants’ Teachers. I think our aim with the girls must always be to see, first of all, that we are preparing them for life in the home as wife and mother, so that they can be companions to their husbands and informed mothers understanding something of the health, educational and other needs of their children. Also, however, we must see that we deny no girl the opportunity to go as far as she can in her formal education, showing her the possibilities that lie ahead for her in such careers especially teaching and nursing.”
JT Gunther, District Commissioners Returning from Leave, 3 December 1957. They are reminded to call into Headquarters on their way to and from leave and to keep in contact with all Heads of Departments so that they may understand policy and the desires of Departmental Heads.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Ninth Meeting, 3 and 4 December 1957. [1] Special Infant Method Training Course: The Board recommends the establishment of an alternative Course ‘A’ specially selected to the training of women to fit them for teaching in the lower grades of primary schools. The course to be one year and minimum entrance requirement to be completion of Standard VI with the proviso that, sufficiently promising and otherwise suitable candidates, may be accepted at a lower level, though in all cases an adequate knowledge of English will be essential. The Certificate examination will pay special regard to practical teaching ability. The cooperation of Mission training authorities will be sought in connection with the preparation of a suitable syllabus. It is hoped that the course will be inaugurated in 1958. [2] Financial Assistance for Building Mission Schools: The Board urgently recommends that immediate action be taken to remedy the shortage of school buildings and to fulfil Administration needs; that the Administration gives consideration to the provision of school buildings to be used by the Missions.
D Owner, School Materials for Schools within the Non-Native Division, 4 December 1957. In order to rectify shortages, you are requested to notify this Department what items are surplus and deficient within your school store.
South Pacific Post, Department of Education’s Assurance to Parents, 4 December 1957, p 14. Owner reassures Pt Moresby P&C parents that the Department’s plan to divide pupils into A and B groups is not to pupil detriment. Considering lowering the age of entry from 4 years 9 months to allow a crop of young pre-schoolers to enter early.
South Pacific Post, Overflow Audience at School Concert, 4 December 1957, p 26. Rabaul primary school.
WC Groves, Playground Duty, 5 December 1957. The teacher should be present in the school and give children proper supervision. In general, the hour and a half lunch break is organised to escape the heat of the day, and to allow children to get home for lunch and a wash and rest in the middle of the day. If all the children can avail themselves of this arrangement, then the teacher may do likewise, providing she clears the playground before leaving, and returns to the school in time to meet the first arrivals back from lunch. In other cases, the lunch hour should not exceed one hour.
DM Cleland, Supervision of Junior Staff, 5 December 1957. “I have recently examined the circumstances surrounding the retirement because of ill health of a field officer of the Public Service. Two things were very evident. Firstly, this officer, while working on outstations, had not been visited often enough… as a result he was not given the guidance and support he needed. Secondly reports were done in a desultory manner without appreciation of their purpose or follow up. An assurance has been given to the Minister of Territories that closer attention will be given to this aspect of staff control and supervision and it will be the responsibility of Heads of Departments and District Commissioners to see that this is done.”
DM Cleland to the Most Reverend Chairman, Catholic Missions Port Moresby, 6 December 1957. “It has always been the clear intention from the outset, that the Grants-in-Aid Scheme was basically to assist the Missions in the work which they are doing in the educational field for the indigenous population… and as early as 3rd February, 1951, His Lordship Bishop Sorin was informed that no Grant-in-Aid or Subsidy could be paid to the Convent School for European children at Port Moresby. The current decision is one which simply maintains the status quo. I very much regret that you felt that if the decision was not in your favour, the loyalty of the Missions to the Administration could not be unreservedly given in the future. The Administration’s attitude to the missions has been and will be one of continued friendship and cooperation in the great task which confronts us both.” D
Owner to Director of Education, Inspection of Schools and Reports on Officers Inspected, 9 December 1957. 3 pages. “The Director has made the proposal that two reports be submitted on each officer. One ‘as full as you can make it’ goes on the officer’s personal file without reference to the officer, and the other which shall be a brief summary… shall be sent out to the officer concerned. When the matter comes before appeal, the file can be sighted by the officer concerned, or his council, and nothing so damns morale as for an officer to find examples of reporting of his work which are unfair either in a real or an imaginary way to him, which have rested on his file, and influenced his seniors for years. I oppose the provision of any report which I not immediately sighted by the teacher inspected.”
N Thomson to Director of Education, Australian Institute of Political Science, 24th Summer School, 9 December 1957. The subject is ‘Australia and New Guinea’ and it is to be held Canberra 25th to 27th January 1958.
TA Taylor to District Commissioner Bougainville, Educational Policy for Bougainville, 11 December 1957. There us very little in the way of Administration schooling within the District for which policy need be determined. This is because of the acute shortage of European and Native teaching staff to admit further expansion of schools. And even supposing a big increase was suddenly made in the number of staff, we would find ourselves faced with an acute shortage of accommodation in both housing and school buildings.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Northern District, 11 December 1957. Would you please bring to the notice of teacher trainees who are completing their course this week, the following message: “On the whole your results in practical and theoretical work have not been good… you have been faced with special difficulties during the year. In the first place there were fifty-seven of you and only one training mistress. Another difficulty has been the fact that many of you have not even completed Standard 6. Finally, many of you are still very young, too young in fact to go out and teach. I have decided that a certain number of you will remain in a Teacher Training Centre for a further training course in 1958.”
South Pacific Post, New School at Lae, 11 December 1957, p 5. Roman Catholic school for all races and up to Standard 6 will open in January 1958.
WC Groves, Native Secondary Scholarships, 12 December 1957. The new rules are: Candidates must not exceed the age of 14½ years on the 31st December of the year of candidature; the qualifying examination will be set at the second term, Standard 7 level of the current Syllabus for Native Schools; the qualifying examination will in future be held in August.
WC Groves, Exempt Schools, 16 December 1957. Mission schools which are classified as ‘exempt’ are regarded by the Department of Education as ineffectual – virtually non-existent – as schools… Departmental schools established in such areas would take children from Preparatory standard up.
WC Groves, Primary School Enrolment Age, 18 December 1957. A child will now be eligible for enrolment into preparatory grade at any time on the year providing its age on the first school day of the second school term of the four-term year is five years of age or older.
WC Groves to K McKinnon, 18 December 1957. “Remembering the days when you worked so effectively here with us at Headquarters and then recalling your period at Lae… and keeping in touch with things as they are happening under your leadership at Daru, I do want to say that I feel that we have a particularly good man in Ken McKinnon as far as the Department is concerned and one in whom we can all have the fullest confidence.”
WC Groves, Employment Opportunities for Native Students, 19 December 1957. The would-be employer is not under an obligation to accept all or any of those presented for interview, and the Department is not responsible for the expenses incurred in bringing the students to and from an interviewing centre.
WC Groves to Headquarters Officers, 23 December 1957. Groves established a special committee to examine the duty statements of District Education Officers and field staff to clarify their respective functions and authorities with a view to recommending changes.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Bougainville, Departmental Policy in Bougainville, 23 December 1957. “There is really nothing that I need to tell you about Departmental policy in Bougainville, for you are just as well informed on the subject as I am. I am strongly opposed to the establishment of an Administration School in an isolated place where the native teachers cannot be regularly visited and properly supervised. It is not the intention of this Department to establish any considerable number of Administration schools in Bougainville in the near future. It is the Director’s intention to visit Bougainville early in January and during his visit he will have an opportunity to clearing up and misapprehension the District Commissioner may have on the subject of Departmental policy in Bougainville.”
KL Goodman to Director of Education, Inspection of Non-Native Schools, 23 December 1957. Report on the Aiyura Primary School in the Eastern Highlands.
South Pacific Post, One Tap for 210 Children, 24 December 1957, p 11. Boroko primary school.
WC Groves, Secondary Scholarship Students – Return to School Arrangements, 30 December 1957. Students are to be assembled in Port Moresby no later than 20th January and should have air travel tickets covering the full journey and Commonwealth Department of Immigration Re-entry Permits. Probably of more interest is the list of students that is attached, many of whom went on to become prominent figures in PNG – Phillip Bou, Konda Aisoli, Henry To Robert, John Kaputin, Rose Kekedo, Francis Kondolo, Ruga Luga, Joseph Mande, John Momis, Taina Dai, Josephine Abijah, Gabriel Gris, August Tamdodo, John Natera.
WC Groves to A Quinton, 31 December 1957. Informs her that she is to take charge of teacher training for the Alternative ‘A’ course at Popondetta in 1958.
WC Groves to WL Turvey, 31 December 1957. Informs her that she is to assist Miss Quinton in teacher training at Popondetta in 1958.
LR Newby to Miss Quinton, Preparations for Teacher Training Popondetta 1958, 31 December 1957. Asks her to prepare lists of furniture, kitchen materials, books, blankets, towels, classroom requisites sports equipment, etc needed for the Alternate ‘A’ Course.
KL Goodman to Director of Education, Inspection of Non-Native Schools, 31 December 1957. Report on the Wabag Primary School in the Western Highlands.
South Pacific Post, Hopes for 1958, 31 December 1957, p 1. Pt Moresby Town Advisory Council representative Willie Gavera wants more women educated and more women teachers.
JT Newnham, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Course for ‘Veteran’ Teachers held at Sogeri in 1957. “I do not think a year is necessary for such a course. Six months would be better. Those in this course would not benefit from working above St. 6 as most of them would be unable to cop confidently with the work.” Lists the names of those who attended the course and their assessment. Two papers prepared by Kwamala Kalo and titled ‘The Future Development of Papua and New Guinea, were appended to the report. Kwamala was given the highest rating at the course
Notes
[1] Nelson, Hank. ‘Gunther, Sir John Thomson (1910–1984).’ Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 17, 2007
[2] South Pacific Post, Prime Minister Speaks at Ela Beach, 1 May 1957, p 14.
[3] South Pacific Post, Politicians to Tour Territory, 12 June 1957, p 2.
[4] South Pacific Post, Schools Blamed for Destruction of Native Culture, 6 November 1957, p 8.
[5] South Pacific Post, Rigo School Closed Down, 30 October 1957, p 4.
[6] WC Groves to WJ Neve, 20 June 1957.
[7] Legislative Council Debates, Third Council, First Meeting of the First Session, 30 September to 11 October 1957.
[8] JB Madden to Director of Education, Report on the Administration/Mission Teaching Seminar held at Mendi from 2nd to 6th September 1957, 18 September 1957.
[9] WC Groves to B Madden, 14 October 1957.
[10] GT Roscoe to WC Groves, Report on Tour of Bougainville, 23 July 1957.
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DOCUMENTS FROM 1958
Introduction
The departmental budget was just over a million pounds a year (about K70 billion in today's money).
Groves was retired mid-August and Roscoe appointed Director in early September. Hasluck said the Department of Education was not achieving anything due to the administrative incapacity of Groves and his attitude to mission schools. The position had been advertised widely in the hope of obtaining an outstanding man but the response was more numerous than exciting.
Hasluck decided to appoint Roscoe, partly on the ground that none of the others was “so far superior as to warrant the passing over of a man already in the service,” but largely because Roscoe only had two years to run before retirement and this would give Hasluck another chance to find an outstanding man. In addition, “What I had seen personally of Roscoe also impressed me. He was a school-teacher and was aware that the work of an Education Department had something to do with getting more and better schools and teachers.”
Primary education, ‘the foundation on which all further progress rests’, was still the priority. Only one in eight children of school age were receiving primary education and an estimated 200,000 children in controlled areas had no contact whatever with any form of education. Plans were made to achieve universal primary education within fifteen years and it was proposed that substantial progress could be made within five years. The chief limiting factor was the availability of trained European and native teachers.
To date, no overseas recruiting had been attempted but in October applications were invited from officers of the New South Wales Department of Education interested in being seconded to PNG for an initial period of two years with a possible extension to four years.
The United Nations Trusteeship Council noted the great disproportion between the members of primary and secondary students and expressed the hope that the Administering Authority would provide the facilities and teaching staff which secondary expansion will require.
It was intended to provide secondary education at Port Moresby, Rabaul and Lae in 1959. In the meantime, native students were able to sit for a scholarship examination to go to Australian Secondary Schools. Last year 216 sat for the examination. 92 passed and 20 were selected. This made a total of 75 natives in Australia in 1958. In comparison, 560 European, 188 Asian, and 62 mixed race students were given subsidies to attend Australian Secondary schools; a total of 800. It was estimated that ₤200,000 would be saved if these students were educated in PNG.
Personnel
WC Groves’ Travel
March: In Rabaul 17 to 20 March for 10th Meeting of the Education Advisory Board. Also visited Manus.[1]
May: Left Moresby on 9 May for meeting of the Research Council of the South Pacific Commission in in Suva from 17 to 28 May.[2] This will be his last meeting as he is due to retire. He is Australia’s representative.
June/July: I will be going over to Rabaul for special visiting for a few days at the end of this week (Friday was 13 June), and a few days after my return, I leave for Brisbane to go into hospital to have a skin graft operation performed on my forehead, followed by a very short run down to Melbourne in connection with the arrangements for immediately after my retirement, which takes place only a few weeks after I will have returned from the said trip.”[3]
August: Groves was farewelled at Sogeri on 14 August[4] and Roscoe was Acting Director by 17th.
GT Roscoe’s travel from August
September: In Lae on 30th.[5]
October: Early in the month[6] he was visiting schools in Goroka, Chimbu and Sepik. In Canberra on the 13th or 14th October.[7] Attended the Senior Officers’ Course at ASOPA from 27 October to 21 Nov.[8]
November: 26- 28 At Madang for EAB meeting.[9]
The ASOPA story 1958
Bathurst Training is Abandoned. Balmain Teachers’ College begins providing teacher education services for Cadet Education Officers training at ASOPA. The NSW Education Department agrees to award of the NSW Teacher’s Certificate to ASOPA graduates with three years successful inspection reports. Male ASOPA students are permitted to wear shorts with long socks.
Correspondence & Papers
DA Powys, Teacher’s Book of Social Studies for Standards III to VI, Jacaranda Press, Brisbane, 1958.
GT Roscoe, Social Studies for Standard VII, Jacaranda Press, Brisbane, 1958.
P Hasluck, Present Tasks and Policies in New Guinea and Australia, Australian Institute of Political Science, Angus and Robertson, 1958, pp 96- 101. “In my view, one of the basic tasks of the classroom in the present day is to give the natives a means of communication one with another and with us. We teach them to read and write… the first job that we have to do, and the job that we have not yet succeeded in doing to my satisfaction, is to bring a sound elementary education in English to every child in the controlled areas. This is the prime skill necessary for further learning and for the basic purposes of administration... I still have some misgivings about education. First of all, I am not sure that we have fully mastered all the implications of what had been called the clash of cultures or that we can see all the probable consequences that follow from that clash. Secondly, I have some misgivings due to the unevenness both in aims and teaching efficiency of some of those engaged in school work in the Missions in the Territory.”
D McCarthy, Extracts of Statements on Education in Papua and New Guinea, 1958. “The immediate tasks of the Department have been defined as the creation of primary schools to teach all children in controlled areas to read and write in English; the promotion of native teacher-training; the development of manual and technical training in conjunction with primary schools and in special schools; to ensure the cooperation of the Christian missions particularly in the promotion of the English language.”
CR Lambert, Extracts of Statements on Education in Papua and New Guinea, 1958. “My purpose is to direct your thoughts to objectives and problems in reaching them and to suggest some lines of enquiry… Our objectives include the political, social and educational advancement of the native people; a blending of cultures; and the voluntary acceptance of Christianity. The acceptance of these objectives leads us to the adoption of the following administrative purposes: to achieve universal literacy in English; to show the people the way to higher material standards, a civilized mode of life, self-government and development of their own personalities; to blend native and European cultures so that the people will have a common bind as a people and a feeling of price in their Papuan identity; to strengthen the bonds between Papua, New Guinea and Australia… The implications of the educational policy are: education is at present an instrument of change; our objectives and methods cannot be solely economic and material; individuals are involved as well as societies, Europeans must get to know the native people and be ready to assist them as individuals; educational objectives are interdependent… The major problems are what to teach, the type of school system required, how to expand this system rapidly, and what services other than schools are required.
Policy Workshop – Rabaul, The Practicability of Introducing Universal Primary Education in the New Britain, Western highlands, and Northern Districts, 1958. File ED 47 A/1-52 Pt 1 Folios 129-131. The 5-page report was confined to commenting on the Northern District “due to the absence of responsible officers from the other two districts... To implement the plan for Universal Primary Education in the Northern District immediately, the demand for teachers would approach 400. Of course, that would be a combination of Administration and Mission teachers. At the present time there are 38 registered indigenous Mission teachers, 7 non-indigenous, 27 indigenous with a permit to teach, and 24 registered Administration teachers. It is suggested that the present ‘A’ Registration Course be retained so that the number of available teachers in the immediate future will be increased. It is recommended that the course of training be increased from one year to two years to better equip the teachers to help implement the plan… It is considered that if health services are adequate, the one to ten age-group will double in the next ten years; many of these will be of school age. The demands for building and equipment would be proportionate…The workshop considered that Universal Primary Education could be introduced more quickly by the use of boarding schools but this may have an undesirable effect of divorcing the child from local village traditions and customs. It also considered that boarding schools would require more resources than are likely to be available at the present. Where boarding schools are established, it was recommended that protein and vitamin supplements should be added to the students’ diets and that Grant-in-aid be paid to the Missions for each boarder at a minimum of ₤10 per pupil per year.” Other recommendations were: compulsory attendance to be invoked in densely populated areas; the Administration to assist any school reaching the stage of Recognition with supply of materials for permanent buildings; the immediate establishment of a Teachers’ Training College to cater for a minimum of 100 teacher trainees; adequate transport, land and sea, to be made available to officers responsible for the implementation of the Plan for Universal Primary Education; efforts to be made to gather detailed information of pre-school, school age and enrolled children to give a more accurate picture of the required number of teachers and facilities; equal development of all sections of education including low level technical training; a central committee to be established in Port Moresby with a full time research officer to direct a programme of publicity to implement the Plan for Universal Primary Education.
Policy Workshop – Rabaul, The Practicability of Introducing Universal Primary Education in the New Britain, Western highlands, and Northern Districts, 1958. File ED 47 A/1-52 Pt 1 Folios 125-128. The Workshop appears to have restricted its deliberations, in the main, to New Britain. It regretted the absence of a Mission representative, balanced sub-district representation, and information dealing with the subject under discussion. It assumed that the introduction of Universal Primary Education was desirable; adequate finance, buildings and transport would be available; the Missions would co-operate. The Workshop followed the order of problems as posed in the questionnaire: a) The problems are not identical in the three Districts and must be discussed separately. b) The term ‘Universal Primary Education’ and its implications are not generally understood. c) Compulsory education would be acceptable in this District. d) Boarding schools should be established but it is undesirable that children under the age of nine years should attend this type of school. e) Assistance from the native people could be provided in the form of food, buildings, transport, supervisors, instructors, land gifts and water rights, and finance. f) Missions can assist by accelerating the teacher training programme; combining minor Missions in the establishment of teacher training centres; improving their many sub-standard schools; offering additional incentives to their teachers. This to be made possible by an increase in the Government subsidy; fuller co-operation with the Administration and a greater effort to keep the Missions fully advised on all matters dealing with education; the collection of school fee on a congregation basis. g) The immediate demands on the Administration are: an increase of at least 100% in the teaching strength for the whole district; buildings for mission teacher training centres; ₤7/10/- per head per annum for equipment; payment of Truant Officers; improved teacher pay and conditions. h) An intermediate stage is possible if based on locality and age. It was strongly urged that there be no discrimination between the sexes. i) The only way to increase teaching strength was through propaganda and the provision of additional facilities to enable them to be trained. j) It was agreed that the native people expect from education the following: material gain, secrets leading to gain, improved way of life, broadening of scope for future employment, desire to emulate the European. Summary: The people will accept Universal Primary Education but before the scheme can be launched provision of buildings and equipment must be available and the native people must be made to realize that the onus is on them to support the project to the fullest extent of their own resources. Universal Primary Education will be achieved only by a successful partnership between the Administration and the Missions and will mean provision of financial assistance from the former and a re-adjustment of present-day policies in educational matters by the latter. Universal Primary Education and advanced education must be developed concurrently.
Careers in the Department of Education Papua and New Guinea, ‘The Education Scene’, 1958. History and statistics; educational policy; advisory boards and other agencies; the structure of the Department; teaching in the Non-Native, Native, and Technical Education divisions.
KR Lamacraft to Director of Education, Teacher Training Iduabada, 1958. File ED 3017 Pt 1 Folio 16A. Suggests that the 40 male teacher trainees be fully integrated with the technical trainees.
Resolution of the Diocesan Conference of the New Guinea Anglican Mission, January 1958. Groves Collection Box 9 File 40. “This Conference expresses its great admiration for the services rendered to the Territory by Mr WC Groves during his term of office as Director of Education and congratulates him on the way in which he has advanced the cause of education. It also desires to express its appreciation and gratitude for the sympathy and helpfulness shown by Mr WC Groves both the Mission generally and to members of the Mission staff individually during his term of office as Director of Education, and it learns with deep regret that it is possible that his retirement will take place before the next meeting of the Conference.”
GT Roscoe, Functions and Authority of District Education Officers, 3 January 1958. File D/3-11 Folio 102. Roscoe, Owner, Westmore and McLachlan met to discuss the current duty statements. Westmore was to liaise with each Chief of Division to see if a draft acceptable to all could be produced.
Department of Education, Statement of Duties, District Education Officer Gr. 1, 1958. File ED 329 A/1-200 Folio 10. Not known whether this is the final version.
Department of Education, Statement of Duties, District Education Officer Gr. 2, 1958. File ED 329 A/1-200 Folio 11. Not known whether this is the final version.
WC Groves, In-Service Training of Native Teachers, 7 January 1958. Files ED 40 and A/1-44 Folios 11 and 52. Teachers are asked to report to the District Education Officer on their in-service work with teachers.
WC Groves, Agricultural Training in Papua and New Guinea, 8 January 1958. Groves Collection Box 3 File 6. Groves wants rural education centres throughout the Territory.
HL Williams to the Director of Education, 8 January 1958. File ED 5092 Pt 2 Folio 103. The District Commissioner reports that the Madang District Advisory Council resolved, that definite steps should be taken to formulate plans for the early introduction of secondary schools in the Territory; that 1st and 2nd year secondary school courses be introduced at once to the Tusbab Boys’ School; that the Secondary School Subsidy be continued for at least one or two years after the establishment of secondary education.
South Pacific Post, LMS School at Hanuabada, 8 January 1958, p 14. In a letter to the editor, Percy Chatterton explains that the school, established by Dr WG Lawes in 1875 has been transferred to the Administration because of the LMS difficulty in finding teachers. The Administration wants to establish a school in the area so the LMS made its buildings available to the Administration.
South Pacific Post, Bulolo School Retains Swimming Cup, 8 January 1958, p 19. Four schools competed – Bulolo, two Wau schools and Lae.
KR McKinnon to the Director of Education, Notes of Interest, 12 February 1958. Four-page report by the acting District Education Officer Western District on matters in his district. Transport a problem and some school will not be accessed until the dry season. Should be able to visit every school next year.
WC Groves to Acting District Education Officer Western District, 14 January 1958. File ED 5069 Pt 4 Folios 56 and 57. The acting DEO was McKinnon. “With regard to ‘rumours’ about your own position… (you) will continue until an officer of suitable qualifications and experience and with the required seniority of service, is available to fill the DEO position… You must not be foolish or misguided or illogical enough to interpret the above remarks as suggesting or implying that you are personally not capable of carrying out DEO duties. You have, in fact, in your present acting capacity, demonstrated that you are. But your seniority in the service is such that it would not be possible or justified for me to seek to have you provisionally promoted to that position. You certainly could not and would not hold it against the appeals of more senior officers with equivalent (or better) technical qualifications and experience.”
South Pacific Post, Standards Raised in Mission Schools, 15 January 1958, p 1. Complaints against the poor standard of many of the Territory’s hundreds of mission schools generally were no longer justified. “It was mainly at the request of the missions themselves that 680 schools have so far been declared exempt or not satisfactory.” 122 of the 3,000 mission schools have been inspected and either recognized or registered as satisfactory to Education Department standards. A further 200 would probably be recognized when the results of the teacher examinations were known.
South Pacific Post, Education Plan for Women, 15 January 1958, p 8. Acting Administrator John Gunther said sub-committees have been appointed in all districts to promote quicker advancement of the Territory native women. Will work in conjunction with a central Territory Advisory Committee on the Advancement of Women. Suggestions are for simple English, instruction in European social customs, cooking, sewing, child welfare and household budgeting.
South Pacific Post, Mr W Groves to Retire, 15 January 1958, p 8. August this year. Would like to stay in the Territory but no houses. Advertising his job all over Australia and New Zealand.
South Pacific Post, Rudiments of Education are ‘Ignored’, 15 January 1958, p 14. Barrett told the New Britain District Advisory Council that agriculture and natural science are ignored in schools. Boisen, the District Education Officer, said the first aim was to develop pupils mentally so that more teachers would be available to teach the coming generation.
N Thomson, Promotions Appeal Committee, 16 January 1958. File ED 12 Pt 2 Folio 104. The Departmental Head should include a statement when promoting that in his opinion the officer is the most efficient officer capable of performing the duties of the position.
WC Groves to JK McCarthy, Attitude Towards the Secondary Education of Natives in Australia, 16 January 1958. File ED 5256 Pt 1 Folios 1 to 3. Edward Tom, an employee of Public Works, wants to know whether native students, when they come back to the Territory, will be treated as Europeans all their lives. Groves considers that such students have been given a unique opportunity but the Department is not responsible for them for the rest of their lives. Groves supports a blending of cultures approach and points out “in the long run, in any case, as you and I well know, the ultimate shape of human and cultural relations in the Territory will be determined mainly by the attitude towards the natives of those Europeans who are thrown in regular contact with them.”
Administration Press Release, Secondary Education to be Provided at Port Moresby, Rabaul and Lae Next Year, 18 March 1958. Non-Native Secondary Education: In 1959, these schools will provide Queensland Grade VII and VIII with plans leading to the Queensland Intermediate Certificate. No new secondary education allowances will be provided after 1958 to students within daily reach of facilities provided in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Specialized Cadets: Appointments for 22, 22 January 1958, p 4. 22 Cadets, some who are teachers, are soon to arrive in P&NG. 100 Cadetships were advertised last August. In the past 3 years, 44 cadets have arrived, 73 are still training.
South Pacific Post, Considerable Advances in Education, Minister Claims, 22 January 1958, p 9. Hasluck gives achievements since 1949. Pupils increased in Administration schools from 2,670 to 13,841. Native teachers from 97 in 1948 to 488 in 1957. Expenditure from ₤147,238 to ₤900,000 in the same period. There are 240 native teachers in college. GIA to missions will be ₤100,000 this year. 18 new Intermediate schools being planned this year. There are 23 European primary schools. 330 pupils are doing correspondence lessons. The pupil population is 400,000.
South Pacific Post, Back to School, 22 January 1958, p 10. 560 European, 188 Asian, 62 mixed race students are off to Australian Secondary schools; a total of 800. Last year it was 700. The entrance age to primary school is to be lowered to those turning 5 before 28 April.
KR McKinnon to the Director Department of Education, Attached Program Introduction, 25 January 1958. Commends to the Director the work of Mr Miller “for the thoughtful and considered approach he is making to the educational problems of this primitive area (Kiunga)… probably one of the most isolated posts in the Territory with only a quarterly boat service… where in some cases tree houses persist and they wear only the phallic gourd”.
South Pacific Post, Gunther: ‘Hell Fire Theology’, 29 January 1958, p 1. Speaking at the Summer School of the Australian Institute of Political Science, Canberra, Dr Gunther said: “There are some missions, and I regret they are amidst the bigger, who not only seek the soul but demand secular obedience… There are some missions still trying to deny the teaching of English.” He said the missions should strengthen their education system and assure the missionaries appointed have sufficient qualifications for their work. “If you do nothing else, then teach English, as you bring the Gospel.”
South Pacific Post, Dr Gunther Attacks Use of Pidgin, Motu: Wants English, 29 January 1958, p 7. Gunther, speaking at the Summer School of the Australian Institute of Political Science in Canberra on the weekend, said Europeans using Pidgin or Motu in Papua and New Guinea were either thoughtless, conceited or even deliberately “slowing down the development of the people.”
South Pacific Post, 20 Failed but Better than Last Year, 29 January 1958, p 12. 20 native students sat for a Queensland scholarship examination and failed. They were placed reasonably well in their classes however. In the Queensland examination, none of 13 who sat passed English. Last year 216 sat for the scholarship examination to go to Australian Secondary Schools. 92 passed and 20 were selected. This makes a total of 75 natives in Australia this year.
South Pacific Post, ‘School Vote Vanished’, 29 January 1958, p 21. Barrett told the New Britain District Advisory Council that ₤80,000 on the works programme, two years ago for the Rabaul Secondary School had vanished.
JT Gunther to the Secretary-Treasurer, Grace Tribal Mission Inc, 29 January 1958. The Administration has placed no restriction on missionary work that would prevent or hinder your organisation establishing itself and working in the Territory. ‘It is suggested that the best thing for your organisation to do would be to send a representative to the Territory who could make a survey of the needs of various areas, and so choose a location for you. Another point which may be of interest to you is that it is the Government’s policy to bring literacy in English to the people of the Territory as rapidly as possible, and subsidies are made to Missions for educational work on the basis that their work is oriented to that end.”
WC Groves to District Education Officers, 30 January 1958. “The attached letter (note: It was not attached but was obviously a termination notice) has been sent to the temporary teachers listed and, should the number of new-appointed permanent officers total the thirty (30) provided for in the 1957/58 Departmental recruitment programme, it will, unfortunately, be necessary to take further action in a number of cases along the lines indicated in the attachment. The Departmental appropriation for teaching staff is actually over-spent, and if the present rate continues the vote for salaries will be ₤28,000 over-spent for the full financial year.”
PSA Bulletin, February 1958. “In response to a report that some sixteen temporary female teachers were to be retrenched in March of this year, to make room for permanent teachers arriving on recruitment from Australia, because not enough funds are available to pay them all, an urgent submission has been forwarded to the Administrator calling for a review of the position… Some of these teachers have served for upwards of nine years, they are fully qualified, have proven their competence, and many have more experience than those who will replace them, and the Administration has relied on their services for a number of years because permanent men or women teachers have just not been available… in NSW they have equal rights with others in permanency and rights of promotion… The retrenchment of these teachers will of necessity continue to retard the educational development of the native peoples, still miserably inadequate in terms of numbers taught… In view of the accepted need to accelerate educational opportunities, failure to use all available resources appears unrealistic, and must be expected to produce a most unfavourable reaction amongst both Europeans and Natives alike.”
Hasluck on Groves, ‘A Time For Building’, p 224, February 1958. “The short answer (to why the Department of Education was not achieving anything) was that the trouble was the administrative incapacity of Groves. We were also continuing to have difficulty with Groves over his attitude to mission schools. I wrote in February, ‘I have regretfully come to the conclusion that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to bring about any significant improvement under the present Director of Education, whose opinions about mission schools are quite firmly embedded and whose merits lie in other fields than the diplomatic handling of situations like this one.”
WC Groves to District Commissioner Madang, Resolutions of the Madang District Advisory Council Regarding Secondary Education, 4 February 1958. “Ministerial approval has been received for the establishment, at Rabaul, of the first of a series of Territory secondary schools of European type. A submission has been sent to His Honour the Administrator, for dispatch to the Minister, of a most comprehensive ‘Review of Secondary Education for the Children of Papua and New Guinea.’ During the next five to ten years, according to the availability of funds, buildings and staff, it is planned to establish Administration secondary schools of Australian type at Port Moresby, Rabaul, Lae and possibly Goroka. The plans have not, up to date, included provision for boarding facilities. A firm decision in this matter will require to be made fairly soon, however; and the eventual arrangement may well follow the pattern existing in certain Australian States where special hostels managed by approved bodies such as the CWA, are established to provide boarding accommodation for the children concerned. It may be assumed that secondary boarding and day schools will be established by certain Mission organisations in selected locations. This is already the case in Goroka and Wabag. I think it may be assumed that the Missions concerned will in due course request some form of financial assistance in respect of students enrolled at such schools, as an alternative to the assistance being provided at present in respect of secondary schooling in Australia. I have always taken a firm stand to have any secondary school the Territory measure up – in standards of buildings, equipment and teaching programme and resources – to a level more than comparable with that of secondary schools in Australia… until Territory schools do measure up to the desired standard, no child should be obliged to attend such schools; and this in turn implies the need to continue the existing arrangement for assisting children to go to secondary schools in Australia.”
South Pacific Post, PSA Protests Sacking of Teachers, 5 February 1958, p 5. The PSA has protested to Cleland on the plan to dismiss locally employed Administration married women because of ₤20,000 overspending. They are highly trained and cheap because they have housing. 30 recruits are on the way from Australia.
South Pacific Post, Does English Give Sense of Power? 5 February 1958, p 10. Dr A Sinclair at the Political Science meeting in Canberra suggested that natives want to learn English to obtain the goods and power of the white men.
South Pacific Post, Three Gain Degrees after Institute Aid, 5 February 1958, p 12.
South Pacific Post, ‘Outburst’ on Missions, 5 February 1958, p 14. Rev Fr Dwyer attacks Gunther for his accusations against the Missions.
WC Groves to Acting District Education Officer Western District, Intermediate School Daru, 10 February 1958. The normal development of secondary schools has been for a Primary School to develop to its full extent and then gradually to build up a ‘top’, a First Year, a Second Year and so. Then, the tendency is to have that ‘top’ fed by several neighbouring Primary Schools. When that procedure is established, the ‘top’ is divorced from the lower school and becomes a junior secondary school – Junior High, Intermediate – call it what you will. In turn that secondary school develops a ‘top’, which in time goes to Leaving Certificate, Senior Certificate, and/or Matriculation Certificate. The school having the whole gamut of secondary classes is then a High School.
WC Groves, A Suggested Social Studies Syllabus for Village Higher Schools, 10 February 1958. Groves forwards a suggested break-up of the syllabus for Standards III, IV, V and VI and asks field officers to comment on the programme. (34 pages).
KR McKinnon to the Director Department of Education, Notes of Interest, 12 February 1958. Four-page report on educational activities in the Western District.
South Pacific Post, No Preference in School’s Contract, 12 February 1958, p 3. Contracts for the first stage of 9 new schools including Rabaul Secondary School are on a tender basis. They must be aluminium prefabricated.
WC Groves to FH Gwilliam, 20 February 1958. Miss Gwilliam is the Women’s Educational Advisor at the Colonial Office in London, and is planning a visit to PNG. Groves says he will arrange an itinerary if required. “Due to retire from here in August of this year, and looking back over the twelve years I have spent here in sheer hard work against many difficulties and frustrations immediately after the war, I feel that we have no reason to be satisfied with what we have managed to accomplish. In any case I am pretty certain that the powers-that-be at Ministerial level at Canberra do not think that we have accomplished anything like what they had expected. I will therefore be going out with at least a mild feeling of dissatisfaction, because I am satisfied that no one could have worked more consistently hard against such a variety of difficulties and problems than we have been required to do in getting this show established in such a comparatively short time. The trouble is that we have not sought to do anything spectacular, and although we now budget as a Department for just over a million pounds a year, even that amount has not enabled u to put on any very great show which pleases and attracts critical visitors and especially those from the political milieu.” Groves assumes he will be attending the May/June Session of the Research Council of the South Pacific Commission at Noumea.
RC Ralph to the Director Department of Education, Miscellaneous Matters Dealing with Salaries and Conditions of Native Teachers, 24 February 1958. A fourteen-page report on training, promotion and salary increments of native teachers, who attended teacher training courses 1954 to 1958. Good source if you want to know how many teachers attended the various types of teacher training.
WC Groves to K. R. McKinnon, 25 February 1958. ‘S’ Course: “When we have handled those who did not complete last year, there will be no further ‘S’ Course ever. You will appreciate that passing the 150 through last year’s ‘S’ Course could cost the Administration 150 times ₤400 (₤60,000) per annum in grants-in-aid and obviously this kind of act of grace cannot be repeated or continued indefinitely. In fact, the actual results of the ‘S’ Course were rather surprisingly good; and I think it can fairly be said that all those who did pass and qualify for registration did so on their merits; and it is possible that many of them are or will be more effective practising teachers than others who have the formal Teacher’s Certification from a State in Australia or elsewhere.”
WC Groves to the District Education Officer Gulf District, Proposed Establishment of an Administration School at Moviavi, 25 February 1958. “There is nothing in writing to say that the Missions have been given an opportunity to give an opinion on the proposal to open a Government school in the Area.” Asks for background to the decision. “You will appreciate that the purpose of this memorandum is to ensure that there shall be no friction between Administration and Mission, and also to enable you to inform this Headquarters fully of what is going on.”
South Pacific Post, Christianity Main Protection, MLC Says, 26 February 1958, p 4. Administration co-operation with the Missions in the Madang District was vital because the teaching of the Christian faith to natives was a main protection against communism, Mr I Downs MLC, said here recently.
WC Groves to the Assistant Administrator, 26 February 1958. Forwarded two copies of the Department of Education submission for consideration by the Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Committee. [Note: Loch Blatchford does not have a copy]
CR Lambert to the His Honour the Administrator, Education Department Planning, 27 February 1958. Asks for confirmation and amplification of the article titled ‘Education Plans for Big School Increases’ published in the South Pacific Post, 4 December 1957. (Loch’s Note: the article was actually printed in the SPP on 20 Nov 1957, p 5.)
CR Lambert to the His Honour the Administrator, New Guinea Report 1956/57 – Visit of Mr JH Jones, Special Representative, 28 February 1958. Jones will be attending 22nd Session of the Trusteeship Council. He will visit Port Moresby on 19th April and spend about three weeks in the Territory. He wishes to visit Moresby, Rabaul, Lae, Kavieng and possibly Sohano. Please arrange itinerary.
Area Education Officer Kerowagi to Director of Education, Report on Chimbu Sub-District Seminar held at Mingende Catholic Mission Centre, 3 March 1958. Held 24th and 25th February and attended by 26. Papers presented were on Timetables for Village Schools; Work Programmes for Native Teachers; Teaching of English, Pidgin and the Vernacular; and the Education Ordinance of 1952 and 1957.
WC Groves, In-Service Training of Native Teachers, 3 March 1958. The recognized Teacher Training Courses commenced in 1954. Before that there were over 200 teachers working in the Department. Some had been teachers pre-war; some few were products of the Angau and (later) Civil Administration school at Sogeri; some underwent a course of training at Sogeri in 1948; others after some training, were added to strength until the first ‘C’ Course started at Sogeri in 1954. Since then, about 260 students have come out as teachers. ‘C’ Course trainees have had schooling to Standard IX, plus two years of secondary courses, plus one year of formal teacher training; the entrance standard for ‘B’ Course was completion of Standard VIII, though the standard was with some trainees relaxed to VII, and even VI, plus one year of teacher training; for ‘A’ Course, completion of Standard VI (relaxed in some cases as low as IV) plus one year of teacher training. Totals since 1954 show 45 ‘C’ Course teachers posted to schools, 194 ‘B’ Course and 22 ‘A’ Course. “It will be apparent that these teachers need guidance, they need assistance in their scholastic work and in their professional techniques. It will be apparent, too, that not too much can be expected of them. It is to improve them that stress is to be laid on in-service training. Circular Memorandum No. 1 of 1958 (7 January) ‘requested’ Education Officers to ‘write down informally a few notes on what you are doing for the in-service training of Native Teachers in your charge, and what further action you will be able to take’, in fact, only two Education Officers have complied. You are now required to comply with that request… In assessing the competence of Education Officers, considerable regard will in future be paid to the contributions made by them to the future training of Native Teachers within the Service and inspecting officers will be required to comment specifically on this aspect of an Education Officer’s efficiency.”
SG Paull to the Director Department of Education, Allocation of Transport, 5 March 1958. Complains that he is only allocated half a unit of a jeep which is in such condition that its use has been limited to the township of Popondetta. The Government vessel MV Katuna has not yet returned to the District, so that the Tufi Sub-District can be visited only through the use of commercial vehicles. Asks for any assistance HQ can provide.
South Pacific Post, Sacking of Teachers, 5 March 1958, p 14. The editorial says the recruits were for outstations but there is no accommodation so the temporary teachers are to be sacked to give places to recruits in town. No gain to Territory enrolments and no gain to kids who change teachers.
CR Lambert to the His Honour the Administrator, Review of Secondary Education, 6 March 1958. Five pages outlining the Minister’s decisions and the reasoning behind them. Hasluck estimates that by 1962 there will be 1,060 European and 2,000 native students at secondary level and, by 1967, 2,240 and over 4,500 (with additional numbers of Asian and Mixed-race students). For Non-Native Secondary Education, the Minister has approved, establishing classes providing Queensland Grades VII and VIII at Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul in 1959; and planning to proceed for the establishment of the two classes leading to the Queensland Intermediate Certificate at the same centres. “These classes are to be open to children of all races, including natives, subject to their reaching the necessary educational standard and in particular the necessary fluency in English and the standard of social development at which no social problems will arise from their attendance at these classes. No new secondary education allowances are to be provided after 1958 to students within daily reach of the facilities provided in the Territory; no Administration boarding facilities are to be provided at present and determination of policy regarding non-Government secondary schools and hostels await the development of concrete plans by non-Government authorities; the secondary allowance is to remain at ₤145 p.a. plus return air fares in 1958. Means tested bursaries to a maximum of ₤200 p.a. will be available to Asian and mixed-race secondary students and up to ₤161 for European students. No further supervision of non-native students at secondary schools in Australia was to be approved, except what could be done within present resources of staff and the desirability of developing vocational guidance and employment services for these students was to be delayed until information was available on the progress of the similar services which are being developed for native students. For Native secondary education, modified secondary courses will be developed along the lines of the Queensland curriculum. Scholarships will be available at Queensland Grade VI for outstanding native students and at Grade VIII (Queensland) for selected native students who pass the Scholarship Examination. These scholarships will be tenable at schools either in Australia or the Territory, whichever is appropriate at the time. The above proposals are to be considered as an interim measure, the ultimate and long-term objective being the merging of all secondary education in the Territory, and the development of courses leading to local matriculation requirements.” Groves received the above letter on 12 March 1958. He tells Owner that the Assistant Administrator requires within three days the requirements of buildings at Rabaul, Lae and Port Moresby, to provide classroom and ancillary accommodation for the 1959 intakes; extra staff requirements (over and above the three respective primary schools) to cope with the 1959 anticipated Grade VII (Queensland enrolment). On 17 March Cleland told Gunther to “Keep me advised of progress. This has got to be followed up with the greatest expediency and priority.”
JT Gunther, Policy Workshops, 6 March 1958. The Minister has directed that a series of ‘policy workshops’ be held beginning with three next month. The purpose is to educate and stimulate field officers and they will be joined in discussion by some newer officers from the Department of Territories and the Department of the Administrator. The topic of the first three workshops to be held in April in Mt Hagen, Goroka and Madang is ‘The problem of resettlement of the native population in your District.’ Discussion will be based on a series of questions, the answers to which will provide material for a three-to-four-page report which the Minister wishes submitted to him by His Honour the Administrator.
The Observer, Whose New Guinea? 8 March 1958. A staff correspondent argues that the most practical policy for Australian New Guinea, and the one most likely to serve Australia’s interest, is to keep the Territory as a permanent dependency of the Commonwealth… “The Government should as soon as possible take two complementary actions: It should repudiate the Trusteeship over New Guinea and annex that part of the Territory to Papua; and it should arrange a Louisiana purchase of Dutch New Guinea.”
KR McKinnon to the Director Department of Education, In-Service Training of Native Teachers, 10 March 1958. With the exception of those at Daru itself the assistance given was unsatisfactory. Due to poor transport, it was impossible to visit the schools at closer than approximate two monthly intervals. One school Sui was inaccessible due to weather for nearly five months.
RC Ralph, The Department of Education, 11 March 1958. Six-page paper prepared for the ASOPA Induction Course for Patrol Officers. Summarizes educational policy as laid down in the Minister’s 24 February and 18 March 1955 statements and the responsibilities of Headquarters and the Districts. Has a ‘functional’ chart showing the interrelationship of various sections of the Department.
WC Groves to JR Foldi, New Britain District Advisory Council, 11 March 1958. Groves explains developments in secondary education in reply to a concern expressed by the Council at the lack of progress in establishing secondary schools in the New Britain District. In reply to the second resolution to discontinue the practice of sending a selected few natives to Australia to be educated, Groves replied that until effective secondary education can be provided in the Territory a strong case can be made to send a small and select group to Australia.
South Pacific Post, Schooling Brings New ‘Cargo Cult’, 12 March 1958, p 12. The chairman of the Apprenticeship Board, Mr J Hohnen told the Legislative Council that many young semi-educated natives are not interested in trades but want white-collar jobs.
South Pacific Post, Papuan Says: Australian Students Depressed, 12 March 1958, p 1. Mr Rarua Rarua said Native students returning from Australia are depressed by the conditions under which their parents live.
South Pacific Post, Temporary Teachers Not to be Sacked, 12 March 1958, p 9. Not to be sacked as ₤17,000 has been transferred to Education from another source. The 30 recruits were not to replace the temporary teachers as the editorial stated.
South Pacific Post, Fr Dwyer v Dr Gunther: Challenge to Prove Mission Allegations, 12 March 1958, p 9.
N Thomson to Director Department of Education, Inspection – Native School Popondetta, 17 March 1958. The Public Service Commissioner asked for the Director’s comments on an inspection report that “the kitchen and messing for the male trainees is most primitive and inadequate. The meal tables consist of badly rusted and pitted Marsden matting laid on wooden posts set into the earth floor. The normal enamel and trade cutlery for labour issues are provided. The girls by comparison have been supplied from Headquarters with table cloths, china, crockery and Grosvenor Plate cutlery.”
SA Neilson to Director Department of Education, Education Seminar - Chimbu, 17 March 1958. The DEO forwards two copies of Mr Perry’s report on an education seminar he organized.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of the 10th Meeting, 17 to 20 March 1958. Held at Rabaul. The District Commissioner, Mr JR Foldi, said his job was that of co-ordinator to try to make easy the work of the various Government Departments and to foster good relationships between the Administration and the people. He put before the Board: a plea for the greater use of English in the everyday life of the Native people; intensification of work done in Female Education; extension of broadcasting facilities; greater understanding by the Native people of the laws and regulations which govern them; a deeper understanding by the Missions towards Local Government Councils. Information emerging from discussion: Groves said that “The increasing range and pressure of departmental business had recently necessitated his withdrawing more and more from the overall picture and, in view of the comparatively short time left before his retirement, he was not disposed to launch out into new fields.” Recently, Grove’s time has been taken up in an attempt to ensure an adequate building programme and the money to carry it out. Broadcasting (other than School Broadcasts), Social Welfare, Literature Bureau, and the Advancement of Native Women have been transferred to the Social Development Branch of the Department of Native Affairs. The restricted output of suitably qualified students for special vocational and training purposes was going to impede the development of certain projects of other departments e.g., the proposed Agricultural College at Kerevat. The Department of the Administrator is currently undertaking a review of Administration/Mission relations. The Resolutions of the recent Administration/Missions Conference at Lae are being handled by the Department of the Administrator. Roscoe said that there was a ‘pro forma’ to establish a common set of standards or norms on the part of the Inspector. Inspectors were also given the opportunity of comparing notes, and a cross-section of reports was from time to time examined and assessed at Headquarters. It was not feasible to give an inflexible set of rules to bind inspectors under all circumstances. EAB Resolutions: Some Mission teachers to be included in delegations of native teachers visiting Australian Schools to be exempted from meeting sanitary and garbage costs. Grant-in-aid to be provided to cover petrol, oil and lubricants where regular approved transport services are provided for school children. Course A shall continue until the end of 1960, when it would be reviewed. Administration and Mission officers be invited to submit papers on the various methods of giving greater measure of Territorial relevance to the content of the teaching programme in Territory schools, especially in respect of the teaching of English or in the approach to English in the syllabus in every subject. The Department to study the need for a modification of one of the existing teacher-training courses, or for the introduction of a new course to fit in between the present ‘A’ and ‘B’ courses.
KR McKinnon to the District Commissioner Western District, Annual Report for Year Ending 31.3.58, 18 March 1958. A copy of this 8-page report was forwarded to the Department of Education. He reports “unspectacular but steady progress mainly through consolidation and stabilisation.” Five Education Officers now working in the District, two of them women. Relations with the Missions have vastly improved, with the precious rather formal atmosphere being replaced by goodwill and co-operation. Transport remains a problem.
DM Cleland, Secondary Education to be Provided at Port Moresby, Rabaul and Lae Next Year, 18 March 1958. An Administration Press Release of the main points of the Minister’s 6 March statement on secondary education.
South Pacific Post, Education Subsidies to Go, 19 March 1958, p 1. European children in Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul who will be ready for secondary school education by the end of this year are not to receive the Administration education subsidy nor air fare. Cleland announced that the Administration would instead provide classes through Grades VII and VIII. He also announced “European schools are to be thrown open to the children of all races, including natives, providing they have reached the necessary educational standard. Native students will be particularly required to speak fluent English and have an accepted standard of social developments.” No Administration boarding facilities would be provided for European secondary school students. Modified secondary courses are to be developed for native students, broadly along the lines of the Queensland curriculum. On completion of Grade VIII selected natives who pass the scholarship examination will be awarded secondary scholarships for Australia. Similar scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students at Grade VI.
South Pacific Post, First Native Tradesman, 19 March 1958, p 3. Boe Arua, a letterpress machinist with the Government Printer.
South Pacific Post, Plea for Local Contractors on School Project, 19 March 1958, p 10. Downs says specification of aluminium in school buildings cuts out every Territory contractor on the ₤3-4 million project.
District Education Officer Western Highlands to the Director of Education, In-Service Training of Native Teachers, 19 March 1958. Mainly about staff changes and local problems such as furniture, accommodation, lighting, etc.
FA Bensted to the Director Department of Education, Transport for District Education Officer, 21 March 1958. The District Commissioner considers that the District Education Officer’s transport difficulties would be solved if he planned his visits two or three days ahead rather than requisitioning transport at only a few hours’ notice. He could also make use of the mail vehicle that makes a weekly visit to outlying stations.
N Thomson to the Secretary Department of Territories, Cadet Education Officers – Status on Graduation, 25 March 1958. Thomson submits a list of Department of Education Headquarters staff capable of inspecting Cadets for their NSW Teachers’ Certificates. He suggests that the NSW Department of Education authorize these officers to carry out inspections on its behalf. The officers listed were Roscoe, Owner, Lamacraft, Newby, Goodman, McLachlan and Ralph. Should a NSW inspector wish to carry out the inspections he should plan on spending two weeks in the Territory.
Department of Education, Qualifications and Experience of Officers Competent to Inspect Candidates for NSW Teachers’ Certificates, 25 March 1958. This document was attached to Thomson’s letter of the same date. It has 14 been entered separately as the reader may be interested in the backgrounds of Headquarters officials. Lists qualifications and experience of Roscoe, Owner, Lamacraft, Newby, Goodman, McLachlan and Ralph.
South Pacific Post, Parents Worried Over Loss of School Aid, 26 March 1958, p 2. Parents say they will still send their children South. They don’t want ‘hilly-billy outlook’. They want a ‘broad social environment.’
South Pacific Post, Big Cash Outlay to Provide for Secondary Schools, 26 March 1958, p 2. ₤75,000 will have to be spent on new buildings to class European secondary students (275 in all). Those already receiving subsidy and those on outstations will continue to receive subsidy.
South Pacific Post, Choice from 100 in Schools Integration, 26 March 1958, p 14. Native students for the Ela Beach School would be chosen from about 100 possibles. First introduced the plan in Daru then put it to the Chamber of Commerce, Port Moresby who was ‘all for it.’ P&C haven’t complained.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Western Highlands District, In-Service Training of Native Teachers, 27 March 1958. Groves thanks him for his informative report and is pleased that the Native staff is receiving such training.
Letter to the Secretary Department of Territories, Curriculum for Secondary Schools, 28 March 1958. Draft of the letter. It appears that this letter was not sent as Groves notes on the bottom of it that the matter has been dealt with on another file and that Mr Lee is handling the matter. It does, however, indicate the Department’s thinking on the matter. Many parents had protested about the decision to select Queensland’s curriculum for the secondary schools. 243 of the 559 European students studying in Australia were studying in states other than Queensland, as were 109 of the 164 Asian students and 31 of the Mixed-race students. The five-page draft concluded with the recommendations that: The curriculum for the Secondary Schools in the Territory be not fixed as that of Queensland grade VII and grade VIII for the first two years. The curriculum be apportioned over six years, with a first Primary Extension or transition year, three years to Junior, or Intermediate level, and two further years to Senior or Matriculation. Suitable publicity, perhaps a Ministerial statement, be given to this determination, to raise public confidence in the Administration’s Policy on Secondary Education.
CR Lambert to the His Honour the Administrator, Education Department Planning, 1 April 1958. Asks for a reply to his 27 February 1958 concerning the confirmation and amplification of the article titled ‘Education Plans for Big School Increases’ published in the South Pacific Post, 4 December 1957.
South Pacific Post, Few Natives for European School, 2 April 1958, p 5. The Education Department says that after a survey of the District less than ten natives would be eligible to join Ela Beach School.
South Pacific Post, Mr. Cleland to ‘Rous’ Subsidy Anomalies, 2 April 1958, p 12. There were a number of anomalies caused by the recently announced policy to remove the education subsidy for parents of children attending schools in Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul, Cleland said yesterday. No more subsidies or air fares to children in these areas. The problem is that officers often go on leave for 3-9 months and children go with them. Cleland said the new school buildings to accommodate the students would be included in the coming works program.
South Pacific Post, The School Subsidy, 2 April 1958, p 16. The Editorial says the move to remove the education subsidy is logical and inevitable but “now that the Government has accepted the responsibility of providing secondary schools in the Territory, it should remember that the responsibility must be complete. There can be no half measures. It must, then, provide secondary schools for all – native and European alike… must provide board for native secondary students. Also, an opportunity to correct a dangerous situation – alienation of native students from their environment … bring the native student back from Australia.”
South Pacific Post, Town Council Asks Government to Continue Subsidy, 9 April 1958, p 1. The Rabaul Town Advisory Council resolved to ask the Government to retain the secondary education subsidy or there will be an exodus from the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Secondary School Standards ‘Lower in Territory’, 9 April 1958, p 1. Fr J Dwyer told the Rabaul Town Advisory Council last week that European children who would be forced to attend secondary schools in the Territory would receive schooling of a lower standard than that of Australian Secondary Schools because of non-English parentage of many pupils.
South Pacific Post, Secondary Schools in Territory, 9 April 1958, p 13. ‘Parent’ in a letter to the editor asks: Will a child’s health be affected by remaining in the Territory? Will subjects be adequately taught (especially Science)? Why a Queensland secondary syllabus when primary schools teach the NSW syllabus?
Pacific Post, The Education Subsidy, 9 April 1958, p 16. The Editorial puts the point of view of the European parents – teaching standards in the Territory, social restrictions etc and asks whether, in view of Government policy to train natives in trades and lesser Government positions, the 1,000 Europeans a year being turned out of school can be absorbed into Territory industry.
JT Gunther to the Director Department of Education, Year Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 9 April 1958. Asks Groves to up-date the book.
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Education Department Planning, 10 April 1958. The article in the South Pacific Post headed ‘Education Plans for Big School Increases’ was based upon material prepared for the Public Relations Officer by the Department of Education. This material sets out plans for expansion of the activities of the Department from 30 June 1957 to January 1960. The four-page letter contains tables showing enrolments and numbers of schools for each type of school for each year from 1957 to 1960. It also contains summary notes explaining where new institutions are to be opened.
Public Service Association of P&NG, Newsletter for April 1958, The Shape of Things to Come, 14 April 1958. A two-page newsletter devoted to opposing the removal of the Secondary Education Subsidy.
WC Groves to District Education Officer Morobe District, Report for Period Ended 28th February 1958, 15 April 1958. Suggests minor alterations in the setting out of the report to assist Headquarters staff. The desirable teacher pupil ratio is 1:25 with a maximum of 1:30. Fourteen schools have ratios higher than the maximum. In one case a native teacher is in charge of 60 students. “It is easy to analyse and to say the load is too heavy. The problem is what to do about it… The problem cannot be solved by posting more teachers to the Morobe District. The age-for-grade standard might be enforced. Pupils whose attendance is irregular should be dismissed. In some cases, the Preparatory class might be dismissed, or it might be possible to have the Prep class from 8 to 10 a.m. and the Standard 1 class from 10.15 onwards. The point is that the ratio in most schools should be lowered.”
South Pacific Post, School Pupils Get Extra Fatigue Break, 16 April 1958, p 3. The Education Department has given European school children an extra week’s holiday a year ‘to reduce their fatigue.’ The change from a three-term system to a four-term system will be experimental.
South Pacific Post, RSL Protests on Subsidy Withdrawal, 16 April 1958, p 3. Port Moresby RSL sub-branch will ask the state executive to organize all members to protest against the withdrawal of school subsidies. “The Administration policy should be aimed at attracting Europeans willing to develop the Territory.”
Administration Press Release, Sub-District Education Seminar in Chimbu Area, 17 April 1958. Refers to seminar mentioned by Sid Nielson on 17 March. Various papers dealt with time-tables for village schools, the preparation of work programs for Native teachers, the teaching of English in village schools, and a review of the Education Ordinance. Four demonstration lessons were given.
WC Groves to WEF Ward, 17 April 1958. Ward was the Deputy Education Advisor of the Colonial Office in London. Groves says he will meet Miss Gwilliam at the meeting of the Research Council of the South Pacific Commission in May. Concerning his retirement Groves says, “I retire in August of this year on reaching 60. I do not think there is going to be much difficulty in finding myself actively engaged in some useful field of work relating to the kind of thing I have been engaged upon for so long, for 4 or 5 years after my retirement. Our Department of Territories people at Canberra have suggested that I spend nine months at Nauru…from about September. Except for the financial advantage, the salary plus superannuation, I am not very much attracted to this proposal, because it is now over 20 years since I personally directed education at Nauru for two years and I went back there officially to review the organisation and programme for our Minister three or four years ago. The second offer, which came ‘out of the blue’, is one about which I have pretty serious doubts: Expert in Fundamental Education with special reference to literacy and adult education, in Ethiopia. I had made no application for any UNESCO job; this offer came from the Commonwealth Department in Australia which handles on behalf of UNTAA nominations for such types of appointment… As you may imagine, it has been pretty heavy going here getting a full-scale Department established and operating reasonably effectively, starting from absolute bedrock twelve years ago. It has been pretty exacting for those of us handling it at the upper levels. But I will not all the same find any special satisfaction in having to walk away from the job now. In truth I would like to have opportunity of remaining associated with it for another year or two at least… At present we have a total of forty cadets in training in a New South Wales Teachers’ College in association with the Australian School of Pacific Administration in Sydney. The School has on its staff a Lecturer in Education who is at present in this Territory having a look at our organisation and work, he being a new appointee to the position, his predecessor in that position having joined our own establishment here as Superintendent of Teacher Training.”
WC Groves to District Education Officer Kikori, Proposed Establishment of an Administration School at Orokolo, 17 April 1958. Approval is given in principle starting at St III upwards leaving the Missions to cover the lower levels…Implementation is another matter depending as it does on the availability of staff.
WC Groves to the Assistant Administrator, Year Book of the Commonwealth of Australia, 22 April 1958. Groves replies to Gunther’s letter of 9 April 1958 requesting an update to the book. Gives changes needed to the year book. It also updates statistics and gives summaries for each District. It is interesting that Roscoe is listed as the Director of Education for the updated publication and yet Groves does not retire for four months.
WC Groves to Area Education Officer Eastern Highlands, Report on Education Seminar – Chimbu Sub-District, 22 April 1958. The Director is very pleased with the whole scheme. ‘It is a unique arrangement in that local Mission and Education 17 personnel were present. It is this Administration-Mission liaison aspect that is so particularly important. You have Departmental approval to hold one each year.”
RC Ralph to the Director of Education, Promotion of Some Native Teachers, and Correction of Further Anomalies, 23 April 1958. A list of recommended promotions of Native teachers.
WC Groves to A/District Education Officer New Ireland, Report for the Period Ended 31st March 1958, 24 April 1958. “It will be noticed that in not one school is the normal load of 1:25 (teacher to pupil ratio) exceeded, or even equalled. On the other hand, we find loads of 6, 10, 10, 11, 12.5, 14.5, 14, 16, 16, 16, 17, 18, 19…it is impossible not to conclude that New Ireland is over-staffed. Under the circumstances, then, it will be necessary for some of your teachers to be transferred. You are therefore required to arrange for the transfer to Port Moresby as soon as possible of 1 teacher for the Western District, 2 teachers for the Gulf District and 1 teacher for the Central District.”
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Secondary Education, 28 April 1958. The Minister has directed that more flexibility by introduced into the recent proposals to discontinue educational allowances under certain circumstances. It was hoped that the growth of secondary education within the Territory would be alongside the availability of financial assistance to enable parents to send their children to schools in Australia if they preferred to do so. Considered defects with the current proposals: Insufficient notice, some parents may lose deposits. This Department does not favour unqualified acceptance of the Queensland Syllabus. Children having to transfer to a mainland school when parents go on leave. Eligibility for subsidy when parents are transferred in or out of main centres. Parents in Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul feel unfairly singled out in the unsettled, experimental stage of local secondary development. Groves recommended that subsidies and bursaries for secondary education continue to be awarded to all non-native children on the same basis as at present, and that facilities for secondary education be made available at Rabaul and Port Moresby in 1959, and in Lae and Goroka as the populations in those centres justify such facilities. It is estimated that approximately 50 children in Port Moresby and 75 in Rabaul will attend secondary schools there in 1959, in preference to attending mainland schools, even if financial assistance continues to be available.
SA Nielson to GF Toohey, 28 April 1958. The DEO is appointing an Area Education Officer to each Sub-District. Mr FR Perry will be the AEO of the Chimbu Sub-District. Nielson outlines the duties of both officers. Toohey is the Head teacher of Kundiawa Village Higher School.
South Pacific Post, Primary School Opens at Finschhafen, 29 April 1958, p 7. An Administration Primary School for European, Asian and Mixed-blood opened with an enrolment of 12 children from prep to 6. During the year similar schools opened at Mendi and Banz. The non-native school at Popondetta was re-opened. There are now 28 Administration Primary Schools in the Territory, 4 (Lae, Rabaul, Boroko and Port Moresby) with enrolments over 200. There are 15 one teacher schools with enrolments from 10 to 38.
Resolutions Made by the Missionary Delegates at the Missions – Administration Conference Held at Lae, 29 April to 3 May 1958. Recommendations: The fullest and closest co-operation and co-ordination of effort between the Administration and the missions in every secular aspect of education. For some, a practical test of teaching ability should be accepted in lieu of a theoretical examination as a means of qualifying for the ‘S’ Certificate. The Education Ordinance includes a section making provision for a parents’ consent form to be sighted for any pupil transferred from one school to another. We accept the suggested standardises orthography as prepared by the Department of Education after removal from it of the inconsistencies. That we co-operate fully with the Department of Education, and with each other in standardising vocabulary and terms used in Pidgin. The period of teacher training under which a grant in aid is given to the Missions for the maintenance of the pupils be of three years instead of one year. Grants in aid for teachers Grade A, B, and C be equal to the wages of Administration native teachers of the same Grade. The certification for teachers Grade A be continued for many years to come. A subsidy of ₤20 per annum to be paid to Missions for each assistant teacher who can satisfy the Director of their competence by a practical demonstration. Missions to be given the opportunity of establishing Hostels for children attending Administration Intermediate and Secondary schools. Heads of Missions be given sufficient warning of Education Advisory Board meetings to enable them to contribute agenda items and that an information paper be issued after the meetings. Missions or Churches be free to give religious instruction in schools in English or Pidgin or a Vernacular. Compulsory education to be introduced as soon as practicable for all children attending Administration, Registered and Recognised Schools. Copies of Education circulars to be sent to all Heads of Missions as well as Mission Education Officers. The Education Regulations be amended to allow returns to be made quarterly rather than monthly. To establish a committee to formulate and present to the Administration an overall plan for the extension, with Administration assistance, of education through the Missions. The number of school records to be kept to be restricted to essential ones such as Roll Book, Time Table and Work Book. That a statement on Pidgin be handed to the Director of Education. Grant in aid to be extended for technical training to male and female students teaching Third and Fourth standard. Mission purchases for Education and Medical purposes to be duty free. Bonded Education Cadets to be approved to serve in other than the Administration and to attract Grants-in aid.
WC Groves to E Hicks, 30 April 1958. Groves thanks the Manus District Commissioner for his hospitality on Groves’ recent visit – probably after the 17 to 20 March EAB meeting in Rabaul.
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Secondary Education, 1 May 1958. It is our opinion that the flexibility desired by the Minister can only be achieved by offering the Education Allowance to all those European and Asian children who desire it. Without hesitation I would say that the greatest influence in making our Asian community good Australians is the education of the children in Australia. It may be of interest to you to know that no notable objections have been raised by the European community to the idea of racially integrating schools.
WC Groves to F. Boisen, 1 May 1958. Thanks the New Britain District Education Officer for his hospitality on Groves’ recent visit – probably during the EAB meeting in Rabaul. “I still have not got any definite plans about our future – beyond the fact that we are going to have a real holiday until the end of the year, without worrying 19 about anything. It is possible that I may undertake a special job in one or other of the overseas dependent territories as a kind of consultant in aspects of community education, and the UN Technical Assistance Programme, the educational side of which is administered by UNESCO. One such offer has been made up to date but the region in which I would be required to work does not attract me very much.”
WC Groves to P Jensen, 1 May 1958. Thanks the Manus District Education Officer for his hospitality on Groves’ recent visit – probably after the EAB meeting in Rabaul.
WC Groves to T Stanley, 1 May 1958. Groves thanks the Madang District Education Officer for his hospitality on Groves’ recent visit – possibly after the 17 to 20 March EAB meeting in Rabaul.
WC Groves Administration Servants, 1 May 1958. The Minister has approved a change in the conditions of employment of Administration Servants and for establishment control of all persons employed in this category by the Public Service Commissioner. As a consequence, it will be necessary to collate information regarding every Administration Servant employed in this Department. A pro-forma was sent to Districts requesting this information.
D Owner to His Honour the Administrator, Guidance and Employment of Territory Students, 1 May 1958. A five-page report examining the importance of guidance tests and difficulties in relating them to the Territory situation. Owner concludes, “Effective guidance into employment in this Territory is an essential element in its progress; that the problem of guidance in the Territory differs basically and considerably both technically and in the nature of the material and environment with which it must work; that it is continuing process at all levels both through school and beyond, both in the Territory and on the Australian mainland; that the adoption of Australian vocational guidance services is a help, but will not alone meet the full and ultimate requirements of this Territory.
WC Groves to the Acting Director Department of Native Affairs, Patrol Report No.3, 2 May 1958. The Department is prepared to arrange for the establishment of one or more Administration Schools of Station School type in the Mortlocks as from the beginning of 1959.
WC Groves, Wireless Receiving Sets, 5 May 1958. Wants to know the location and condition of sets.
WC Groves to the Public Service Commissioner, Provisional Promotion – WR Oberg, 5 May 1958. To Headmaster of Lae Technical Training College.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Guidance and Employment of Territory Students, 5 May 1958. Mr Owner’s proposals would, if put into operation, be associated closely with… the proposed Employment Board. They go considerably beyond the guidance work for which the Department of Education is at present officially responsible. My recommendation is, therefore, that the whole subject be represented to the Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Committee as an instrument of the Employment Board.
SA Nielson to Director Department of Education, Staff – Chimbu Sub-District, 6 May 1958. Advises the Director of his interpretation of duties for staff and Area Education Officers.
WC Groves to Assistant Administrator, Curriculum for Secondary Schools, 7 May 1958. The assumption of our preference for the Queensland syllabus is in fact quite unjustified; nowhere have we ever expresses such a preference, and it would appear to me that the assumption of those concerned at the time was merely a matter of expediency which suited their purpose.
South Pacific Post, Future for Students ‘Uncertain’, 7 May 1958, p 6. The Assistant Administrator, Gunther, said at a press conference last week that the Government was uncertain about the future employment of educated natives. The Government will absorb some and private enterprise will most certainly use as many as it can. “Many others will have to rely on the rural industry, their own farms for jobs.”
South Pacific Post, Good Results in PNG Schools, Hasluck Reports, 7 May 1958, p 16. Hasluck told the House of Representatives that non-native school results in the Territory compared favourably with Australia. There are 1,431 European, 1,089 Asian and 350,000 natives of primary school age in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Review on Subsidy, 7 May 1958, p 18. The editorial praises Hasluck’s decision to review the education subsidy. Suggests he was badly advised by some Canberra official and “the suspicion arises that no official of the Administration was asked for his opinion about subsidies.”
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Curriculum for Secondary Schools, 8 May 1958. It is requested, and strongly recommended… that the Department of Education devise its own locally-relevant first-year syllabus for operation in the three schools concerned in 1959, along the lines of a presecondary ‘transition’ year as representing the first step in the adoption of a full scale secondary syllabus of the ‘stream’ type in line with modern educational thinking, adapted in certain respects to Territorial circumstances and leading to a local certificate of Matriculation, which by its nature and through negotiations with the respective educational authorities concerned would be accepted for university entrance purposes by Australian tertiary institutions.
RC Ralph to the Director of Education, Promotion of Native Teachers, 8 May 1958. Submits to the Director a list of promotions to be considered. Native Teacher NT387 Alkan Tololo, a future Director of Education, was recommended for promotion from Grade I to Grade II.
GT Roscoe, United Nations and Australian Trusteeship in New Guinea, 12 May 1958. Gives a summary of the origin, aims and functions of the United Nations and its specialized agencies to help the teaching of this subject (4 pages).
GT Roscoe, Staff Reports, 12 May 1958. Forwarded a copy of the Departmental rating scale to be used in reporting on members of the staff. The rating was to be accompanied by memorandum which indicated some of the evidence on which he has reached his decisions. The report will be discussed with the officer who if he feels that he has received less than justice should be invited to state his grounds in writing and this will be forwarded along with the inspection report.
South Pacific Post, Schools to Take More, 14 May 1958, p 10. Gunther told the press that secondary schools for all races will be available in Port Moresby, Rabaul, Madang and Lae next year “no matter what final decision was made on the replacing of the secondary school subsidies.” When asked to confirm whether the Administration had opposed removal of secondary education subsidy he refused to comment.
South Pacific Post, Native Teachers to Tour, 14 May 1958, p 10. Another group is to tour Queensland from 21 May. Ten native women would tour later in the year.
South Pacific Post, Pre-School Centres Contract Let, 14 May 1958, p 13. Two new buildings for Konedobu and Boroko will cost ₤5,500 each. 21
South Pacific Post, Mr Groves for SPC Meeting, 14 May 1958, p 13. Left 9 May for meeting in Suva from 17 to 28 May. This will be his last meeting as he is due to retire. He is Australia’s representative.
South Pacific Post, PSA Protest on Subsidy, 14 May 1958, p 15. Morobe Branch of PSA passed a vote of no confidence in the Administration’s present policy of school subsidies.
South Pacific Post, Employment of Natives, 14 May 1958, p 20. R Meredith in a letter to the editor on Gunther’s statement suggests vocational guidance tests at age of 12 to cull youths and introduce trade training on a wide scale.
South Pacific Post, Educated Native, 14 May 1958, p 20. A Arua in a letter to the editor says if the Government cannot provide jobs the villagers will tell the children not to go to school.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Native Secondary Scholarships Tenable in Australia, 15 May 1958. The first examination for the selection of Native scholarship holders to proceed to secondary schools in Australia was held at the end of 1953. In 1954 His Honour approved that the final selection be made by a Committee which included representatives of at least two of the principal Missions. Such a Committee continued to sit in 1955, 1956 and 1957. The methods of selection used by the Committee have been unscientific and from a Departmental point of view not entirely satisfactory. Captain Ord of the Army Psychological Services accompanied the Committee on its rounds of the Territory and furnished a report pointing out the defects in the operations of the Committee and suggesting that in future the selection of candidates should be done by Departmental officers without the assistance of unqualified outsiders. Arrangements are therefore being made that in future the Committee shall consist of a senior officer of the Department and the Senior Guidance Officer and this Committee will seek the assistance, where considered necessary, of a female Education Officer and the respective District Education Officers. In anticipation of possible protests from the Missions at the exclusion of their representatives from the Selection Committee, I deem it advisable to secure Your Honour’s explicit approval before putting these proposals into effect. (There is a note on the bottom of the page stating it was approved by HH.)
GT Roscoe, Pre-Entry Training, 15 May 1958. By direction of the Minister for Territories tutorial classes have been established throughout the Territory at which Native Administration employees are prepared to qualify for entry to the Auxiliary Division. Roscoe asks his DEOs for information on classes in their Districts so that he can reassure the Public Service Commissioner that no reasonable action to carry out the Minister’s instruction has been omitted.
GT Roscoe, Loyal Service Medal Award, 16 May 1958. His Honour wants the names of any teachers who have given 25 years of unblemished and outstanding service.
GT Roscoe, Correspondence Tuition for Pre-Entry Training for Auxiliary Division, 16 May 1958. The Department has decided to appoint an officer to prepare and administer Correspondence Tuition for pre-entry training. Roscoe wants details of candidates wishing to enrol.
Minutes of the Special Staff Conference - Popondetta, 16 May 1958. Called by His Honour to discuss any staff problems. Attended by all representative of the Administration. They were concerned with the inadequacy of land and water transport and the condition of the roads.
SA Neilson, Organization and Duties, 20 May 1958. Neilson was concerned with the “heavy and increasing volume of administrative tasks which are divorcing the District Education Officer from professional duties. During a recent visit to Goroka he discussed the matter with Mr Chenoweth of the Organization and Methods Section. A duty statement for a clerk was prepared and submitted to Headquarters where it was approved.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Goroka, Staff – Chimbu District, 16 May 1958. Unless an officer has been posted with definite instructions to carry out administrative duties, his duties are to teach, to manage a school, to supervise and train his native staff.
South Pacific Post, Uproar in House Over Education of Natives, 21 May 1958, p 1. Deputy Prime Minister McEwen accused Bryant in the House of Representatives of seeking to incite unrest in the Territory when he questioned on disparity of ₤ per head spent on education (₤50 in Australia and ₤2/10/- in the Territory).
South Pacific Post, Failure in Education, 21 May 1958, p 18. The Editorial says “we educate natives in the belief the bent pen nib is mightier than the shovel - turn them out after grade 4 believing the bent nib is the key to the cargo. They are spurning labour because they have advanced beyond it… If the Government wanted evidence to support a move to ban every school in the Territory which is incapable of taking a native pupil from Kindergarten to Matriculation, then it need search for evidence no longer. It is here, now, and if something is not done to stop this awful rot, then God help every plan and ambition, we, as Australians, have to help these people.”
South Pacific Post, The Future of the Native, 21 May 1958, p 18. Percy Chatterton, in a letter to the editor, agrees with Meredith that we must select early in primary education. Best go on as far as they can. The rest can go into “a form of education that will help them live happy and useful lives in a rural setting.” Otherwise, all we will achieve is malcontents.
GT Roscoe, Native Teachers’ Tours, 22 May 1958. Roscoe asks for a list of female teachers who would benefit from joining the three-week tour of Queensland in September.
LR Newby to Director of Education, Buildings for Teacher Training, 23 May 1958. A six-page minute outlining the possible sites for developing teacher training in the Territory.
KR McKinnon to Director of Education, District Information, 26 May 1958. McKinnon forwards a map showing the location of each school – no physical features of the district in detail. “Most of the district is low lying or swampy. The foothill and mountain country has either just been opened up or is still uncontrolled. There are no roads except one jeep track through the Trans Fly open for a few dry months each year (but we have no vehicle for it). Transport to schools is almost exclusively by launch, especially as Daru is on an island.”
KR McKinnon to Director of Education, Background to Kiunga School, 26 May 1958. An informative narrative of the establishment of the school sent for possible use in a press release.
KR McKinnon to Director of Education, Local Conferences with Missionaries, 26 May 1958. “Personnel visit each other’s’ schools and Missions are provided with books and periodicals on educational practice in backward countries. The missions are most appreciative of the co-operation they get from you people in Port Moresby. We felt that local discussion may straighten out a few wrinkles and save you some work; but it may be we have overestimated the contribution we can make to effect improvements in this field. Would you please advise and direct us further in this matter.”
DM Cleland, Restriction of Secondary Education Allowances Deferred, 27 May 1958. The Minister has reconsidered the matter of secondary education subsidies and restriction of subsidies will be deferred and re-examined at the end of 1959 when the Territory’s post-primary classes have had one year of operation. Twelve months’ notice will be given to parents of any future changes.
Dr JV de Bruijn, Ninth Meeting of the Research Council of the South Pacific Commission, at Noumea, 28 May 1958. Extract from Closing Statement by the Chairman Dr JV de Bruijn. Farewell to Groves who has served since 1949.
JK McCarthy, Progress in Native Local Government, 28 May 1958. First was established in the Gazelle Peninsular area of New Britain in 1950. There are now 24 Councils. Eight were established this year. The 1958 allocations provide for the construction or purchase of 18 school buildings.
TA Taylor to Director of Education, Location of New Schools - Bougainville, 28 May 1958. Outlines possible sites for new schools subject to available staff and housing.
South Pacific Post, School Subsidies will Stay for Two Years, 28 May 1958, p 1. Cleland said yesterday that Hasluck has reconsidered his earlier decision to remove subsidies. The Administration will pay subsidies for another two years. It will be reconsidered in 1959 after the Territory’s post primary classes would have completed one year’s operation. Parents would have a year’s notice on any further decision to remove subsidies. New buildings in Port Moresby, and Rabaul would allow natives to attend with Europeans.
South Pacific Post, Native Labour Education, 28 May 1958, p 16. Albert Ture asks Cleland to reply on jobs for educated natives.
GT Roscoe, Native Intermediate School Certificate, 30 May 1958. Commencing this year, it is proposed to introduce an annual Standard IX examination throughout the Territory for which all students in Standard IX in Administration Schools will present. Missions may also nominate students for this examination. Roscoe asks the Districts to forward sample examinations papers in English, Arithmetic, Social Studies, Nature Study, and Hygiene based on the Syllabus for Native Intermediate Schools. Guided by these papers, the Chief of Division, Native Education will prepare a set of examination papers to be worked and corrected under the supervision of the District Education Officer, who will issue special Departmental Certificates to successful candidates. The corrected papers will then be forwarded to Port Moresby.
GT Roscoe, School Broadcasts, 2 June 1958. Two broadcasts done by pupils of the Lae Primary School will be rebroadcast on 7 and 28 July at 11am.
South Pacific Post, Many Problems Seen in Education of Native, 3 June 1958, p 4. An Administration spokesman suggests the establishment of secondary industries, especially those related to Territory products, coffee, coconut, to absorb educated natives into the work force.
South Pacific Post, Government Faces Race Against Time, 3 June 1958, p 5. Hasluck said the absorption of natives into industry was receiving considerable Government attention. It was planned to absorb all of them over the next twenty 24 years. “We must teach people to become farmers and to grow their own cash crops… The move to establish agricultural colleges… is one thing we are doing to help… The Territory did not have the economic capacity to afford the higher standards of living towards which the Administration was guiding the people.”
South Pacific Post, Education Department Wants Own Syllabus, 3 June 1958, p 8. Groves has sent to Canberra via the Administrator, a proposal to develop our own secondary syllabus, which would be accepted by all Australian universities for matriculation.
LR Newby to Chief of Division Native Education, Visit to Popondetta, 3-6 June 1958. Six-page report on the staff, (Miss Quinton and Miss Turvey) and conditions at the Training Centre (including no electricity in the dormitories and interference from the DEO).
TA Taylor to Director of Education, Schools - Bougainville, 4 June 1958. Routine report on schools in the District.
D Owner to Goodman, The Daru Primary School, 4 June 1958. Owner informs Goodman of an advisory visit he made to Mrs Croft.
WC Groves to the Hon Secretary, Queensland Council of School Organisations, 5 June 1958. Groves forwards, for information, a paper titled ‘Factual Report on Education in New Guinea’, which outlines education in PNG.
South Pacific Post, Race Against Time, 5 June 1958, p 14. The editorial on Hasluck’s statement on jobs for education of natives, says Hasluck is aware of the problem but a Grade Six student would have a far greater awareness; his theories, as is often the case, sound but impotent. The Territory hasn’t three years to solve the problem – must establish industries now and place the trained native students in them next year.
South Pacific Post, Secondary Education to Come Gradually, 5 June 1958, p 14. Hasluck said recently that subsidies would not be removed in a hurry in future. He said the establishment of secondary education in the Territory should be a slow, gradual process and take second place to primary education. “We will not establish secondary education at the expense of primary education… We should move into higher fields of education gradually and provide schools to meet the needs as they arise…instead of sending the native to Australia before they reach Junior they may go down a year later until finally we are educating them here to matriculation and then we may send them to university.” The financial aspects of the problem come into it. “The secondary school must be shaped to the needs of the native primarily, but there will be no segregation, and the schools that are established will be open to the European student.”
WC Groves to the Director Department of Native Affairs, 6 June 1958. Informal discussions intended to ascertain how best existing governmental machinery may be used to meet present vocational guidance and employment needs were held recently. (Note: At present the following bodies have some involvement in guidance and employment: Education, the Native Labour Branch, the Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Committee, the Public Service Commissioner’s Office, the Apprenticeship Board, and the Employment Board). “I consider that matters relating to students now at Queensland Junior Public Certificate and higher levels here and in Australia may best continue to be administered by this Department. I take the view, however, that the placement in employment of the bulk of school-leavers below this level is a function outside the normal role of this Department.” A copy of the above letter was sent to the Assistant Administrator with the suggestion that the matter be referred to the next meeting of the Vocational Guidance and Training Advisory Board Committee.
WC Groves, Careers in the Department of Education of Papua and New Guinea, 6 June 1958. It composes two papers for use in connection with the recruitment of new Education Officers in 1959. The first titled ‘The Education Scene’ gives information on policy and the structure of the Department (4 pages). The second is ‘Job Information Sheets’ which outlines in some detail conditions surrounding appointment as Education Officer Grade I for general subjects (4 pages).
JR Foldi to the Assistant Administrator, Secondary Education in Australia - Subsidies, 9 June 1958. The District Commissioner asks the AA for his comments on part of a New Britain District Advisory Council resolution asking “that the Administration set up an ad hoc committee to offer suggestions to the Administration in the matter of education beyond the present sixth standard.” Gunther passed the letter to the Director of Education for comment.
Legislative Council Debates, Third Council Third Meeting of the First Session, 9 to 13 June 1958. Mr Ure corrected a misunderstanding that the LMS was pulling out of education. He said they would be involved until the “Local Government or Administration had the staff, the facilities and the financial resources to deal adequately with the work.” Many members gave thanks to Groves for his work in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Educated in Brisbane, Returned to a Hovel, 10 June 1958, p 3. Of two boys educated in Brisbane, one now lives on a canoe and the other in a native village. “An outside committee should be formed to take action to place these people in employment.”
South Pacific Post, Dissatisfaction of Job Placement Methods, 10 June 1958, p 4. Education Officers are dissatisfied with the lack of Administration progress in finding work for the higher educated natives who have already returned from Australian Secondary Schools. Vocational Guidance Officer J Lee, said some are being sent to jobs they did not want. One had to wait four months before obtaining a training position. One who wanted to become a diesel apprentice was sent to Suva Medical School. A lack of cooperation by various departments.
South Pacific Post, Agricultural School Soon, 10 June 1958, p 9. Hasluck announced yesterday, the establishment of an Agricultural College of Australian standards to open at Kerevat in 1960 for Europeans and natives. Initial enrolment will be 30 but by 1962, it should be 90. 518 native farmers are to attend a 9 to 12 month agricultural extension course during 1958 and 1959. By 1961, 1,000 natives, including married couple would be attending the courses. Sub-diploma courses will be opened a Mageri (near Port Moresby) and Popondetta.
South Pacific Post, Apprenticeship Problem: Plenty of Boys, Lack of Jobs, 10 June 1958, p 10. Appointments Officer, D Linton said the position would deteriorate when 500 students would be released from schools.
South Pacific Post, College and Medical Centre May Not Have Enough Students, 10 June 1958, p 11. A spokesman for the Department of Education said the Minister for Territories, Mr P Hasluck, was unlikely to get enough students for the agricultural colleges to be set up in the Territory soon. “It is also unlikely that enough students will be found for the ₤1 million medical centre planned for Port Moresby” (commences in 1960, complete in 1968, and will then have 500 students). “He has given this Department a mere ₤100,000 for buildings in the last 12 years. At Kerevat we have 130 students who will sit for the Junior Examination this year. Some of these will become teachers and others will go to Australia for secondary school education. How many students does he expect to get from these people for agriculture? The Minister announces these plans for the future but we have not been consulted. There is a complete lack of co-ordination and it is very doubtful that the Minister will get his students although he has been told about the situation. Another education official said: there certainly seems to be little coordination from Canberra and very little planning on this problem. We have been examined so much by Canberra these days that it is about time someone left from here to examine Canberra.”
South Pacific Post, An Initial Error, 10 June 1958, p 12. The editorial criticises Hasluck for sending native students to Australian Secondary Schools. They failed their examinations and there are problems in placing them in industry. A few weeks ago, the Administration announced all would be educated in the Territory along with Europeans. Now more are to be sent to Australia. There is little wonder that enmity exists between the Education Department and the Minister. It is surprising that the officers have not made their justified contempt more apparent.
South Pacific Post, Criticism of Editorial, 10 June 1958, p 12. JC Reilly says education is a natural right of the people.
South Pacific Post, Problem of Employment, 10 June 1958, p 12. FI Cameron suggests a committee to investigate avenues of native employment.
WC Groves to KR McKinnon, 12 June 1958. Groves contemplates whether it is time to start calling McKinnon ‘Ken’ but decides it is too close to retirement to change. Complements him on his report on the establishment of Kiunga school… “not only particularly distinctive, but in fact quite inspiring… I am satisfied that you are going all out to keep in touch with the Missions and to assist them to develop their educational work along satisfactory lines… I will be going over to Rabaul for special visiting for a few days at the end of this week, and a few days after my return, I leave for Brisbane to go into hospital to have a skin graft operation performed on my forehead, followed by a very short run down to Melbourne in connection with the arrangements for immediately after my retirement, which takes place only a few weeks after I will have returned from the said trip.”
KR McKinnon to Director of Education, ASOPA Comment, 12 June 1958. “When speaking of the Territory, lecturers at ASOPA invariably speak disparagingly of the Western District and of Daru in particular. Much of this is, of course, merited, as there are many bad features in this district. There are instances of comment going so far as to suggest that postings to stations in this district and to some in the Sepik District are in the nature of ‘punishment postings’ and that they are ‘horror stations.’ One lecturer even suggested that an officer should resign or refuse the posting if he were sent to Daru. There is every chance that the same careless comment could prejudice future staff expansion so it is thought necessary to make some remonstrance.”
South Pacific Post, Exams Too Hard for Native Students, 12 June 1958, p 1. J Lee said Shakespeare and Geometry seem to be beyond their capacity at this stage. There are 58 natives in Junior classes this year and 18 more in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Question of Education, 12 June 1958, p 2. Jimmy James, reporter for the South Pacific Post, says teach the vernacular, then English as a foreign language. Those with an aptitude for it can continue and the others can train as rural workers and farmers.
South Pacific Post, Apprenticeship Plan for Educated Natives, 12 June 1958, p 6. It is planned to include the natives returning from education in Australia in the apprenticeship scheme for Europeans now operating in the Territory. When Queensland was approached about including natives in the scheme they said “that they do not care if a man has pink stripes all over him as long as he can meet the requirements and do the course.”
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Northern District, Report by Superintendent of Teacher Training, 17 June 1958. Roscoe asks for an explanation on some aspects raised in the inspection report.
South Pacific Post, Missions Intend to Keep on Teaching, 17 June 1958, p 8. Mr Ure told the Legislative Council last week that the LMS, contrary to rumours would continue to educate Papuan children until the Administration was in a position to accept responsibility for educating every primary child in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Apprentices Number 200, 17 June 1958, p 9.
South Pacific Post, Education Programme, 17 June 1958, p 11. K Haggarth says the Administration should educate natives to fill junior positions in the Administration to stop Europeans being imported.
WC Groves, Inspection and Staff Reports Native Schools, 19 June 1958. During 1956 DEOs reported on all Native schools. In 1957 they were busy inspecting Mission schools for Registration and Recognition. Need to inspect Administration schools this year and to report on Native staff “to ensure that justice is done to Native teachers in the matter of promotions and transfers.” This was to be achieved by means of Staff Reports using rating scales adapted from European reports. Schools were rated from ‘A’ (excellent) to ‘E’ (unsatisfactory) upon consideration of such things as: Organization and Duties; Records; Curriculum and Methods; Discipline; Attainment and Progress of Pupils; Minor Organization; Buildings and Accommodation; Health and Hygiene; Ethics and Morals; and General Remarks and Rating on Efficiency. Native teachers were rated from ‘A’ (outstanding) to ‘E’ (unsatisfactory) and were assessed on their Physique and Physical Health; Personality; Teaching Skill; Disciplinary Power; Industry; Extra-curricular Activities; and Fluency in English. Teachers in Charge were also assessed on their Organization and Public Relations skills. Both forms were enclosed together with explanations of each category to be assessed and directions on how to complete the forms.
JH Jones, Opening Statement on the Trust Territory of New Guinea to the Twenty-Second Session of the Trusteeship Council, 23 June 1958. Jones is reporting on the Annual Report for 1956-1957 on the Territory of New Guinea. Elections for the P&NG Legislative Council were held on 31 August 1957. The new Council held its first meeting on 30 September 1957. It is the policy of the Administering Authority to make secondary education available to all qualified students by use of facilities in the Territory as well as in Australia and Fiji. Secondary education in Australia is an interim measure only. The ultimate and long-range objective is to merge all secondary education in the Territory, and develop courses which will lead to matriculation requirements. At present, however, the most urgent need is to extend and improve primary education. This is the foundation on which all further progress rests. A Superintendent of Teacher Training has been appointed. And in February 1958 a conference of the Headmasters of Administration teacher training centres was held for the purpose of planning a co-ordinated approach to teacher training. Greater emphasis will now be placed on competence in English and in assessment on a more practical basis. Increased attention is being given to in-service training for teachers. Vacation courses were conducted in each administrative district during the year, and a special refresher course for twenty teachers was held at the Sogeri training centre in Port Moresby. The training of cadet education officers is undertaken at the Teacher’ Training College in Sydney. Australia. This enables a closer association of the cadets with the Australian School of Pacific Administration, where specialized sections of their courses are presented.
Twenty-Second Session of the Trusteeship Council 1958, Conclusions and Recommendations, circa 23 June 1958. The Administering Authority should devote increasingly larger sums to educational advancement. It notes with satisfaction that the Administering Authority is raising the standards of existing schools and that it is receiving the cooperation of the mission authorities in this respect. It commends the Administering Authority for the increasing emphasis it is placing on teacher training. It hopes that the Administering Authority will continue in its efforts to enable all children in the Territory to attend the same schools. It notes the great disproportion between the members of primary and secondary students and is confident that the improvement of the quality and the increase in the number of primary schools will lead to a rapid increase in the number of students qualified and willing to take advantage of secondary education. It expresses the hope that the Administering Authority will provide the facilities and teaching staff which secondary expansion will require.
GT Roscoe, Native Teachers’ Tours in Australia, 24 June 1958. The tour will be for three weeks under the supervision of Miss B McLachlan. Lists the ten to go.
GT Roscoe, Statistics in Relation to Exempt Schools, 26 June 1958. He asks for statistics on the number of exempt schools, enrolments (boys, girls, total) and staff (male, female and total). Says these are required for the annual return and the statistics should be available from the Mission records.
SG Paull to GT Roscoe, Report by Superintendent of Teacher Training, 26 June 1958. Re Electricity: No electricity because no electrician. Re Interference in Centre: His office is on site and he felt compelled to comment on untidiness. Re No Inspection of Kokoda: Road impossible and impassable. Airstrip clouded over on three occasions.
Commonwealth of Australia, Territory of Papua. Annual Report for the Period 1st July 1958 to 30 June 1959
Commonwealth of Australia, Report to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1 July 1958 to 30 June 1959.
NV Salt, Teacher Training Centre Iduabada – Report on Work of First Term, 1 July 1958. From the outset it was disappointing to find that many of the students, particularly those in Course ‘B’, were of a lower academic standard than anticipated. The minimum standard approved for the Course ‘B’ is Grade 9 but although most of the students had indeed completed that Grade their average standard of attainment was only approximately Grade 6. There was an intake of 33. ‘A’ Course had 7 pupils, ‘B’ Course had 22 pupils and the ‘C’ Course had 4 pupils. 5 have been suspended from training – 1 for illness, 2 failed the term exam, 1 went to find work as a clerk and 1 had unsatisfactory conduct.
South Pacific Post, A Racial Issue, 3 July 1958, p 12. Editorial deplores the vote not to allow native preschool observers at Port Moresby Pre-School
South Pacific Post, Secret Ballot Bans Natives, 3 July 1958, p 1. There were to be observers for a six-month trial period at Port Moresby Pre-School.
GT Roscoe, FE Williams: ‘The Blending of Cultures’, 3 July 1958. Asks officers who desire a copy to contact the Research Section.
GT Roscoe, Listing of Teachers Issued with Permits to Teach, 7 July 1958. Roscoe asks Mission to forward any outstanding applications for Permits to Teach. Permits will not be issued to an applicant who has not reached Standard IV. Sympathetic consideration is given to the claims of every applicant who has some qualifications for teaching even at the lowest level. Approximately 1,000 applications have been received for consideration.
South Pacific Post, Administration Looking Into Pre-School Case, 8 July 1958, p 8. The rejection by the pre-school of native women observers.
South Pacific Post, Boycotting of Schools, 8 July 1958, p 14. Bishop A Sorin explains in a letter to the editor that Canon Law no1374 says, “Catholic children shall not attend non-Catholic schools unless their Bishop sees it fit to allow them to do so in special circumstances and according to the instructions of the Holy See.”
JT Gunther to the District Commissioner New Britain, 23rd Meeting New Britain District Advisory Council, Secondary Education, 9 July 1958. The question raised by the Council will be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the Education Advisory Board.
GT Roscoe, Entrance Examinations for Courses for Teacher Training, 11 July 1958. Nominations were invited for those wishing to enter the various types of teacher training. The ‘A’ Course Entrance Examination will be held on 22nd September and the ‘B’ on 20th October. No exam for ‘C’. The entrance requirement for ‘C’ is the completion of the second year of secondary school, as specified in the Departmental Syllabus for Native Schools.
WC Groves, ‘S’ Course, 11 July 1958. The ‘S’ Course examination will be repeated in 1958 for those who failed in 1957 and those who have been prevented through the force of circumstances from sitting in 1957. The dates will be from 17 to 19 November.
GT Roscoe, Teachers’ Certificate Examinations 1958 – ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Certificate Courses, 11 July 1958. There will be both practical and written examinations. Written examinations will be held on 17th and 18th November and trainees will be tested on Teaching Method, and School Management. The practical test will be the presentation of two lessons nominated by the examiner.
CR Lambert to His Honour the Administrator, Curriculum for Secondary Schools, 15 July 1958. The Minister has not approved your proposals in respect of the curriculum to be followed at non-native secondary schools in the Territory, but has approved that the question of curriculum for native secondary schools be left for determination by yourself. The Minister has commented as follows on the matters raised: (a) A decision on this matter would be premature. Hence for the time being the Territory curriculum (for non-native secondary schools) has to be such as to allow transition to the curriculum of an Australian State during the period of secondary schooling. (b) Decisions on secondary education are to be regarded as tentative thinking and planning about secondary education in the Territory are at present incomplete.
South Pacific Post, New Schools Planned, 15 July 1958, p 1. The Director of Commonwealth Works said yesterday the Administration is about to start the most significant school building programme in the history of the Territory. Plans are now being examined for 11 primary and secondary schools. It names the schools and enrolments – total of 1,170 pupils. The plans were made before the recent meeting of the recent UN Trusteeship Council. In the UN Trusteeship Council, the delegate from Burma told the Council of the Administration’s current practice of segregating schools into native and European establishments was a discriminatory use of public funds.
South Pacific Post, Konedobu Pre-School Will Open Soon, 15 July 1958, p 5. Opens July 23 with 30 enrolled – capable of 45.
South Pacific Post, Russia Claims Trusteeship Council Under an Illusion, 22 July 1958, p 13. The Russian delegate, Mr Lovanov says there has been no progress in education in the Territory over the past few years. There is a whole page article. In summary it says: Primary education still less than 50% in school; only 26 natives judged capable of Australian secondary education; more than 2,500 mission schools follow different curricula; 2 inspectors to inspect these schools; 200 mission schools downgraded from post primary to primary schools.
WC Groves to the Head Teachers of Kikori and Kerema, Supervision of Schools in the Absence of District Education Officer, 24 July 1958. The Department cannot provide a replacement for the DEO when he is on leave so the two head teachers were asked to supervise the schools in their immediate area and submit reports to Headquarters.
South Pacific Post, Education Subsidy, 22 July 1958, p 13. Editorial says the subsidy is one of the reasons people come and stay in P&NG. If the Government is to cut it out it should say, no child born in such and such a year will receive the subsidy.
WC Groves, Auxiliary Readers for Territory Schools, 29 July 1958. Lists books approved by the Department.
South Pacific Post, Natives Boycott Rabaul School, 29 July 1958, p 5. The parents of 70 native students refused to let their children attend Navuneram School in objection to the ₤2 head tax. They object to the tax but refuse to accept something for nothing; therefore, the children cannot go to a school funded by the tax. There is no compulsory education.
W Lalor to G Roscoe, 29 July 1958. This five-page letter covers the views of the Public Service Association concerning secondary education and appears as Appendix 1 attached to the Minutes of Eleventh Meeting of the Education Advisory Board.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Eleventh Meeting, 29-31 July 1958. Resolutions: That the Department explain the forms and practices under which registration and recognition of schools is given. That the conditions for Provisional Recognition and supply of equipment when there is a registered teacher or holder of a permit to teach be clarified. It is now opportune for the establishment, as previously recommended, of a committee with the widest possible terms of reference to review the present and to plan for the future educational needs of the Territory. The earliest possible review of present primary and intermediate syllabuses paying special regard to native environment and background and that textbooks and the present examination system be part of the review. That an officer of the Department be set aside to undertake the review. Administration and Mission officers be invited to submit papers on the various methods of giving greater measure of Territorial relevance to the content of the teaching programme in Territory schools, especially in respect of the teaching of English or in the approach to English in the syllabus in every subject. That the syllabus content of secondary education need not necessarily be the same for all peoples. The establishment of non-native European-type 31 secondary schools be deferred until such time as - (a) The concentration of men and materials and time will not affect adversely the progress of native education. (b) The work can be undertaken with assurance that the secondary schools will measure up to mainland standards. The final selection of native scholarship students for secondary schooling in Australia be made by a committee of not more than three members. Formal education to be restricted to 12 hours a week for the first two years of schooling. The hours of schooling in native intermediate schools to be reduced from 30 to 25 hours. To bring to the notice of the Administrator, for submission to the Minister, that education is being retarded due to the failure to provide school buildings, especially for post primary and teacher training purposes. Requests that the Administrator put to the Minister, the proposal to establish boarding schools, both Administration and Mission, and to maintain therein all students who have passed a qualifying 5th Standard.
KR McKinnon, Inspection Report of the Balimo Station School, 31 July 1958.
JT Gunther, Examination of Departmental Functions, 31 July 1958. It is proposed to bring together under one cover a statement of the functions of all Departments. As a preliminary step it will be helpful if each Department makes available a copy of functional statements already in existence. Where possible this should include a list of the Legislation administered by the Department.
South Pacific Post, Calwell in Moresby Discusses Education of Natives, 31 July 1958, p 9. The amounts for education would have to be considerably increased to meet the natives almost pathetic desire to lift themselves out of their tribal background, said deputy leader of the Labor Party.
South Pacific Post, Visiting Missions, 31 July 1958, p 12. Editorial noting that the UN Mission was due felt the need to issue a little advice. “Most regrettably the people of this Territory have suffered in the past from an over-abundance of loutishness, rudeness and indelicacy from members of the visiting missions, which they would never have tolerated from a member of their own community, no matter how highly placed he was… spat on the floors of their hostesses’ homes, abused hospitality and committed diplomatic blunders. Indeed, one member of one of these missions returned to his own country with a reputation of being a devil with the native women – and not a nice devil at that. Let us hope that the members of the next mission are reasonable, logical, intelligent men… We have had enough of the other kind.”
Department of Education, Staff Postings as at 1 August 1958. Lists each person by District, school and position. Includes list of Cadet Education Officers in first and second year of training in Australia.
WC Groves to the Public Service Commissioner, Commencement of Secondary Education in the Territory, 4 August 1958. The Minister has instructed that Secondary education shall commence in 1959 and the Department of Works has given an assurance that four classrooms will be compete for Boroko and Rabaul. It is therefore requested that you take up with the Department of Territories the urgent need for recruitment of two Head Masters, four graduate teachers for Maths, Science, English and Social Studies, and four women teachers for Domestic Science, Physical Education and general primary subjects.
South Pacific Post, Territory Education; Review Suggested, 5 August 1958, p 7. A review was suggested by the EAB to examine all aspects of education. The Board was chaired by Groves for the last time. The Board also recommended: a review of syllabuses, textbook and the examination systems, selection of native 32 secondary students for Australia, secondary education in the Territory, provision of school buildings, and proposed amendments to the Education Regulations. The Board also suggested the establishment of boarding schools at Standard V level and the maintenance of students at these schools.
South Pacific Post, Church’s Role in Education, 5 August 1958, p 12. ‘Libertados’ replies to Sorin’s letter. Says the State should never support Church education. Argues that the Catholics are at the bottom of science and medical ratings lists.
SA Neilson to the Director of Education, Formal Opening of Gema School, 7 August 1958.
WC Groves to the Director Department of Native Affairs, Vocational Guidance and Employment Placement Services, 8 August 1958. Provides numbers of students expected to leave school at the end of the year. In addition, the following will complete their second year of pre-apprenticeship training in December and will seek employment as native apprentices: Carpenters 63; Mechanics 43; Plumbers 21; Boat-builders 2.
WC Groves to His Honour the Administrator, Education Advisory Board – Eleventh Meeting – Text of Resolutions, 8 August 1958. Cleland wrote comments next to the text of each resolution and directed that at letter be written to the Department of Territories in accordance with these comments. He met with Groves on the 14th August and informing him of his decisions. Cleland’s written comments were: Committee of Review of Education: “My own view is that this could be left until after the appointment of the new Director and not until (if then) he has had an opportunity to assess the whole situation. If a Committee is to be set up Mr. Groves recommends: (a) Dr. C. R. Beeby, Director of Education N.Z. – formerly on loan to UNESCO as Chief (?) or Director of Education. (b) Dr. W. Radford – Director of Australasian Council in Educational Research. (c) Prof. F. R. Schonell, Professor of Education, University of Queensland.” Cleland approved that a Circular Memorandum be issued clarifying the conditions for Provisional Recognition and supply of equipment when there is a registered teacher or holder of a permit to teach. Cleland approved the earliest possible review of present primary and intermediate syllabuses paying special regard to native environment and background and textbooks and the present examination system be part of the review. Cleland approved Administration and Mission officers be invited to submit papers on the various methods of giving greater measure of Territorial relevance to the content of the teaching programme in Territory schools, especially in respect of the teaching of English or in the approach to English in the syllabus in every subject. Cleland agrees that the final selection of native scholarship students for secondary schooling in Australia be made by a committee of not more than three members. The Committee was “to be appointed by the Administrator each year; no mission representatives as two Departmental officers would be required and we could not single out one mission representative against another.” Cleland noted that the establishment of non-native European-type secondary schools could not be deferred indefinitely. On the matter of the failure to provide school buildings Cleland noted that everything possible was being done and directed that that figures in this year’s Works programme be quoted. Cleland agreed in principle with the proposal to establish boarding schools but said that this must be governed by the funds available. He suggested that the idea of a special grant could be a term of reference for the Committee of Review if and when it was set up. Cleland wished to consider the legal implications of changing the hours of schooling.
WC Groves to the Assistant Administrator, Vocational Guidance and Training Committee, 12 August 1958. A survey of the career interests of advanced native students has just been completed and the results are forwarded for your information. The most popular careers were: General teaching 56; Medical work 17; Agricultural work 11; Department of Native Affairs (mainly field assistants) 9; and Bank teller 5. The least popular careers were: Royal Papuan Constabulary 1; Land Surveyor 1; Manual Arts Teaching 2; Religious Vocations 2; and Co-operatives 3. Scoring 4 each were Nursing, Apprenticeships, and Clerical.
South Pacific Post, ‘School of Air’ Suggested, 12 August 1958, p 7. Was suggested to the Senate by Senator Nancy Butterfield.
WC Groves to the Officer-In-Charge Idubada Teacher training Centre, Report on First Term 1958, 14 August 1958. “We were aware of the low scholastic standing of the students… it is quite clear that in this respect they are well below the level of male students admitted to other centres this year. Your adverse comments on the character of the trainees are a matter for concern…have had to face bigger problems of adjustment … because of the nearness of a major town, and the fact that they have come from many different parts of the Territory.
WC Groves, Teacher Training Courses 1959, 14 August 1958. It is hoped to hold the following courses: Alternate ‘A’ (Infants’ Teaching) for girls only and ‘A’ for Mission nominees (both with Standard VI entrance); ‘B’ and ‘C’ for males and females with ‘B’ having Standard IX entry and ‘C’ having Junior level entry. Students who wish to undertake teacher training but who have the capacity to continue their education should be encouraged to do so.
South Pacific Post, School Decision Called Criminal, 14 August 1958, p 3. The P&C of Ela Beach complains about the loss of a teacher.
South Pacific Post, Farewell to Director of Education, 14 August 1958, p 7. Groves farewelled by Sogeri. Was given a Bible and artwork by Vincent Eri.
WC Groves to the Public Service Commissioner, Commencement of Secondary Education in the Territory, 15 August 1958. Groves informs the PSC because the Minister has decided not to cancel the secondary subsidy scheme most European and Asian secondary students will go to schools in Australia and there will be no need for a special recruitment drive for secondary teachers. Groves suggests that preference should be given to recruiting ten secondary teachers as part of the normal recruitment drive of 25 male and 10 female teachers. “When it is known that full-scale secondary education is to commence in the Territory, with adequate and suitable buildings specially constructed for this purpose available, then and not before then, should special recruitment be arranged from within and outside the Service for the required secondary teaching staff, and for this the existing departmental establishment already contains provision. (The secondary positions referred to in Groves’ 4 August letter to the PSC had been approved and were now part of the Department’s establishment.)
KR McKinnon to the Director of Education, Inspection Reports, 15 August 1958. Eleven of the London Missionary Society schools listed by the Department for inspection were found to have been closed. The distances involved and a chronic shortage of transport continues to hinder inspection efforts.
GT Roscoe, Registration and Recognition of Mission Schools, 18 August 1958. This six-page circular was produced following a resolution of the Education Advisory Board requesting clarification of the conditions for Provisional Recognition and supply of equipment when there is a registered teacher or holder of a permit to teach.
GT Roscoe, Use of Banda Duplicators by Non-Native Schools, 20 August 1958. To be another issue. Roscoe suggests small schools share a duplicator.
GT Roscoe, Expenditure on Education from Mission Funds, 22 August 1958. In accordance with the practices adopted in previous years the Head of each Mission is requested to advise the amounts spent on Education during the financial year from the Mission’s own funds.
- Owner to A/Director of Education, Inspection of District Education Officers, 22 August 1958. Roscoe has asked Owner to inspect the DEOs to bring their efficiency records up to date and to determine those to be considered for the proposed position of Inspector of Schools – Native. Owner suggests he spends one week with each of the twelve listed officers.
JA Lee, Policy on Secondary Education, 25 August 1958. Consists of Lee’s notes of the views expressed by various people at a meeting between Roscoe, Owner, Fell, Westmore and Lee on 22 August. Lee states: “I suggest that nothing has really been satisfactorily resolved and that this matter should be the subject of a further formal conference between yourself and Messrs Owner, Newby and Lamacraft. I should like to be present.”
JT Gunther to the Director of Education, Education Advisory Board, Eleventh Meeting - Text of Resolutions, 25 August 1958. Gunther sends confirmation of Cleland’s handwritten decisions mentioned in Groves to His Honour 8 August 1958.
T Grahamslaw, Application for Remission of Duty – Catholic Mission, Alexishafen, Madang, 25 August 1958. Lists duty free goods that can be imported by the Missions. Consists of items relating to Churches, hospitals, schools and gifts of use by the Christian Missions.
GT Roscoe to Acting District Education Officer Daru, Local Conferences with Missionaries, 26 August 1958. McKinnon is informed that the Kiwai vernacular primer “was printed under an agreement whereby we accepted manuscripts from the Missions and printed them, raising with the Mission concerned only the question of whether the primer was acceptable to all Missions in the area. We did actually go further than we normally would have, in suggesting some changes in the primer. We were severely rebuffed for this, and advised that the Mission had twelve competent persons to advise them on such matters. The primer was them printed as it stood!”
GT Roscoe, Examination for Admission to Intermediate and Technical Schools, 26 August 1958. This is a competitive examination for candidates from Standard VI and will be held on 22 September 1958.
South Pacific Post, Big Increase in Native Pupils, 26 August 1958. Hasluck gives statistics. The number of natives in Administration schools was 4,666 in 1953 and 14,830 in 1958. Enrolments are up 1,500 on last year. The number of schools has risen from 88 in 1953 to 206 in 1958. The number of native teachers has risen from 222 to 488 and European teachers from 88 to 152. 107 native teachers started teaching this year. Grants to Missions were ₤100,826 in 1956/1957 and ₤175,000 in 1957/1958. There are 1,768 non-natives being educated and 786 non-natives at secondary schools in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Hasluck Contradicts Himself, 26 August 1958, p 8. “In his budget notes released recently, Hasluck announces that steady progress has been made by the Department of Education within recent years. This is in direct contradiction to statements he has made over recent years to the Administration. Mr. Hasluck was bitingly critical of the Department of Education’s progress at a Canberra meeting this year. He criticizes the Department’s senior officers for lack of initiative and planning. His attack on the Department led to animosity among Departmental officers and open hostility from the retired Directory of Education Mr WC Groves.”
JB Madden, Report of Inspection Station School Tari, Southern Highlands District, 27 August 1958.
GT Roscoe, Universal Children’s Day, 27 August 1958. Schools are to arrange an appropriate celebration for 22 October.
TA Taylor, Post-Primary Education - Bougainville, 28 August 1958. You asked my opinion regarding the real need for establishing an Intermediate school at Wakunai – there is no immediate need but the Department could reconsider a second Intermediate boys’ school in Bougainville about the end of 1960. There is a handwritten note on the letter where Roscoe directs Newby to “tell Lands to reserve the school site at Wakunai.”
GT Roscoe to Chief of Division of Non-native Education, Inspection of District Education Officers, 28 August 1958. “I have had several discussions with the Senior Public Service Inspector and one brief discussion with the Public Service Commissioner regarding the appointment of Inspectors of Schools in the Division of Native Education. The Commissioner is not convinced of the need for such appointments and he considers that all the inspecting that has to be done can be carried out by District Education Officers. Before any further representations are made … I must have at hand a substantial amount of reliable evidence such as could be gathered in an investigation such as I have requested you to carry out. There is a further consideration that when matters of promotion and appeals come up, we shall be hampered by the fact that we have no staff reports on most of our DEOs. McKinnon should arrive in Port Moresby today on his way south on leave. I am very pleased with reports he has sent in and there is clear evidence that he has been energetic and attentive in moving about his District. But it would be much easier to do him justice if on his file there was a completed rating scale in the accepted form on which he was assessed under the various headings. It is understood therefore that one item on your programme will be the preparation of a staff report on each District Education Officer whose work you examine. You have suggested that you spend a full week on each officer’s work and inspect all aspects including – Guidance to teachers. Organisation of schools. Inspection of Mission and Administration schools and teachers. Stores organization and distribution of materials. Office organization. District relationships, and Personal reading and advancement. Your suggestion that you make these inspections on a basis of one week in – one week out is approved and unless unforeseen circumstances occur the process may continue into the New Year until completed. Mr Irvine tells me that the enrolment in Mission schools which have been approved is approximately 18,000 but there are 30,000 children in something like 1,200 schools which have been provisionally recognised and have not yet been inspected.”
South Pacific Post, Children Wear Chains, 28 August 1958, p 1. A missionary from Goilala chains children by the neck for running away. At night they are chained under the house. Children who misbehave have their hair cut off and do road work.
DM Cleland to Secretary, Department of Territories, Education Advisory Board – Eleventh Meeting, 28 August 1958. Cleland informs Canberra of his reactions to the EAB recommendations as expressed in his handwritten notes on Groves to His Honour, 8 August 1958.
GT Roscoe, Pre-entry Training for Auxiliary Division Correspondence Courses, 29 August 1958. Lists students by District, who have completed their grading tests. 142 out of 235 who nominated have commenced courses. 15 are of Standard Four to Five level; 55 are of Standard Six plus level, and 72 are classed as Standard Eight plus.
D Owner to the Public Service Commissioner, Secondary Education in the Territory, late August 1958. Refers to Groves’ letter to the PSC dated 15 August 1958. Owner argues that “there is certain confusion concerning the factual situation in Rabaul, and the possible need in Rabaul and the state of the present planning for the Rabaul Secondary School… At the present Elementary and High School, there are 52 students working a partial syllabus from Grade 7 through the Junior. Last year, not one single child from the whole sixth grade chose to go to Australia for secondary work from this school. I understand that not one contemplates going this year. I have put a figure of 100 children likely to attend the Rabaul secondary school as from the beginning of 1959… I would counsel then, Sir, if it is at all possible, the employment of a nucleus of graduate staff for the non-native secondary schools. If these schools get away to a good start… then the sooner will the Administration be in a position to be relieved of the burden of overseas educational cost which this coming year may will total ₤200,000.”
GT Roscoe, Inspection, 1 September 1958. Roscoe informs DEOs of what they can expect as outlined in Roscoe to COD Native Education 28 August 1958.
GT Roscoe to the Executive Officer, Department of the Administrator, Functions of the Department of Education, 1 September 1958. Lists functions and legislation administered as requested in a memorandum dated 3 July 1958.
RC Ralph to the Acting Director of Education, Central District – Intermediate Schooling 1959, 1 September 1958. Reviews the current situation and plans for 1959. Roscoe adds a footnote that in future the Sogeri course will lead to Queensland Junior and that Standard VII will become Form I; Standard VIII will become Form II; Standard IX will become Form III.
GT Roscoe, Native Secondary Scholarships, 2 September 1958. “The Administrator has approved the interviewing committee to consist of LR Newby (Acting Chief of Division of Native Education), JA Lee and GW Gibson. All but the weakest of the 108 nominating for scholarship will be interviewed. The Department accepts the view, which is supported by the weight of scientific opinion, that as a means of predicting scholastic success, the personal interview is virtually useless. The Committee will however use the interview as an aid to estimating the candidates’ capacity for social interaction, i.e., ability to get along with people and to assess the facts and value of their previous education.”
Department of Education, Conference on Secondary Education, 2 September 1958. Attended by Roscoe, Owner, Newby, Lamacraft, Lee and McLachlan. 10-page summary. Main points: Roscoe: In regard to the content of the syllabus the Minister has said to follow the Queensland course. The native schools will conform partly to the Queensland Syllabus. We are going to spread the Secondary courses over six years instead of four. The content will be that of the Queensland Junior and the Queensland senior – but we will take four years to Junior and two years to Senior. What I had in mind was that we should do practically the same thing in our native secondary schools. The Minister still hankers for a native course partly along the lines of the Queensland curriculum. Our immediate job is to have arrangements ready for next year. I am not unsympathetic to a locally adapted syllabus, but it cannot be written overnight, and it will take some months to get suitable text books as well. Owner: Are we certain in our own minds that the natives are going to secondary schools for Europeans? The Central District Advisory Board, the P&C Association at Ela Beach and the Executive of the Boroko school all said that providing these natives did not handicap our children educationally and providing they are socially acceptable they will have no objection to their entering the school. We went ahead and applied for land and at the Executive meeting His Honour said this is not going to be a European-type secondary school, it is to be a secondary school, thereby giving official approval to the idea. Roscoe: It is practically an instruction from the Department of the Administrator that we are to include native scholarship holders in the new secondary schools at Boroko and Rabaul. Owner: Dr. Gunther asked how many people did we expect for the Rabaul High School. At the moment 100 are anticipated. The Assistant Administrator is of the opinion that we will have native children in these two schools. Owner: There will be a fairly wide range of courses available at the school. N. Thomson, the PSC, has approved of the idea that we will be overstaffed to the extent of providing all the subjects. Lee: The first 20 (natives undertaking secondary selection) will go to Australia. The Minister wants children to go south for reasons other than scholastic. Between 10 and 80 will go into the local secondary schools. The second best are being put into with the European students. Where do you draw the line? Purely on age? Roscoe: More on age than not. Newby: The number we can select will depend on the availability of suitable living accommodation. Owner: The Catholic students will be sent south for education in Catholic schools and that will leave you with Protestant secondary schools. Lee: I take we have to send the best 20 to Australia, the next 20 go to Malaguna there they will stay for one year, making a strong case for hostels. Every scholarship to the value of ₤100 to go to Boroko after finding accommodation and those who cannot find accommodation will go to Sogeri and Kerevat. Rosco: We have now got to put this up to the Assistant Administrator.
South Pacific Post, Big Aims in Education, 2 September 1958, p 8. The Government aimed at providing schooling for all children in controlled areas as soon as possible, Hasluck told the House of Representatives. The chief limiting factor was the availability of trained European and native teachers. No overseas recruiting had been attempted.
South Pacific Post, On a Shoe String, 2 September 1958, p 8. Mr Bryant (Labor) told the House of Representatives that Territory educationists had made impressive progress with the shoe-string resources granted them.
South Pacific Post, We’re Doing Well, 2 September 1958, p 8. The Administration of P&NG was doing a marvellous job, particularly in education, the Governor of Dutch New Guinea Dr PJ Plateel said in Port Moresby recently.
South Pacific Post, No ‘School of the Air’, 2 September 1958, p 9. The Federal Government has rejected Senator Nancy Butterfield’s suggestion of a School of the Air for P&NG children.
GT Roscoe, Native Secondary Scholarships to Schools in Australia, 3 September 1958. “It is the intention of the Administration to open two Secondary Schools in the Territory early in 1959. These will be of European type and will be attended by European children and children of Mixed-race, but a number of selected Native students will also be admitted. It is also planned to improve the facilities for Secondary Education at the Native Secondary Schools at Sogeri and Kerevat. Native students will be expected to study the same number of subjects as is customarily taken by Australian students. All Native students will be expected to take English and Mathematics 1. The majority of native students are unlikely to continue beyond the Junior level.”
N Thomson to Director Department of Education, Recruitment 1958/59, 3 September 1958. The Treasurer and the Director of Finance have advised that because of the financial position it will now be necessary to review your recruitment with a view to determining a practical and effective programme for 1958/59
SJ Pearsall to His Honour, 1957 Missions Conference Resolutions, 5 September 1958. On 8 September 1958 Cleland approved the courses of action as recommended by Pearsall. Many required no action because the Minister had determined that grant-in-aid was to remain as at present until the end of 1958. Other actions such as providing information to the missions had already been done. Other decisions of interest were: Resolution 2 (a): The ‘S’ Course completed last year gave all Missionaries who wished to qualify the opportunity to do so … to go further the Director believed would be virtually giving Registration and a subsidy of ₤400 per annum to any person nominated by a Mission including those persons who lacked the interest to undertake a lightened course of study. Recommended that your Honour should not approve of this Resolution. Resolution 2 (g): Your Honour has already approved that the ‘A’ Course for Registration of teachers shall continue until the end of 1960 and that the question of its continuation beyond then is to be reviewed at that time. Recommendation: That the Missions be advised as above. Resolution 2 (n): The question of a Committee of Review has been discussed since the Conference by the Education Advisory Board. Your Honour recommended to the Minister that this question of a Committee of Review should await the appointment of a new Director and is having had an opportunity to assess the situation. Recommended that the Missions be informed that this matter is still under consideration. Resolution 2 (p): The Minister has directed that three places per annum are to be offered to cadet mission teachers at ASOPA, the standard of entry is to be as for Administration Cadet Education Officers.
South Pacific Post, New Director Gives Aims in Education, 5 September 1958, p 1. Hasluck appointed Roscoe Director of Education early this week. Roscoe: “While secondary schools are necessary, our principal aim should be to educate all those children who want to be educated. That means the emphasis must be placed on primary education.” Gives biographical material on Roscoe.
Hasluck on Roscoe’s Appointment, from ‘A Time For Building’, p 224. “In 1958 Groves reached retiring age. It was decided to advertise widely in the hope of obtaining an outstanding man as his successor. The response was more numerous than exciting. The committee appointed to interview the final panel of applicants found two who were better than the others but was divided in preference between them and enthusiastic about neither. I received no firm recommendation. I decided to appoint the most senior man already in the service, GT Roscoe, partly on the ground that none of the others was ‘so far superior as to warrant the passing over of a man already in the service’, but largely because Roscoe only had two years to run before retirement and this would give us another chance to find an outstanding man, whereas the appointment of the man on the top of the outside list would mean that we would have him for the next ten years. What I had seen personally of Roscoe also impressed me. He was a school-teacher and was aware that the work of an Education Department had something to do with getting more and better schools and teachers.”
Roscoe on Roscoe’s Appointment, Roscoe to Blatchford 27 April 1982. “Of course, I was too old. They all said that. I was 58 when Bill retired and it left me only two years to go before retirement. Groves had recommended against my appointment. Groves was always against the man he had. The man that hadn’t come up yet, he was better than the one he’d got. And the Secretary of Territories had recommended against my appointment. Territories did not like me appealing over the head of Territories to the Prime Minister. [Loch’s note: The reason for this is a bit involved but well worth repeating.] According to Roscoe, Huxley, the Public Service Commissioner, told everyone that he was going to get Groves the sack and wanted Roscoe’s assistance. Roscoe refused saying, “Bill and I have our differences and we’ll fight that our between ourselves but if you attack Bill Groves, I’m with him.” Huxley then replied, “I know that. Now I’ve got to get you out of the way. I’m going to upgrade the job that you hold (Inspector of Schools) and advertise it as a new job. And I’ll tell you straight away that you will not get it. Now I’m offering you as a consolation prize the principalship of the Public Service Institute at the same salary you are getting now. Will you accept it?”
When Huxley told me this I said, “Well I don’t see that I can hold out against you. I will accept on the one condition and that is that you appoint me principal of the Institute without advertisement and without appeals and I’ll accept it.” Shortly thereafter, Roscoe was on a six weeks survey of the South East of Papua on the trawler ‘Tami’ when he received a radio from ‘Mother’ to ‘come home immediately in your own interests’. Roscoe’s daughter was a reader in the Government Printer’s Office and she had noticed that Roscoe’s current job and the Institute job were being advertised with applications to close in two weeks. Roscoe convinced his mate, the trawler master, to turn around and they sailed 100 miles a day, 14 hours a day, to reach Port Moresby in 5 days. On the afternoon of the fifth day, I sent a radio and there was a car waiting at the wharf and I walked straight in. And he started as if he’d seen a ghost. And I said, “You broke your word to me.” To which Huxley replied, “I couldn’t help that. Canberra made me do it.” “Alright it doesn’t matter. The agreement’s off. I’m not applying for the Institute. I’m applying for my own job.” “Oh, you’ll never get it! You’ll never get it!” “Maybe.” I went over to my own office. I wrote out an application for my job and dictated a letter to the Prime Minister of Australia (Menzies), and I said, “I’m writing to you and you might think I should write to the Minister for the Territories but if I wrote to the Minister for Territories this letter would be intercepted. And I’m appealing to you in the Queen’s name for justice. The man who is appointed in this Territory to see justice done to members of the Public Service is as crooked as a snake’s belly. He’s as low as a snake’s belly and as crooked as an Irishman’s walking stick.” Roscoe won his upgraded position but the animosity remained.
The handling of Roscoe’s appointment as Director of Education was also a fiasco. “I had no warning (that I was to be appointed). The morning I got to know, there was a call on the telephone from the news announcer at 9PA and he said, ‘Mr. Roscoe, I have the news here. Have you been informed that you have been appointed the Director of Education?’ ‘No.’ ‘I suspected it would be something like that. I didn’t want it going over the news without you knowing. Well, I’m telling you now.’” “And we listened to the news and it came over the news that Roscoe had been appointed Director of Education. Then the telephone rang with an apology from Cleland and a bit later the telephone rang with an apology from Thompson.”
South Pacific Post, School’s Closure Brings Protest, 5 September 1958, p 6. Banz European school has closed because the Government lacks petrol funds to drive the teacher from Minj. 35 children in the area. The parents who built the school are irate.
J Kerr, The Observer, Independence for New Guinea, 6 September 1958. “Our plan need not, indeed could not, have a precise timetable. It should however, clearly include detailed planning and action in the field of political development with ancillary educational and other planning and action designed to produce as quickly as possible a reasonably sophisticated leadership based upon western notions. First, there should be cultural, economic, and defence ties with Australia. Second, the Federation of Melanesia to be established should ultimately be a black dominated, not a white dominated State. Third, the Europeans in New Guinea – only 17,500 out of 1,750,000, in our territories and a smaller proportion in West New Guinea - must be told this. Fourth, every effort must be made to eradicate any racialism in New Guinea.”
Cook to GT Roscoe, Inspections, circa 6 September 1958. “As it would seem that I am likely to be the second District Education Officer to be inspected, I would appreciate a copy from you of my Duty Statement so that … I will have some idea of just what I am supposed to do. Since my service began in March 1949, I have never seen a Duty Statement.”
FN Boisen to the Director of Education, Inspection Native Education Centres and Native Schools, 8 September 1958. “I wish to formally protest against the inspection of any Native School or Education Centre by anyone but a member of the Division of Native Education. The Division of Non-Native Education has a totally different set of problems from that of the Division of Native Education.” Roscoe notes on the bottom of the letter, “This protest is completely out of order. If Mr. Boisen were not proceeding on leave on 7th October – for nine months – I would take the matter up with him. Under the circumstances no further action is to be taken.
CR Lambert to Brigadier D. M. Cleland, Restrictions on the Admission and Operation of Christian Missions, 8 September 1958. Lambert forwarded to Cleland a copy of a research report he had from JA Miles, Senior Lecturer in History at ASOPA, with a view of ascertaining whether in any Colonial Administration legislative action has been taken to exercise official control over the admission and operation of missionaries, either by registration or otherwise.
South Pacific Post, Scholarships for Teacher Training, 9 September 1958, p 7. Dr Scragg (Health) said applications would close at the end of the month for two pre-school teacher training scholarships.
JW Sargeant to the Director of Education, Visit to Area Schools, 11 September 1958. A six-page report on four schools. “The need for constant visits by a European officer to these schools is apparent. I am both willing and anxious to do this and consider that a visit needs to be made six-weekly at the outside. It is however, very hard to leave Kerema when I have Standard 9 to teach as well as having to assist with Standards 6 and 5, both Standards being without a teacher.”
South Pacific Post, Interviewing System not Accurate Says Director, 12 September 1958, p 4. The personal interview is virtually useless as a means of predicting scholastic success, said Roscoe. Nevertheless, it would be used for all but the weakest of 108 natives sitting for scholarship examinations to go to Australia.
GT Roscoe to the Public Service Commissioner, Departmental Organisation, 12 September, 1958. Roscoe stated that the function of the Department had been divided very unevenly between the Division of Non-Native and Native Divisions, which also suggest a degree of discrimination that does not, in fact, exist. “There is, of course, differentiation on a cultural basis, which will steadily diminish as the Minister’s policy is more effectively implemented. The designations of the two divisions should suggest racial integration rather than separation… The following proposals for changes in the distribution of functions in this Department are therefore submitted for your consideration. If they appear to you to be sound, it is requested that they be sent on to the minister for his approval. If permission is given to make these changes, I shall recommend to you certain transfers and promotions of officers, and amendments of duty statements, which will make the changes effective. It is therefore proposed: - That the Division of Native Education should in future be known as the Division of Primary Education. Its functions will concern all primary schools for indigenous children, including girls’ schools, and the training of indigenous teachers. That the Division of Non-Native Education should become the Division of Secondary Education. It will be concerned with the administration of Secondary Education for both indigenous and non-indigenous pupils. As a matter of convenience this Division will continue to administer Primary Schools which use the New South Syllabus.” Roscoe enclosed the current and proposed Duty Statements for the Chiefs of Division.
GT Roscoe, Inspection of Schools – Assessment of Labour Involved, 12 September 1958. Owner, the Chief of Division Non-Native Education, is carrying out a review of the functions of District Education Officers. “One purpose of the review is to make a case to the Public Service Commissioner for an increased establishment of officers for the inspection and supervision of Administration and Mission schools for native pupils. The task has recently been discussed with a high official of the Department of Education for New South Wales, who proffered advice on the method they use. The procedure is as follows: Group the schools to allow economic traveling and assess the time to travel to all the schools. Allow half a day to inspect each teacher and half a day to assess the school organization. A separate sheet is prepared to allow for follow-up visits. District Education Officers who are expecting a visit from Mr. Owner would prepare in advance for him a calculation on the lines described above as to the total time that would be required for all the schools in his District. In general, it is considered that a native school with one, two or three teachers might well be inspected by an Area Education Officer; larger schools should be inspected by the District Education Officer, and Teacher Training institutions by an Inspector of Schools from Headquarters.”
A Sorin, On Our Relations with the Administration and on Disciplinary Measures, 15 September, 1958. Sorin is the Bishop and Vicar Apostolic of Port Moresby and in a Circular, he makes the following points. On relations with the Administration, he gives quotes from his predecessors and summarizes the relationship by saying: “As Catholic Missionaries, we would fail in our Pastoral duties if we were in any way disloyal to the Administration of the Territory or to the officers who represent the Administration. Unless the Law of God or of the Church is at stake, we owe complete allegiance to the Administration as such.” On disciplinary matters, Sorin refers to “an accusation levelled at our Mission by the local newspaper (which) has publicized incidents alleged to have taken place in our Mission, concerning ‘indignities’ imposed on school children by our Missionaries. I am not acquainted with the facts… but I sincerely hope the enquiry now being made by the Administration disproves the charges laid against us.” Sorin quotes from a 1916 ‘Pastoral Letter to the Teachers of the Mission’, which says: “Be strict in obtaining from the Children silence and good behaviour… Be firm but be kind… These little people are exceedingly light and giddy brained, easily distracted, very soon tired of keeping quiet and listening. You must bear patiently with them and never be violent or cruel.” A 1937 repeat of the letter also stated, “The use of anything like a stick, strap, rod etc in correcting children is strictly forbidden in the Mission.”
JT Gunther, Notes on Action Taken on the Resolutions of the 1957 Missions - Administration Conference, 16 September 1958. Formal publication of the Administration’s responses to the Missions’ Resolution as outlined in Pearsall to His Honour, 5 September 1958.
South Pacific Post, Native Exams to be Made Tougher, 16 September 1958, p 7. Studies and examinations for native students attending secondary schools in Australia are to be made more difficult. They are unlikely to proceed beyond Queensland Junior. The Administration intends to open two secondary schools next year. “These will be of European type and will be attended by Europe and children and children of missed-race, but a number of selected native students will also be admitted. It is also planned to improve the facilities for secondary education at the native secondary schools at Sogeri and Kerevat.”
South Pacific Post, Few Films in Schools, 16 September 1958, p 8. Three schools have sound projectors; eight have pianos; ten have duplicators; ten have a library of 200 books; and fourteen have woodwork facilities.
Dwyer’s Speech to the Legislative Council, 17 September 1958. Roscoe to Blatchford. On his appointment, Roscoe began to lobby for more funds for education. He wished to argue his case before the Legislative Council but being an official member, he was required to support the government and unable to speak out against inadequacies in the education system. Roscoe approached Fr. Dwyer to act as his spokesman. Dwyer was the logical choice. He had been pushing for a review of education since 1955. He was an independent member of the Legislative Council and he was a close personal friend of Roscoe. Dwyer was briefed on Roscoe's plans and provided with statistics to support his presentation.
Legislative Council Debates, Third Council, Fourth Meeting of First Session, Vol. IV, No. 4, 16 to 22 September 1958. On 17 September, Rev J Dwyer presented statistics on education to the Council and argued that one in eight children of school age are receiving primary education and an estimated 200,000 children in controlled areas have no contact whatever with any form of education. “I would say without hesitation, that at our present rate of progress… it will be another 50 years before we get around to giving schooling to the 400,000 children of the Territory. A plan must be prepared and submitted to the Honourable the Minister for presentation to the Federal Cabinet… this plan must show simply, clearly and convincingly that primary education schooling can be brought to the 400,000 children of the Territory within fifteen years if the output of teachers over that period will average 1,000 per year instead of 300 per year as at present… The second matter of policy which I believe must be determined is that the Administration undertakes to educate at a boarding school every child who wishes to continue his education beyond fifth standard… we must be able to draw children from these boarding schools to enter the Teacher Training Centres… I suggest then, Sir, in brief, a Committee of Review and Planning on Education with the following terms of reference “to present a plan, showing ways and means and costs which will within fifteen years, bring primary education to all the children of Papua and New Guinea.”
South Pacific Post, Native Will Send Son to University, 18 September 1958, p 1. A native man with eight wives has saved ₤1,000 to send his son to university. His son is now at the intermediate school at Goroka.
TA Taylor to the Director of Education, Advanced Age of Mission Students Admitted at Buin 1958, 18 September, 1958. A missionary has complained that some primary students left the Mission school because they had either failed to pass the exam for promotion or had been advised to leave because of their age. “These students were all over sixteen and one of them must be well into his thirties since he was adult (20+) when I first had him as a student in 1949.” The missionary’s complaint was that they were all enrolled into the Government school at Buin. It was proposed to conduct an elimination exam for them at the end of the year on the understanding with the student that those who failed would have to leave. We would endeavour to find employment for those dismissed if they did not intend to return to village life.
South Pacific Post, The Language of Instruction, 19 September 1958, p 2. J James points out that FE Williams wrote a book ‘Native Education: The Language of Instruction and Intellectual Education’. Williams was emphatically in favour of English (gives reasons) and recommends an English newspaper ‘Papuan Villager’.
South Pacific Post, A New Chimbu is Emerging, 19 September 1958, p 12. An article on new schools opening in Chimbu and the Eastern Highlands which will change life in the area.
South Pacific Post, Chimbu Children ‘Brighter’ Than Those in Coastal Areas, 19 September 1958, p 20. So says the Chimbu District Education Officer. He says the demand for education is so great he enrolled twice as many pupils as required and ‘culls’ them out after a few months.
South Pacific Post, Children will Write Own History Book, 19 September 1958, p 20. Children at the Elementary and High School at Rabaul will, with the help of the publications section of the Department of Education, wrote their own reader based on the Mount Lamington eruption.
The Observer, ‘No Policy for New Guinea’, Canberra Commentary by Mugga, 20 September 1958. “It is very difficult to lay a finger on just what is Australian policy. Paul Hasluck, who approaches his task rather as if he were running the Fifth Form at St Dominic’s, has frequently enumerated the four principles of justice, freedom, representation and trusteeship. Hasluck is hard working and undoubtedly brings a certain idealism to his task. His critic’s main source of attack is based on charges of interference with too many piffling matters of administration. He is a stickler for the more outward forms of conventionalism and this shows through all his public pronouncements of policy even to a degree of petulance if he feels his administration is being even slightly criticised. He envisages the development of a Papuan people ‘joined by a common language, living in a common standard of material well-being and with a common culture strongly influenced by Christian teaching and by Australian social, economic and political practice and preserving all that is best in their native cultural heritage.’ Good stuff, this, for the UN, if it sounds a bit steep at home. Warm-hearted Arthur Calwell, who is just as well-known as Hasluck in New Guinea, and probably better liked, feels that a general overall policy is definable in relation to Papua and New Guinea. Calwell expresses it as follows: ‘Firstly, the natives are not people who may be subjected and exploited. They are fellow human beings who, because they are primitive need our tutelage and help over a long period of time to raise their living and educational standards to enable them to enjoy the benefits of civilisation. Secondly, we have an obligation to prepare them for the day when they themselves will choose freely and without duress, their own political future. Thirdly, because of the vulnerability of Papua and New Guinea and their nearness to Australia, Australians have the right insofar as protection of their own country is concerned, to afford Papua and New Guinea protection against invasion.’ For lack of a better definition of policy, the Calwell version seems to fit.”
Department of Education, Transfers and Promotions, 20 September 1958. Handwritten notes by Roscoe listing J Lee, G Gibson, and V McNamara to be promoted to Inspectors of Schools; S Neilson to District Education Officer Grade II; 44 and KR McKinnon, SG Paull, GR Cook, and F Daveson to District Education Officer Grade I.
South Pacific Post, The Language of Instruction, 19 September 1958, p 2. Dwyer says that a Committee of Review should draw up a plan for submission to Cabinet, through Hasluck, to provide education for all of the Territory children within the next fifteen years. Will need 12,000 teachers and a teacher output of 1,000 a year.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Council Schools and Grants to Schools from Council Funds, 29 September 1958. “There is some confusion concerning the application of the Rabaul Agreement of 13 December 1953 and the Education (Council Schools Regulations 1955) and it appears that one or two Missions are seeking to make capital out of the position to attract more funds. Roscoe suggested and Cleland agreed that there should be a conference between officers of the Department of Education and the Department of Native Affairs prior to the next Education Advisory Board to make recommendations to His Honour.”
South Pacific Post, New Schoolrooms for Lae Primary, 30 September 1958, p 4. Two new classrooms should be completed by the beginning of 1959. Now there are 260 children; next year 350.
South Pacific Post, Apprenticeship Progress ‘Good’, 30 September 1958, p 7.
South Pacific Post, Education Reminder, 30 September 1958, p 8. Roscoe reminds parents that, subject to income earned bursaries of up to ₤200 were available as well as ₤150 secondary education allowance and air fare.
South Pacific Post, Education for All ‘Within 15 Years’, 30 September 1958, p 9. The Director of Education, Mr Roscoe told the parents and citizens at the Lae Primary School that within 15 years, the 400,000 children of school age in the Territory should be getting some kind of education. At present, 63,000 were being adequately taught. Of these, 15,000 were in Administration schools. About 100,000 were in exempt schools but these children learned very little.
Department of Education, Duty Statements for Chiefs of Division Secondary and Primary, circa October 1958.
D Owner, Report on Inspection. Mr GS Crouch. District Education Officer Central District, 1 October 1958. The report is 6 pages and the inspection extended over one week.
Public Service of Papua and New Guinea, Vacancies – Primary Teachers, 1 October 1958. Applications are invited from officers of the New South Wales Department of Education interested in being seconded to PNG for an initial period of two years with a possible extension to four years. Gives terms and conditions in PNG.
GT Roscoe, Entrance Examinations for Intermediate and Technical Schools and ‘A’ Course Teacher Training, 1 October 1958. Exams for Intermediate and Technical Schools will be held in October but the ‘A’ Course exam has been postponed to 17 November.
GT Roscoe, Qualifying Examination at Completion of Standard IX and for Entrance to ‘B’ Course of Teacher Training, 2 October 1958. The Standard IX exam will be held on 20 October and will also serve an entrance exam for admission to the ‘B’ Course of Teacher Training.
South Pacific Post, Report Does Not Satisfy Director, 3 October 1958, p 3. “A report by psychologist Dr A Sinclair said only 13 of the 47 natives he examined in Australian Secondary Schools were expected to pass their exams. He said that while the Asians were doing well the natives appeared likely to present a picture of dismal failure. Already some pupils have been returned to the Territory, and it seems not improbable that many more will have to be. Most were ill prepared academically for the class in which they were placed, and many were unable to make the sudden transition to boarding schools. The supervision of the children in Australian schools on the part of the Administration seems to have been negligible. Many have been left for long periods without personal contact except of the most casual kind or with none whatsoever.” Roscoe said: “While it is true there have been some failures among the students, it is also true that Australian Secondary Schooling has achieved a great deal. The Minister for Territories recently visited the schools, which these boys were attending, and said that he was satisfied that the idea of sending them to Australia was justified.”
South Pacific Post, Director will Make Big Tour, 3 October 1958, p 6. Roscoe left Port Moresby this week to inspect fast expanding education projects in several Territory Districts (Goroka, Chimbu and Sepik). “It is only by visits such as this that I am able to gain an overall picture.”
South Pacific Post, Integration Succeeding, 3 October 1958, p 11. On his tour Roscoe sought the views of Europeans on integration. Although guarded in their comments they did not seem to mind as long as the tone and standards did not suffer. There are 10 natives and 100 European and Asians at a Mission school in Lae.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Plan for Universal Primary Education, 6 October 1958. “The Public Service Commissioner has informed me that the Minister for Territories will see me in Canberra on the 13th or 14th October. I propose to put before the Minister the following plan for the development of universal primary education in the Territory. I am certain that this can be achieved within fifteen years, and that substantial progress can be made within five years. The objective of universal primary education can be attained by the extension and improvement of Mission Schools. The first task is the inspection of the ‘provisionally recognized’ schools. The next is the inspection of ‘exempt’ schools, with the view of encouraging and assisting the Missions to raise them to a standard at which they can be recognized. This can be done by providing a sufficient number of Education Officers competent and authorized to inspect Mission Schools. An analysis is being made of the total number of man-days per annum required to carry out the work of inspection in each administrative district. In the Eastern Highlands, for example, 855 man-days would be needed. This means five or six officers engaged full-time in the work of inspection. Details of necessary changes in Departmental organization and establishment have been submitted to the Public Service Commissioner for the Minister’s approval. Four senior positions might be converted into inspectorships, and two additional inspectors appointed. The number of District Education Officers might be increased from eleven to eighteen. It is proposed that in each district several Area Education Officers should be detailed for inspection duties.” Cleland discussed Roscoe’s proposals with him on 10th October and noted that Roscoe was to see the Minister in a week’s time.
Roscoe to Blatchford. The plan is presented to Hasluck, 13 or 14 October 1958. Roscoe prepared a more detailed outline for submission to Hasluck but not trusting the Department of Territories he carried this with him to Canberra showing it neither to Cleland nor the Department of Territories prior to his meeting with Hasluck. Roscoe was determined to impress Hasluck and prepared his submission accordingly: “If you're going to talk to a man like the Minister, you put all the important stuff on the top, front page; the supporting materials behind. And the more impressive it looks the more diagrams and graphs and things there are the better.” Roscoe recalls that when he entered the office Hasluck, not aware that Roscoe carried a submission, began to lecture him on universal literacy and universal knowledge of English. When Hasluck paused, Roscoe pushed forward his papers. After reading a few pages Hasluck said, “Why didn't I get these before?” To which Roscoe replied, “Because you didn't appoint me Director before.” Roscoe states that Hasluck then told him to go ahead and implement the plan. Roscoe returned to Papua and New Guinea elated. Hasluck had approved the outline in principle and funds would be forthcoming subject to the examination of a more detailed plan. Cleland however seemed unimpressed with the news and Roscoe partly blames Gunther for this. Gunther was a powerful figure in the Papua and New Guinea Administration. For years under Gunther's directorship the Department of Public Health had dominated the budget. Roscoe was now asking that Education be given the same over-riding priority that Health had previously enjoyed. Gunther, now Assistant Administrator was not prepared to support such a policy. Roscoe was faced with an unconvinced Administrator and Assistant Administrator as well as a number of departmental heads dedicated to promoting their own departments. As Roscoe recalls: “I went back and I tried to do it and I found the same old obstructions all the time. From the Treasury, from the Department of Works, from the Administrators' Department – all obstruction.”
South Pacific Post, Native Teacher Has Europeans in His Classes, 10 October 1958, p 5. A manual training class at Goroka.
South Pacific Post, Big Change for Schools at Goroka, 10 October 1958, p 6. When Roscoe last saw the schools, they were skeletons; now they are functioning. Experimenting with adobe brick buildings.
GT Roscoe to Assistant Administrator, Teacher Training – Accommodation 1959, 20 October 1958. “It is apparent now that the proposed Teacher Training College at Ward Strip will not be ready for occupation at the commencement of the 1959 school year. Arrangements are being made for the male trainees to be accommodated elsewhere but a problem arises in relation to female trainees. Roscoe suggested that a sum of ₤1,000 be made available to the District Education Officer, Popondetta for the erection, by his technical trainees, of a dormitory for schoolgirls and a house be erected at the Education Centre to house two women Education Officers, who would be responsible for the supervision of female students at the Centre.”
N Thomson, Staff Journal for the Public Service, 17 October 1958. Approval has been given to the publication of a staff journal. The primary objective of the journal is to encourage esprit de corps in the Public Service. The specific goals of the journal are to be ‘Informative, Educational and Entertaining.’
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Plan for Universal Primary Education, 20 October 1958. Roscoe presented Cleland with a sixteen-page operational plan. “The plan has been discussed informally and in outline with yourself and with the Minister for Territories. It is now presented formally and in greater detail for your consideration, and, subject to your approval, for forwarding to the Department of Territories... Proposals for changes in organisation and establishment have been accepted by the Public Service Commissioner and are being sent on to the Department of Territories for the Minister’s approval. The practicability of such a programme depends to a great extent upon finance. Estimates are offered of the probable costs, not only for the next two or three years, but also for the period, ten or fifteen years ahead, when the achievement of universal primary education should be in sight.”
Roscoe’s plan was based on the assumption that the majority of primary children in Papua and New Guinea would attend mission schools. Roscoe believed that by improving and extending mission schools, and expanding government education as fast as possible, that universal primary education could be achieved in ten to fifteen years. He estimated that by 1967, 300,000 of the estimated 400,000 primary school age children would be in mission schools. The rest would be in government schools. At the moment only 27,300 pupils attended mission schools known to be of an acceptable standard. These schools were 'registered' or 'recognized' by the Department and given aid by the government. A further 30,000 children were in some 1,500 provisionally recognized schools which were thought to be of an acceptable standard but these schools had never been inspected. 100,000 more children attended 2,000 ‘exempt’ schools that had never been visited by Department of Education officers but these schools were believed to be inefficient and attracted no government aid.
Roscoe proposed to implement his plan in three stages. His first priority was to inspect the provisionally recognized schools to enable those of an acceptable standard to attract government assistance. Roscoe considered that the 1,500 schools in this category could be inspected in 1959.
The next three years would be spent inspecting and raising the level of the exempt schools so that they could become registered or recognized and eligible to receive government assistance. Roscoe envisaged that the missions would not open new schools during this period but would co-operate with the government to improve exempt schools. Thus, graduates from teachers’ colleges would enter exempt schools and unqualified teachers would be given short courses of training to qualify them for ‘permits to teach.’ To assist these teachers the Department of Education was to undertake the mass production and distribution of lesson plans, lesson notes and classroom materials to assist in the teaching of English. Roscoe realized that for the time being the missions would be tempted to open new exempt schools but said that he would bring increasing pressure to hear against such moves. To this end he recommended that the Minster approve an announcement that from the beginning of 1960 schools teaching in ‘foreign’ vernaculars be closed.
The third stage of the plan, from 1963, proposed the expansion of registered and recognized schools until all children were receiving a primary education. To undertake the inspection and supervision of government and mission schools necessitated a greatly increased inspectorate. To achieve this Roscoe proposed to convert four senior Departmental positions into regional inspectorships - one for each region - the New Guinea Islands, the New Guinea Mainland, the Highlands, and Papua. Two additional inspectors were to be appointed; one to take charge of Female Education and one to act as a relieving inspector. Up to this time most inspections had been carried out by the District Education Officers. Seven additional were to be appointed to allow one for each district and three for relief duties. The District Education Officers were to be assisted by Area Education Officers who were to be drawn from the ranks of Europeans teaching in native schools. To enable this to be done, Roscoe recommended changing the duty statements of Education Officers Grades I and II so that any of these officers could be assigned area duties without undergoing special appointment. Roscoe saw little difficulty in obtaining the number of teachers required. He pointed out that in 1958, 1,000 candidates were sitting for the Entrance Examinations to Teacher Training - the great majority of them nominated by the missions - Roscoe saw no reason why, given the necessary assistance and encouragement, the missions could not be training up to 2,000 teachers per annum - all holding Departmental Certificates. To this end he recommended the immediate provision of £100,000 to enable five different missions to establish teachers’ colleges at a standard approved by the Department of Education. To ensure that a plentiful supply of well qualified students presented themselves for admission to teachers 48 colleges, Roscoe suggested that subsidies, similar in amount to those offered for the building of teachers’ colleges, be offered to missions prepared to establish intermediate boarding schools attached to teachers' colleges. He also saw merit in offering maintenance grants to students who were prepared to give an undertaking that they would ultimately train as teachers. To ease the financial burden on missions in respect of teachers' salaries and maintenance of teacher trainees Roscoe recommended an increase in grant-in-aid to missions. As Hasluck had already determined that there would be no revision of GIA payments until the end of 1959, Roscoe suggested that the current grant of £20 per annum for each mission teacher trainee, be increased to £50 in 1960. Similarly, he advised, that grants made to missions for each qualified native teacher is raised from £60 per annum for each B certificated teacher and £40 for each A certificated teacher to £100 for each certificated native teacher. He recommended no change to the £400 per annum for certificated European teachers but suggested that all grants for certificated teachers be paid direct to the teacher by the Administration rather than to the mission itself. Roscoe felt that a departmental re-organization would aid the implementation of his plan. The Division of Native Education was to be replaced by the Division of Primary Education which was to be responsible for native primary schools and. Teacher training. The Division of Non-Native Education was to be replaced by the Division of Secondary and Expatriate Education, which was to be responsible for all Secondary Schools, European Primary schools, and for the Auxiliary Division and Pre-Entry Training. The Research Branch was to be abolished and its functions absorbed by the other Branches. Naturally budget projections were of utmost importance to the Minister. In calculating his estimates Roscoe made the following assumptions: 1. The primary school age population was 400,000. 2. This would increase at the rate of 1% per annum. 3. The average overall cost for primary education would be £20 per pupil. 4. The indigenous population would make an increasingly greater contribution to education. 5. There would be no problems in obtaining the necessary money, materials and men to carry out his plan on schedule. Roscoe proposed an immediate doubling of the education budget from £1.1 million for 1958-59 to £2.2 million for 1959-60. This would then rise steadily until upon achievement of the goal of universal primary education the annual budget would be £10 million.
South Pacific Post, New Primary School to be Built at Lae, 21 October 1958, p 10. To be known as the North Primary ‘A’ School.
HT Plant, Summary on Information Given by Mr Reitano on Council Aid to Mission Schools, 21 October 1958. “At the request of His Honour, Mr Reitano was contacted by phone on 14th October to gain some additional information on the manner in which requests for aid for Mission Schools had been brought before Local Education Committees in the Rabaul area. A preliminary meeting of the Local Education Committees was held in Rabaul on the 30th Jun, 1958. At the meeting Mr. Reitano questioned the principles of council aid being given to Mission Schools in view of the fact that Missions were already being subsidised by the Administration. Father O’Hanlan became heated and stated that he was determined that the principles would be recognised and that … “there had been trouble and there would be trouble again, if no funds were included in the 1959 Estimates for assistance to his Mission Schools operating in Council areas.” Mr. Boisen made it clear to Father O’Hanlan that requests from Schools should be based on their legitimate requirements and it was desirable that irresponsible requests from Mission adherents should not be brought forward. Father O’Hanlan stated that he would ensure that requests from schools in any Council area would not exceed £150. This did not eventuate, as requests from Vunamami and Vunadadir totalled more than £500 in each case.
D Clifton-Bassett to the Assistant Administrator, Report of a Visit of Inspection to Erave, 21 October 1958. Clifton-Bassett, the acting District Commissioner was accompanied by the District Education Officer, the District Medical Officer and the District Agricultural Officer. “I have concluded that tremendous value is to be gained from joint inspections of outstations by the District Commissioner and Departmental Representatives.” He considers that they would give a better understanding of each other’s problems and as they would not add to transport costs, they should be held every six months.
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Free Reform Church of Launceston, 23 October 1958. The Administration has placed no restrictions on missionary work which would prevent or hinder a Christian Church or Mission establishing itself and working in the Territory. They must find a suitable location for themselves and establish their own relationships with any other Missions which might claim to have influence in a particular area.
[Note: Roscoe attended the Senior Officers’ Course at ASOPA from 27 October to 21 November 1958. During his absence D Owner was Acting Director of Education]
D Owner to GT Roscoe, 28 October 1958. Owner forwarded details of Clifton Bassett’s report to the Assistant Administrator, dated 21 October 1958, to Roscoe in case he found elements in it which could be used at the Course. Madden, the District Education Officer, said that the future of Education in the District is dependent upon – availability of finance, availability of staff, the people’s desire for Education, the various Departmental requirements for skilled staff such as medical trainees, etc, the pace of economic development by the people. “Mr Madden spoke on the desirability of the Departments giving some rough idea of the number of students they could utilise and channel into various categories of employment. The meeting agreed that there is a real need for some attempt to rationalise Education. The District Commissioner referred to the present tendency for all native people to clamour for training in ‘white collar’ jobs, to the imbalance between rural education on the one hand and general education fitting pupils for clerical jobs on the other… I submit this to you as indicating the thinking of our District officials in educating the natives in a backward area towards suitable vocational and cultural guidance. Perhaps you may be able to use this somewhere along the line during the course.”
Australian School of Pacific Administration, Senior Officers’ Course No. 3, ‘Education in Papua and New Guinea’, 27 October to 21 November 1958. Education personnel attending the Course were: KR Lamacraft (Chief of Division), JA Lee (Senior Guidance Officer), BA McLachlan (OIC Female Education), LR Newby (Superintendent Teacher Training), GT Roscoe (Director of Education). The only reference I can find to the date of this course is in a memorandum from Owner to Roscoe ‘Inspection of District Education Officers’, 22 August 1958, in which Owner says he has to attend the Senior Officers’ Course from 27 October to 21 November 1958. (Owner did not go. He acted as Director of Education while Roscoe attended the course).
The Course produced a number of papers. These are summarized below.
ASOPA Report on Education, Education in Papua and New Guinea, No. 3 Senior Officers’ Course, 27 October to 21 November 1958. The 31-page report attempts to answer four questions posed by the Minister for Territories: Immediate needs to be met by education in the Territory; the best means of meeting these needs; what measures other than schooling should be taken to supplement and assist the work of the Education Department; and what special difficulties should be taken into consideration in planning and carrying out a programme aimed at universal primary education. The Report covers: Primary Education: Aims; What Sort of Education; Native Attitude; Curriculum; Language; Rural Bias; Health and Hygiene; Curriculum and Environment; Extension of Primary Education; Organisation of the Primary System; Non-native Primary Education. Post-Primary Education: Aims; Existing Arrangements; Problems; Secondary Schools; General Post-Primary; Auxiliary Division Classes; Technical Education; Teacher Training; Buildings.
ASOPA Report on Education, The Recruitment, Training and Supervision of Teachers, No. 3 Senior Officers’ Course, 27 October to 21 November 1958. This 20-page report covers: The Work of the Training College; The Scope of the Syllabus; Entrance Requirements and Duration of Training; Training Facilities; Training of Specialist Teachers; Assistance to Missions for Teacher Training; Refresher and Further Training; Expatriate Teachers.
GT Roscoe, The Problems of the Curriculum in Papua and New Guinea, 27 October to 21 November 1958. Paper read to the No 3 Senior Officers’ Course, 1958 held at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. The paper was reprinted in ‘South Pacific’ September/October 1958, pp 8-16. When the Department of Education first commenced operations, Mr. Groves intended to have no prescribed syllabus, but to allow each teacher to make up his own curriculum. The result was that each teacher used the syllabus of his own State. The syllabus for Native Schools was produced in three parts: Pt 1 Standards Prep, I and II (Village Schools). Pt 2 Standards III to VI (Village Higher Schools). Pt 3 Standards VII to IX (Intermediate Schools). There was also a syllabus in Ethics and Morals, a Syllabus for Native Secondary Schools, and a syllabus of teacher-training.
JP McAuley, Education in Papua and New Guinea: Some General Problems of Theory and Practice, 27 October to 21 November 1958. Paper read to the No 3 Senior Officers’ Course, 1958 held at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. Very theoretical. His sub-headings were: The Nature of Education; The Contingent and the Permanent in Education; Education in a Social Crisis; Rupture of Archaic Modes of Interpretation; Demands Made on the New Farm; Education and Social Crisis; Ideology and Realism; Political Progressivism; Educational Progressivism. 9 pages.
RC Wilkinson, Education in Papua and New Guinea: Mission and Administration Policy: Past, Present and Future, 27 October to 21 November 1958. This 8-page paper is in two parts. The first part deals with the Methodist Mission: Origins; Policy in the South Pacific; Historical Sketch of the mission in New Guinea, Papua, and the Highlands. The second part covers Government Education Policy and History: New Guinea under the Germans, and under the Australian Mandate; Papua under MacGregor, and later Hubert Murray; Papua-New Guinea Since 1946; Relations with the Missions.
JP McAuley, Education in Papua and New Guinea: Some Particular Problems, 27 October to 21 November 1958. Paper read to the No 3 Senior Officers’ Course, 1958 held at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. More practical than the earlier paper. He makes the point that there is a practical urgency in re-thinking assumptions. 8 pages. Sub-headings were: Suiting Education to Environment; Social Studies; Needs of the Native Teacher; Integration of the New Guinea School Children with the Children of Expatriates; Relation to Employment Opportunities; Government and Voluntary Systems.
LR Newby, Education in Papua and New Guinea: The Training of Native Teachers, 27 October to 21 November 1958. Paper read to the No 3 Senior Officers’ Course, 1958 held at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. He gives the history from pre-war to the present of both Government and Mission Teacher Training efforts. Gives details of the ‘A’, ‘B’ and Alternate ‘A’ courses. “Training is going on in four Administration Centres in 1958. A total of 54 students are doing the ‘B’ Courses at Vunamami, Dregerhafen and Iduabada. Some 28 women are doing a course for infant teachers at Popondetta. At Iduabada two other small groups are training – one for students with a Standard VI background and there are four males who attempted the Junior Certificate Examination in 1958.”
D Owner to T Agaru, 28 October 1958. One teacher can teach effectively only about twenty-five pupils. You are instructed not to have more than 30 pupils at the school no matter what pressure is put on you by village people or the Local Government Council.
D Owner, Library Accession List, 28 October 1958. Will be forwarded shortly. “It will provide teachers in the field with information on new books and periodicals received at headquarters.”
SA Neilson, Report on Inspection of Kerowagi Station School, 28 October 1958.
D Owner to Australian School Principals, Native Students Returning from Australia over the Christmas Vacation, 31 October 1958. Advises how to make travel arrangements for the students and documents required.
South Pacific Post, More Study in Public Service, 31 October 1958, p 11. In the past four years the number of officers seeking higher education through universities had risen from 21 to 112 at the Public Service Institute.
DM Cleland to the Right Reverend Andre Sorin, 5 November 1958. Concerns a priest’s chaining of truant school children under a house for periods up to a month. Cleland say he could press charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and illegal deprivation of liberty but will not press for prosecution at this stage. There can be no excuse for these practices on small children.
DM Cleland to Father J. Barthes, 5 November 1958. Will not prosecute at this stage as “I am inclined to believe that you acted under mistaken ideas that what you were doing was for the good of the people and as to the powers and authority of a parent or teacher… and unless I receive your undertakings to abandon these, what I can only describe as barbarous, practices forthwith or if I receive a report of their repetition, I should be failing in my duty if the full force of the law were not invoked.”
D Owner, Native Secondary Scholarships, 5 November 1958. Lists the names, present school and previous Mission school of natives awarded secondary scholarships to study in Australia.
South Pacific Post, Subsidy Exams Over, 7 November 1958, p 9. 200 European, Asian and Mixed-race students completed the subsidy exams this week (2 days). 800 received subsidy last year.
South Pacific Post, The Case for the Teacher, 7 November 1958, p 11. ‘Ex Dominie’ in a letter to the Editor states PNG teachers work in vacation time, large mixed and overcrowded classes, with language problems and poor housing. Better conditions mean better teachers.
RA Hickin to the Director Department of Education, 10 November 1958. Hickin is the Joint Hon Secretary of the National Missionary Council of Australia. He asks to be informed of the standards required of teachers and for a copy of the syllabus and recent question papers for examinations to qualify for registration or recognition.
London Missionary Society, Papua District Committee, Minutes of Meeting held at Port Moresby, 10 to 21 November 1958. “This Committee regrets that our present lack of trained school teachers is likely to force us out of the educational field. We consider that at this juncture our basis of co-operation with the Education Department should be such that we develop our work at the vernacular level, and maintain centres of post-primary education. We emphasise that this requires of us a determined effort to build up our staff of trained teachers… We investigate the establishment of a hostel on LMS land for girls who come to Port Moresby for training. We visualise an establishment for twenty girls with reliable supervision. This project will be possible if substantial aid is forthcoming… Secondary Education: That a co-educational, multi-purpose, non-residential school be erected. This school have an annual intake of 75 students to do a three years course, making a total of 225 pupils. The syllabus be one with a rural bias. In conjunction with the school would be two hostels for the residences of the students. We envisage that the division of responsibility among the different churches and missions as follows: (Gives break up of expenses with approximately 75% of costs to LMS, and 12½% each to the Methodists and the Presbyterians). The Hostels will be owned and operated by the Church responsible for their erection.”
SJ Pearsall to His Honour the Administrator, Grants to Mission Schools from Council Funds, 10 November 1958. Pearsall recommended that where Councils wish to do so, and show their willingness by a majority vote, to provide funds for Grant-in-aid to Mission schools in their areas up to a maximum figure of 150, without consequent adjustment to Administration Grant-in-aid. This would be done on the understanding that no precedent is being created and that it is a temporary measure until further consideration is given to Policy. This would avoid disruption between Councillors and Administration and between the Mission and the Administration for sufficient time to allow the Minister to indicate his approval or otherwise of the Director of Education’s plan and that the whole question of relationships between the three parties interested in education be re-examined. Cleland approved this approach on the 10th November provided that the 150 in each is in goods and/or work done but not actual cash. As to subsequent revision and future policy this must be considered as soon as we have the Minister’s decision on the Education Plan and Grants-in Aid.
D Owner to the Public Service Commissioner, Visit of Mr TRM Sloane, 11 November 1958. Sloane was Assistant Director, Department of Education, NSW. He came to the Territory to consider the possibility of appointing other officers of this Department to inspect Cadets in their first three years of teaching. At the moment Owner and Goodman have approval to do this. Sloan toured from 9 to 19 September and said he would send a report. It has not arrived so Owner has asked for it. Sloane indicated that the inspection of Cadets could be undertake by officers of this Department whether senior or junior, provided they have an adequate teaching background.
D Owner, Changes in Staff Postings, 13 November 1958. Mission Education Officers are reminded that staff changes are to be forwarded to HQ with as little possible delay at the end of each quarter.
South Pacific Post, Administration Resignations, 14 November 1958, p 3. 92 resigned during the year. Reasons: 30 dissatisfied or better prospects, 17 personal reasons, 12 retired, 5 family and health, 4 dismissed, 5 appointments annulled.
South Pacific Post, Madang Proud of New School, 18 November 1958, p 9. St Francis Catholic School was opened and blessed on 9 November.
D Owner to the Joint Hon Secretary National Missionary Council of Australia, 19 November 1958. Three copies of the Regulations are enclosed. Consideration is being given to an internal course similar to Course ‘S’ and details will be announced shortly.
JE Wakeford to Acting Director Department of Education, 20 November 1958. The Acting District Officer attended a meeting of the Central District Education Committee which agreed that establishment of a Central Boarding School at either Wards Strip or Rigo should have a rural bias. Wakeford says that both sites are unsuitable for rural work. Wards Strip is unbearably hot and a thinly covered gravel pit. Rigo is little better. Wakeford suggests Brown River.
South Pacific Post, Teachers’ Pool to be Formed, 21 November 1958, p 3. Next year a pool of relieving teachers will be established to meet emergencies.
JT Gunther to Departmental Heads, United Nations Visiting Mission 1959 – Trust Territory of New Guinea, 24 November 1958. Will arrive approximately 16 March 1959 and after visiting the Territory will leave Canberra on 16 April 1959. Members are: Mr Chi-ping HC Kiang (China), Mr Alfred Claeys Bouuaert (Belgium), Mr Tin Maung (Burma) and Mr Sergio Kociancich (Italy). Departments were asked to prepare material for them.
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Jongai Mission – Chaining of Children by Missionary, 25 November 1958. Cleland replies to radiogram of 24 November concerning allegations made in the newspaper. The punishments included cutting off of hair, placing chains around the necks of a number of boys, imprisonment for periods of up to one month in unpleasant circumstances beneath the Mission house, and compulsory garden labour out of school hours. The local people according to their own statements were either not concerned or in agreement with what was done. Legal proceedings postponed at this stage.
South Pacific Post, Public Servants Study More, 25 November 1958, p 6. 31 enrolled for matriculation and university last year; 66 this year.
Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Twelfth Meeting Held at Madang, 26- 28 November 1958. Mr K Goodman, Inspector of Schools, appointed to the Board. Roscoe informed the Board that “following discussions with His Honour, the Administrator, he had been interviewed by the Minister for Territories and had the opportunity of presenting a brief outline of proposed plans for the development of Education in the Territory… In brief these included proposals for universal primary education utilizing Administration and Mission resources, the expansion of the teacher-training programme, the appointment of an inspectorial staff and increased supervisory and advisory staff within districts and the re-arranging of departmental officers to enable increased efficiency in the use of the department’s resources and to maintain closer contact with Mission schools… The Minister had received the proposals favourably but any final approval of the plans would naturally depend upon a more detailed examination which would necessarily take time. However, as Director of Education, he was considerably heartened to learn that it was proposed to create certain essential positions which he required for the implementation of his plans… Members would appreciate from his remarks that there was very little new in the plan except the approach. Most of the points covered had been raised time and time again by the Board.” Committee of Review of Education: The Chairman advised that it was not proposed to proceed with this committee. The new education plan covered all the necessary ground. Review of Syllabuses, Textbooks and Examination Systems: The response had been extremely disappointing. Only three Missions had indicated that they proposed to participate by submitting suggestions and/or material. Secondary Education: The Department was still in favour of a locally adapted syllabus for native schools, but drawing it up was a big job. Assistance for Building of Schools: It would take some time before a firm scheme could b drawn up to cover the way in which building funds could be made available to Mission bodies. Nothing concrete could be done until approval had been received for the overall education plan. ASOPA Cadetships for Mission Teachers: Three places would be available in 1959. The free places would cover teacher training at Balmain College and Territorial subjects at ASOPA. The candidates for these cadetships will be nominated by the Missions, and the School Council of ASOPA will select the successful candidates. Policy in Relation to Co-education: When the Department spoke of co-education, it meant a girls’ school with its own dormitories and a boys’ school somewhat in the same area, but removed some distance. There was not the slightest need for anyone to be apprehensive. Replacement for Course ‘S’: During his recent visit to Australia the Chairman had discussed the matter very fully with university and other educational authorities. The consensus of opinion was that, for Territory (Mission) purposes, supervised teaching practice was more important than any academic examination. The Board recommended that, in future, uncertificated teachers who wish to qualify for registration will be required to attend two Summer Schools, each of six weeks’ duration, in the theory and practice of teaching, conducted by the Department of Education and satisfactorily pursue for a period of at least one year a course of reading, upon these subjects, from a list of prescribed or approved books. The eligibility of prospective candidates and the form of examination will be determined by the Director of Education. Compulsory Attendance: The Board considers that in some places compulsory attendance at schools should be introduced. Information to be sought from District Education Officers. Mission Teachers’ Colleges to Issue Recognised Certificates: The Board is not in favour at this stage. Inspectors: The Board supports wholeheartedly the suggestion that the Department’s establishment be increased until sufficient inspectors are appointed to guarantee adequate supervision of all schools and teachers. Permits to Teach: Approximately 600 Permits have been issued. After 1 January 1959 no more Permits would be issued without an endorsement from the District Education Officer. Teacher Training: Greater emphasis would be placed on supervised teacher training. Alternative ‘A’ Course: The Chairman said he hoped the course would be available to all concerned in 1959.
ME Miller to District Education Officer Daru, Inspection of Lake Murray Station School, circa 26 November 1958.
GT Roscoe, Issue of Permits to Teach, 27 November 1958. The response to a request for applications from Mission teachers requiring Permits was poor. From the end of December applicants will required to apply through the District Education Officers and undergo a medical examination.
South Pacific Post, Dutch Ahead in Education, 28 November 1958, p 8. Native teachers from Dutch New Guinea are to go to university. It will be at least 3 to 4 years before any Territory Administration student will be sent.
Staff, circa December 1958. A list of senior officers, possibly those being considered for promotion. Information provided covers name, file number, date of birth, academic qualifications, subjects taught and standards taught, experience, and present position. Officers listed are: R Meredith, A Neal, W Neve, D Powyrs, K McKinnon, V McNamara, J Newman, G Gibson, C King, J Bowden, J Jones, J Lee and F Johnson.
GT Roscoe to all District Education Officers, 1 December 1958. “At the request of the Minister for Territories an operational plan for the Department of Education was prepared and forwarded through His Honour the Administrator early in October. The plan provides for an extension of primary education throughout the Territory by utilising to the fullest extent the teaching potential of Mission schools. It is proposed to post in each administrative district several Area Education Officers who will work under the direction of the District Education Officer. The District Education Officer and the Area Education Officers will be called upon to carry out regular visits to Administration and Mission schools for purposes of inspection, supervision and guidance of the naïve teachers… An endeavour must be made to a standard which will make them eligible for recognition. Area Education Officers will also be required to conduct short courses of training for native training to qualify them for Permits to Teach. This operational plan has been submitted to the Minister for Territories for his approval but no reply has as yet been received. If the plan is approved, provision must be made in the estimates for 1959/60… to be ready by 31st December 1958. You are required to estimate, by 14th December, the transport requirements of your District, assuming that you will have under your direction at least three Area Education Officers engaged in full-time inspection and supervision. In addition, every District Education Officer will require a vehicle on 24 hour a day allotment.”
GT Roscoe to Public Service Commissioner, Formation of a Guild of Inspectors in the Department of Education, 2 December 1958. “Mr K Lamacraft, Inspector of Schools, has initiated a move amongst senior officers of this Department to form an Institute of Inspectors of Schools of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. I am entirely in favour… and when some progress has been made towards the formation, I shall be happy to advise you further.”
South Pacific Post, Shameful Facilities in Schools, 2 December 1958, p 3. Port Moresby has two schools. There should have been ten built in the last ten years. The Government has taken over the LMS School at Hanuabada and the Sogeri Teachers’ College has closed as there are no practice teaching schools available. Port Moresby needs a Teachers’ College.
South Pacific Post, Co-Education Seems Likely, 2 December 1958, p 3. Port Moresby High School will seat both sexes of all races together. Native students will board. Europeans go home at night. Native boys board at one school, girls at another. No tender for school yet. Hope to have it completed in a few months.
South Pacific Post, More Apprentices in the Next Few Weeks, 2 December 1958, p 3. 30 to 50.
South Pacific Post, Education Leaders Get Impatient, 2 December 1958, p 4. Roscoe gets impatient when he is asked about rural bias for schools. “We have to teach children to read and write and the children will be primarily concerned with learning these subjects. It is not our function to teach agriculture.” Agriculture should be taught to the more advanced students but not by the Department of Education.”
South Pacific Post, Kerema Education Lack Shocks Administrator, 9 December 1958, p 4. Cleland was shocked by the number of children without education. We are now getting down to the business of building schools and teachers’ colleges. Will establish school in the centres and then move out. The blame for the slow progress did not rest with the Department of Education… teachers cannot be trained and schools built over night.
GT Roscoe, Job Opportunities in Australia for European School Leavers, 15 December 1958. Lists about 60 occupations.
L Hall to Director of Education, UN Mission Handbook, 17 December 1958. Asks for the Education section of the handbook to be updated for the upcoming visit.
South Pacific Post. Nearly 1,000 on Subsidy at School, 19 December 1958, p 14. By next year 1,000 European, Asian and Mixed-Blood will be at Secondary Schools in Australia. Gives state by state distribution of students.
South Pacific Post, Mission Schools Given High Praise, 23 December 1958, p 7. Cleland praises the Missions, especially for pre-war work in education, which has enabled many natives to enter the Auxiliary Division.
CR Lambert to the Acting Public Service Commissioner, Organisation – Department of Education, 23 December 1958. On 16 December 1958, the Minister approved the abolition, reclassification, re-designation, and creation of a number of positions. Of most interest was the creation of four positions of Inspector of Schools and seven positions of District Education Officer Grade 1. Roscoe’s organisation for the Department of Education with Divisions, Branches and lines of control as shown in his organisational chart was also approved, (This was discussed with the Public Service Commissioner during his visit to Canberra on 17 November 1958 and subsequently in Sydney with the Director of Education.) as were the Duty Statements (with minor amendments).
GT Roscoe to the A/District Education Officer New Britain, Subsidised (Non-Native) Schools, 23 December 1958. Gives details for establishing one teacher schools. Two pages of conditions.
GT Roscoe to the Public Service Commissioner, Interim Report by the Principal of ASOPA on the First Year Examination Results of Cadet Education Officers, 29 December 1958. A couple of Cadets are having problems with the ASOPA subjects. “It would appear that the ASOPA subjects are more exacting than the College ones and more akin to University courses.” Roscoe is reluctant to lose the Cadets as they have a genuine desire to serve in PNG and on shows good teaching skills.
GT Roscoe, Papua and New Guinea Villager, 30 December 1958. In future copies will be forwarded to Area Education Officers and District Education Officers for distribution rather than to individual teachers.
GT Roscoe to the District Education Officer New Britain District, Opening of School, West Nakanai Area, 30 December 1958. School approved. Also deals with local supervision problems.
NV Salt, Teacher Training Centre – Idubada, Report on Work Second Term 1958, December 1958. There are 6 ‘A’, 18 ‘B’, and 4 ‘C’ Course teacher trainees. Attitude has improved.
South Pacific Post, The New Year, 30 December 1958, p 12. Editorial relating the present year’s progress says one important gain has been the implementing of a school building programme on a much larger scale than the Territory has ever known.
Notes
[1] WC Groves to E Hicks, 30 April 1958.
[2] South Pacific Post, Mr Groves for SPC Meeting, 14 May 1958, p 13.
[3] WC Groves to KR McKinnon, 12 June 1958.
[4] South Pacific Post, Farewell to Director of Education, 14 August 1958, p 7.
[5] South Pacific Post, Education for All ‘Within 15 Years’, 30 September 1958, p 9.
[6] South Pacific Post, Director will Make Big Tour, 3 October 1958, p 6.
[7] GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Plan for Universal Primary Education, 6 October 1958.
[8] Australian School of Pacific Administration, Senior Officers’ Course No. 3, ‘Education in Papua and New Guinea’, 27 October to 21 November 1958.
[9] Education Advisory Board, Minutes of Twelfth Meeting Held at Madang, 26-28 November 1958.
________________________________
DOCUMENTS FROM 1959
Introduction
The most important issue for education in 1959 was universal primary education. The matter was promoted in the media and discussed widely at conferences, seminars and in-service courses. But, other than general agreement on policy, the approach to be taken and a few administrative changes, little progress was made. The same problems remained: no money, no materials, no men (or women). While PNG Education Director Geoff Roscoe and Territories Minister Paul Hasluck promoted universal primary education the UN, after its 1959 visit to the Trust Territory of New Guinea, recommended that high priority be given to secondary education and that the existing facilities in primary education be consolidated and improved. In addition, Roscoe informed Administrator Donald Cleland that it was time to start planning for a university.
Milestones in the history of ASOPA (Keith Jackson & Friends: PNG Attitude)
Cadet Education Officers move to Middle Head; 21 students enrolled.
Personnel
VIP Visits
17 March: The Visiting Mission of the United Nations arrived in Manus. To Rabaul in a few days. A month’s tour.[1]
4 December: Hasluck’s fifteenth or sixteenth visit to the Territory since he took the portfolio in 1951.[2] Was in the Territory for a couple of weeks.[3]
Movement of officials
GR Roscoe
Early February: Was sent to Wau,[4] by the Administrator to address the Lutheran Church Conference on use of the vernacular.[5]
Mid-February: To Hollandia for two weeks with two native teachers.[6]
August: Toured Eastern and Western Highlands, Sepik, New Britain, and New Ireland.[7]
11th November: To Sydney. An appointment to see the Minister either in Sydney or Canberra on Friday 13th November.[8]
16th to 27th November: Attended the South Pacific Commission’s Seminar on Education in Brisbane.[9] Will be in Australia to 3 December.[10]
Correspondence & Papers
Australian School of Pacific Administration, List of Papers Presented to Papua and New Guinea Senior Officers’ Courses, Nos. 1-6, 1956-61. Nine pages listing the authors and titles of papers presented to each course. This paper is stored with 1956 material. The theme for Course 4 was ‘Native Labour in Papua and New Guinea.’
GT Roscoe, Our Neighbours in Netherlands - New Guinea, Jacaranda Press, Brisbane, 1959.
C Brooks, Lesson Notes for Agricultural Projects in New Guinea Schools, Jacaranda Press, Brisbane, 1959. Brooks was the Rural Education Officer in the Department of Education at Rabaul. In the introduction Roscoe says: “The Director of Education has promised the Minister for Territories that he will do all he can to encourage native teachers to undertake Agricultural Projects in Primary Schools. Of course, teachers need advice and guidance, and it is to help native teachers to plan and carry out Agricultural Projects that Mr. Brooks has written this book.” The book gives notes on four different projects for Standards III, IV, V and VI.
GT Roscoe to the Public Service Commissioner, Organisation – Department of Education, 2 January 1959. ED/1 A/1 Pt III f25. Roscoe now agrees with the Department of Territories’ suggestion that Teacher Training is important enough to justify the creation of a separate Division. When the matter was first put to him in Sydney in November 1958. (Roscoe was attending a course at ASOPA). Roscoe had expressed misgivings about being able to fill the senior posts from within the Department but he is now satisfied the necessary qualified staff can be found. The letter includes duty statements for the Superintendent of Primary Schools and the Chief of Division Teacher-Training.
GT Roscoe, Mission Relation Matters, 5 January 1959. The Mission Relations Officer will be absent on leave for three months and all mail should be addressed to the Department of Education, Port Moresby.
GT Roscoe, School Calendar 1959, 6 January 1959. Gives dates for school terms, public holidays and examinations.
GT Roscoe to the Director of Education American Samoa, 6 January 1959. ED5260 Pt7 folio 18A. Roscoe provides Samoa with information on expenditure on education and overseas scholarships.
GT Roscoe to the Public Service Commissioner, Organisation – Department of Education, 2 January 1959. ED/1 A/1 Pt III folio 25. III 28. “This Department recently submitted to the Minister for Territories a plan of development for universal primary education. The plan necessitated… a very substantial increase in the land and sea transport for field officers engaged in the supervision and inspection of schools. The Department is asking for the full-time allotment of one trawler to be used in the Districts of Milne Bay, Bougainville, New Ireland and Manus.” Roscoe also asked for the allocation on a part-time basis of a number of workboats and launches and pointed out “the Minister’s wishes regarding the extension and improvement of Mission Education will be met to the extent that resources can be made available.”
Hasluck Accepts Plan for Education. ‘A Time for Building’, p 224 (8 January 1959). Hasluck was happy with Roscoe and the plans he had put forward for education. Reflecting on Roscoe’s appointment and his plan for universal primary education for the Territory, Hasluck said, “The appointment, which was my own decision against advice, turned out well. Roscoe got down to the job of putting children into schools and teaching them. His methods were more practical and prompter than those of his predecessor. On 8 January 1959 I accepted in principle a plan prepared by the new Director for extended primary education and asked the Administrator to prepare definite proposals regarding the additional measures to be taken in the financial year 1959-60 in accordance with this plan. I expressed appreciation of ‘the vigorous and practical approach of the new director to his tasks.’”
GT Roscoe to the District Education Officer Rabaul, Organisation of Teacher Training Class in Rabaul, 8 January 1959. ED3021 Pt I Folio 1. Requests the DEO to investigate and report on a proposal to train up to thirty ‘B’ Certificate candidates at Rabaul. It is proposed that the trainees should live at Malaguna Technical School and use Pila Pila as a demonstration school.
GT Roscoe to D McCarthy, District Plan - Sepik District, 9 January 1959. ED5111 Pt5 Folio 122-124. Commenting on the five-year plan for the Sepik District, Roscoe makes the following observations: “There are possible 50,000 children of school age in the Sepik District. If all the schools included in the plan were to be established, at the end of the five years only 1,500 children would be in attendance at Administration schools. In point of fact, even if the schools were built it is quite unlikely that the Department of Education would be able to provide teachers for them. The output of trained native teachers is very low, and there is no prospect of any great increase in the immediate future. The fact must be faced that if we are to have universal primary education in this country within ten or fifteen years, it can be done only by the development and improvement of Mission schools…. The Five Year Plan for Education in the Sepik District should have as its objective the provision of primary education for 25,000 children. There are in the Sepik District at the present time 41 Mission schools which are either Registered or Recognised with an enrolment of 1,600 pupils. The only practical way to provide primary education for half the child population of the Sepik is to take in hand those Mission Schools which at present are classed as exempt and raise them to a standard of efficiency which will render them eligible for Registration or Recognition. The Department already has plans to work along these lines throughout the Territory… The Honourable the Minister for Territories has approved of the appointment of four new Inspectors of Schools and seven additional District Education Officers. The duty statements of Education Officers Grade 1 and Grade 2 have been modified to permit the Director of Education to detail any officer of those Grades for duty as an Area Education Officer. If future an Area Education Officer will not be held responsible for the management of a single school. His work will be the supervision of all Administration and Mission schools in a specified area. He will carry out inspections under the direction of the District Education Officer, he will conduct short courses for Mission teachers and he will visit Mission schools regularly to advise and supervise the teachers. The aim of his activities will be to raise the schools in his area to an acceptable level in the shortest possible time. The Department intends to appoint very few European teachers in charge of native schools in future but to divert as many European Officers as possible to the work of supervision and direction as Area Education Officers… The District Commissioner should plan to provide accommodation and transport for three Area Education Officers in 1959, increasing by annual instalments to a maximum of 12 by 1963. The District Education Officer needs a Land Rover on full-time allotment.”
LE Butler, Seniority – Officers Appointed Post War up to 1st July 1949, 12 January 1959, Ed24 Pt1 Folios 9-13. A list of every officer in the Administration giving their full names and date of appointment for seniority purposes.
South Pacific Post, Parents’ Influence Best for Teenagers Director Says, 13 January 1959, p 9. Roscoe says children under 15 should stay with their parents. On the other hand, it is better to send them away than to miss secondary education.
South Pacific Post, Teachers Have No Discipline Difficulties Says Director, 13 January 1959, p 10. But the teacher must earn the child’s respect as children generally more intelligent and independent.
GT Roscoe to Public Service Commissioner, Organisation – Department of Education, 14 January 1959. ED/1 A/1 Pt III f38-41 and ED4 No2. Roscoe suggests that the Division of Primary Education include all primary schools, whether European or native pupils and the Division of Secondary Education include all secondary schools, whether integrated or non-integrated, and all intermediate schools for native pupils as well as pre-entry training and Auxiliary Division training for indigenous students. This means that the Chief of Division Primary Schools will be relieved of the responsibility for Teacher Training and the Secondary Division will give up so-called standard school and receive in return those Native schools that operate at post-primary level and are known as intermediate schools. The letter includes new duty statements for the Chief of Division – Primary Education and the Chief of Division - Secondary Education.
GT Roscoe to Public Service Commissioner, Pre-Entry and Auxiliary Division Training, 14 January 1959. ED/1 A/1 Pt III Folios 32-34. The Department of Education is to provide tuition by correspondence and tutorial classes for Administration servants who desire to qualify for entry to the Auxiliary Division and members of the Auxiliary Division who desire to qualify for admission to the Third Division of the Public Service. It therefore becomes necessary to set up a permanent organisation to cope with this work and it is proposed that there should be a branch within the Division of Secondary Education to be entitled Pre-Entry and Auxiliary Training Branch. It was proposed that the initial establishment would be 15 officers.
GT Roscoe, Pre-Entry and Auxiliary Training, 14 January 1959. All future correspondence should be forwarded to the Department of Education. Provides information on entry requirements, subjects to be studied, study during working time, junior public examination by correspondence, pre-entry classes, duration of classes, size of classes, conditions for teachers, examinations, and information to be provided by the District Education Officers.
JK McCarthy to the District Commissioner Sepik District, District Plan – Department of Education. 14 January 1959, ED5111 Pt5 Folios 125-6. “If I may define the policy of the Department in regard to Primary Education, I would put it thus: It must be accepted that there never will be sufficient Administration European teachers to staff the primary schools required. This being the case, it follows that the Administration will not attempt to establish Government Primary Schools on any large scale. The Missions will undertake the primary education of the Territory’s children. The Administration’s part in this will be the granting of financial aid to Missions and making available a supply of trained native teachers for employment in the primary schools. The Administration will also carry out the essential inspectorial duties required.”
WJC Nesteroff to TL Stanley, 14 January 1959. ED5092 Pt3. The District Education Officer receives a letter from his secretary giving a full-page list of her duties and asking for a clerical assistant and a capable messenger-cleaner otherwise “I cannot see any way of preventing the chaos which will, without a doubt, occur.”
GT Roscoe, Native Secondary Schools, 15 January 1959. AD/90/3/25 Pt2(B) Folios 27-29. It has been decided that Sogeri and Kerevat Secondary Schools will provide a four-years’ course leading to the Queensland Junior Certificate Examination. Students enrolled in Forms III and IV nay receive an allowance of £3 per year. Secondary education within the Territory for female students is more difficult to arrange at this stage. It is hoped it will be possible for the few offering this year to undertake correspondence studies.
LF Butler, Scholarships for Public Service Officers, 15 January 1959. ED54 Folios 1-4. In 1959 permanent officers may apply for one of three part-time free places to the value of £50 per annum, one full-time free place for degree studies or one full-time post-graduate free place.
GT Roscoe, Teacher Training - 1959 Infants Teaching (Alternative ‘A’) Course, 16 January 1959. ED3019 Pt1 Folios 150-151. Lists the girls selected for the course and their previous schools. Their pay will be £1/5/-d per month. In their second year they will continue their training by teaching in well-established schools under experienced teachers and will be paid £2/5/-d a month. In their third year if their work is satisfactory, they will advance to £8 per month. As from 1960 the entrance level for the Infants’ Teaching Course of training will be Standard VII for those who wish to teach I Administration schools. For the time being Mission trainees will be accepted for the ‘A’ Course at Standard Vi. Wherever possible, girls capable of coping with scholastic work should remain at school to complete Standard IX.
GT Roscoe to Public Service Commissioner, Provisional Promotions, 20 January 1959. ED12/3 Folio 58. McLachlan, Lee, Gibson and McNamara selected for provisional promotion to the position of Inspector of Schools; Neilson to District Education Officer Grade 2; McKinnon to District Education Officer Grade 1. Roscoe says that McKinnon “has revealed a far above average aptitude for the effective discharge of the duties of the position. He has furthered the educational activities in the Western District to a marked degree, and I consider this officer ideally suited for promotion as District Education Officer, Mendi, where his talents may be utilized in the establishment and extension of schools in the Southern Highlands District.”
South Pacific Post, University Scheme Announced, 20 January 1959, p 6. The acting Public Service Commissioner, Mr LF Butler, announced the establishment of a ‘free place’ university scheme for 1959 for officers of the Territory Public Service. There will be three part-time, one full-time and one post-graduate place.
CR Lambert to DM Cleland, Plan for Universal Primary Education, 21 January 1959. ED4 No2 Folios 53-54 and ED/1 A/1 Pt III. The Minister has approved the Director’s plan in principle as being in accordance with the aims of Government policy and the general lines laid down in it should be followed in the vigorous development of universal primary education in the Territory. In relation to matters of finance: the Administrator was asked to prepare definite proposals regarding the additional measures to be taken in the financial year 1959-60 in accordance with this plan; the financial implications of the plan were to be examined in detail, particularly in relation to the sources from which funds were to come; the practice of subsidising local effort by native communities in school building was to be considerably extended; the Administrator was asked to make the decision on Roscoe’s proposal for a 13,000 workboat and take any necessary steps in relation to finance; on the matter of financial aid to missions, the Minister directed that further attention be given to developing and detailing the principles governing financial aid so that they may be considered as a whole for firm approval. The Minister forewarned that “foreign vernacular” schools would be closed in 1960. In conclusion, the Minister directed that his appreciation should be expressed of the vigorous and practical approach of the new Director to this task.
GT Roscoe, School Broadcasts, 21 January 1959. Extra copies of material relating to recent school broadcasts are forwarded to District Education Officers.
GT Roscoe to the District Commissioner Goroka, Accommodation – Regional Inspectors of Schools, 22 January 1959. ED5906 Pt5 Folio 36. V McNamara to be posted to Goroka. He is single and will be sent when you advise that accommodation is available for him. S. Nielson will move to the Central District.
GT Roscoe to DM Cleland, Plan for Universal Primary Education, 29 January 1959. ED4 No2 Folio 60. Roscoe notes that the Minister has approved the plan in principle and says that he will have to issue a circular to field officers but thinks it desirable that Cleland should make a formal announcement first. Roscoe includes a draft for Cleland’s consideration.
DM Cleland, Plan for Universal Primary Education, Administration Press Statement No 3, 30 January 1959. ED4 No2 Folios 59-60 and AD90/3/25 Pt2(B) Folios 85- 86. The Minister for Territories, Mr. Paul Hasluck, has approved a plan prepared by the Administration for the development of universal primary education within the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Less than half the 400,000 children of school age attend any kind of school and of those attending school, only about 75,000 are being taught efficiently. It is the policy of the Commonwealth Government of Australia to bring to every child the opportunity of primary education. While no effort will be spared to extend and develop Administration schools, it is recognised that the objective of universal primary education can be attained only with the goodwill and close co-operation of the Christian Missions. Approval has been given to changes in the organisation of the Department of Education to provide many more field officers for the inspection and supervision of schools. Particular attention will be directed to Mission schools now classes as “Exempt”. Their teachers will be assisted to raise their schools to a standard which will merit “recognition” and entitle the schools to be supplied with books and class materials. The key to improvement and extension of schools is teacher training. The Administration will examine the possibility of revising the system of financial grants-in-aid to give more assistance to Native Mission teachers, both in training and in service, and to encourage Missions to prepare more candidates for teacher training. Payments of grants-in-aid for vernacular schools which do not teach English will cease at the end of 1959. The use of local vernaculars will be permitted in the lower standards as a medium of instruction while the children are being introduced to oral English. Missions using vernacular languages which are not the mother tongues of the children are informed that in 1960 they will not be exempted but closed. The principle of “aided self-help” in the allocation of revenue for school construction and the spontaneous efforts of village people should continue to receive every encouragement and support from the Administration.
- T. Roscoe, Plan for Universal Primary Education, Circular Memorandum No.11 of 1959, 30 January 1959. ED/4 No2 Folios 69-71 and AD90/3/25 Pt2(B) Folios 31-32. Repeats much of Cleland’s press release. Only additional information is reproduced here... The purpose of Circular Memorandum is to give field officers and others concerned a clear idea of their own responsibilities in connection with the development of this plan. The main features of the plan may be summarized as follows: (a) Changes in Departmental Organisation: to provide a field force for – (b) Inspection and Supervision of Mission Schools: leading to registration of schools in increasing numbers made possible by – (c) Expanding Programme of Teacher Training: encouraged and assisted by – (d) Revised Scale of Financial Grants-in-Aid: particularly in relation to the maintenance of Native Mission teachers both in training and in service; (e) In-Service Training of Native Mission Teachers: and introduction of – (f) Improved Methods of Teaching English to Native Pupils: made possible by – (g) Mass Production of Activity Material and Teaching Aids: programmes of work and textbooks… Four Inspectors of Schools will have regional responsibilities: the New Guinea Islands; the New Guinea Mainland; the three Highland Districts; and Papua. Three unattached DEO’s will be available for relieving duty or for special assignments. The Regional Inspectors will examine the inspectorial standards and techniques of the District Education Officers within their regions and will hold conferences of DEO’s at which these matters can be discussed and adjusted. The Inspector of Schools will personally inspect all teacher training institutions, all secondary and intermediate schools and all European primary schools within his region. A Regional Conference of District Education Officers should be held at least four times a year with the Director of Education attending one and the others attended by at least a Chief of Division or Superintendent of Schools. Inspectors and DEO’s may well consult the Missions to ascertain the Missions’ own plans for educational progress and to inform the Director how best these may be integrated with the Department’s own program.
GT Roscoe, Classes for Auxiliary Division Officers – Port Moresby, Circular Memorandum No.12 of 1959, 30 January 1959. The large number of students has been divided into five classes. The students are entitled to five hours tuition weekly during working hours and are required to do two hours of supervised study during their own time. Names every student enrolled. Alkan Tololo is studying for the Junior Certificate.
GT Roscoe to J. Foldi, Accommodation – DEO Rabaul, 30 January 1959. ED5098 Pt5 Folios 18-19. As there is no married accommodation available in Rabaul and the Administrator has directed that staff movements from District to District are to be kept to a minimum, Roscoe tells the District Commissioner that he will make McNamara the acting DEO rather than posting him to Goroka as planned. John Lee is proceeding on leave so McNamara can move into Lee’s quarters. Roscoe is proceeding to Wau next week.
GT Roscoe to V. McNamara, 30 January 1959. ED5098 Pt5 Folios 15-17. The acting Public Service Commissioner has advised that Gazettal of the provisional promotions has been delayed. Roscoe is not worried about appeals for the Inspector of Schools positions because the only officers who possess the required qualifications have been promoted. Roscoe tells McNamara to act as the DEO. Boisen is on leave and Doonar and Lee who could have relieved him are also proceeding on leave. The Visiting Mission of the United Nations is due in Manus on 13 March and Rabaul a few days later. I would like you to arrange a conference of District Education Officers in the New Guinea Islands and I shall endeavour to attend the first of these conferences myself. I have to go to Netherlands New Guinea during the last fortnight in February. A copy of the above letter was sent to John Lee who was also advised that his leave had been approved from 16 February.
South Pacific Post, Education Inspection Going On, 30 January 1959, p 4. Mr A R. Bunker from Balmain Teachers College is in the Territory for a month examining methods of teaching native pupils to determine the best kind on training to give Australian teachers coming to the Territory.
Territory of New Guinea, United Nations Visiting Mission 1959. Statement of Current Situation and Organisation of the New Ireland District as at 31 January 1959. Acc 8 Box 81 File 90.3.3 Pt 4. A five-page summary of education in New Ireland.
South Pacific Post, Big Education Plan Approved, 3 February 1959, p. 9. Cleland announced that Hasluck has approved an Administration prepared plan for Universal Primary Education. Will need Mission co-operation. Currently Missions receive £20 per teacher trainee and £40 and £60 for certificated teachers.
South Pacific Post, Subsidies for Some Schools will Cease, 3 February 1959, p. 9. Cleland announced that subsidies for vernacular schools not teaching English will cease at the end of 1959.
South Pacific Post, Mission in Clash over Language, 3 February 1959, p. 1. A clash on education policy between the London Missionary Society at Port Moresby and the Administration yesterday prevented hundreds of native school children at Hanuabada from attending school on the first day of the school year. The clash had developed over a Mission refusal to follow the Administration policy which insists that schools teach English to native children.
South Pacific Post, Decision on Education, 3 February 1959, p. 12. The Editorial says, “The Government’s announcement that policy will now harden on the teaching of English in all Territory schools, and that there is to be an all-out drive to give universal primary education is at least a step out of the education morass in which the Administration has been bogged down for years… Canberra must be made to understand that more money, much more money will be required.”
P Hasluck to the Secretary Department of Territories, 9 February 1959. AA1984/37 Box 5. “I have been giving some thought to ways in which we can make fuller use of the native people themselves in obtaining fuller participation by the native people in the advancement of our policies in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. My thoughts have turned in particular to those younger men and women who in the post-war years have had the opportunity for better education… may be able to communicate to us the way the native people are thinking and what their hopes are for the future. I have it in mind that, later in the year, I may make an opportunity in the Territory itself of trying to assemble various groups of these people or get into touch with them by other means to open up the subject with them but for the time being this intention should not be discussed.” … Hasluck asked for a confidential list of not more than 200 names drawn from the better people in the Auxiliary Division such as Local Government clerks, Cooperative Society clerks and advanced students, who might be considered for training and encouragement to take a more active role, alongside the European officers, both in the tasks of advancement and in the tasks of better mutual understanding between the indigenous people and ourselves. “In short, I want to know what sort of material we now have among the younger native people, after seven years of educational effort, and what are the best avenues in which we can use this material.”
GT Roscoe to CE Beresford, European Teacher – Lorengau Intermediate School, 10 February 1959. ED5104 Pt 6 Folio 108. Roscoe tells Beresford that as there are an unusually large number of officers on leave, he will have to fill the position of District Education Officer and Officer in Charge of the Lorengau Intermediate School. Headquarters has two Chiefs of Division in Australia and another to follow, soon Roscoe will be in Hollandia for a fortnight. This leaves Newby as acting Director.
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Secondary Education, 10 February 1959. ED1002 Pt1 Folios 94-95. Because the buildings for the proposed Port Moresby Secondary School have not yet been completed a number of students have returned to secondary schools in Australia. The rest have been housed in temporary accommodation at the Ela Beach Primary School, Port Moresby. As there is extreme difficulty at this time of the year in providing adequate staff arrangements have been made to be enrolled as students of the Correspondence School, Brisbane… will be able to provide some class instruction in the basic subjects. Classes in Art and Crafts, Music, Physical Education and French will be provided. Similar classes to these, up to the Junior Certificate standard, which have been functioning as an adjunct to the Rabaul Asian School for the past four years will be maintained during 1959, until the Rabaul Secondary School has been completed. At Lae the demand for the establishment of these classes has not been strong enough to warrant any action by the Education Department.
Pacific Post, Mission Claims It is Not at Fault, 10 February 1959, p 3. Percy Chatterton says that the LMS is concerned with the vast number of pupils who would never reach secondary or intermediate standards – they would at least have literacy in the vernacular. Under the Administration system they would have rudimentary knowledge of English, which would be useless to them. There are two types of syllabi for preparatory schools. In one, for use in mission schools, English is approached through a two-year course in the vernacular with some instruction in Oral English. In the other, Administration schools, a direct approach to English is used with the vernacular used orally only for the purpose of explanation when necessary. The Administration has accepted the LMS offer to teach according to the first approach.
South Pacific Post, Many Natives Now Attend Tech. Schools, 10 February 1959, p 4. More than 400 natives are being trained at the Territory’s Technical Training Centres – Iduabada, Lae and Rabaul.
Government Gazette No. 7, 12 February 1959, p. 94.
South Pacific Post, The Value of the Mother Tongue, 13 February 1959, p. 2. Jimmy James says schools should also teach the language of the parents, as well as English, as we don’t want carbon copy Europeans.
South Pacific Post, Council Says “Teach the Vernacular”, 13 February 1959, p. 3. The Central District Advisory Council recommends that a vernacular should be taught in primary and secondary. John Guise said most natives wanted English for work but introduce the vernacular as well.
South Pacific Post, Language Ruling a Big Blow, 13 February 1959, p. 4. Rev Dr R Wiltgen of the Divine Word Mission, Alexishafen says the Administration ruling to close schools teaching the vernacular in 1960 is a big blow. Leaves the Administration with the alternative of providing ample funds for mission teacher training programmes or practically strangling primary education in the Territory.
South Pacific Post, Equal Pay for Teachers Plea, 13 February 1959, p. 7. Last year 300 teachers trained by Missions passed Government Teacher Certificate exams. RC Missionary Rev JT Feeley, Divine Word, Alexishafen, called for equal pay for Administration/Mission teachers.
South Pacific Post, Mission and Education, 13 February 1959, p. 14. The Editorial asks whether missions have the right to teach secular education and demand a subsidy for doing it.
JT Gunter to Departmental Heads and District Commissioners, United Nations Visiting Mission 1959, 16 February 1959. Gives the Curricula Vitae of the members and a few observations on their personalities, influence and knowledge of PNG.
Trust Territory of New Guinea, United Nations Trusteeship Council Visiting Mission 1959, Terms of Reference, undated. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3. Gives the Terms of Reference as set forth in Article 76(b) of the Charter and taking into account the terms of General Assembly Resolution 321 (IV) of 15 November 1949.
TL Stanley to Director of Education, Employment of European Typist and Messenger Cleaner, 16 February 1959. Stanley forwards his clerk’s request for staff to HQ.
RI Skinner to the Assistant Administrator, United Nations Visiting Mission 1959, Western Highlands District Statement, 19 February 1959. ACC 8 Box 81 File 90.3.3. Pt 4. Gives history of the District and summary of education.
South Pacific Post, Department Can’t Pay Equal Wages, 20 February 1959, p. 6. Roscoe says he would like to help but there is no money. Roscoe left with two native teachers for a two-week tour of Hollandia.
South Pacific Post, Mission’s Active Year, 20 February 1959, p. 8. The LMS had 123 teachers graduate from the four colleges. Many of them successfully sat for Department of Education Certificates.
South Pacific Post, The Position of Church Schools, 20 February 1959, p. 13. John Guise, in a letter to the editor, points out that Great Britain subsidises Church Schools which cuts across what the Editorial said on 13 February.
LR Newby to Assistant Administrator, Rural Education Centres, 20 February 1959. AD 90/3/25 Folios 33-34. (Newby acting Director while Roscoe in Hollandia) Reviews the history of various centres and Vunamami in particular. Makes the observation that “students, who were to continue with what might conveniently be called an academic education, had been handicapped in academic studies by the demands of practical work at Vunamami… The view is still held, however, that Vunamami-type education is well suited to the needs of those boys who will not go beyond the Intermediate School level but will return to villages to work there… The pattern which is now emerging is that there should be parallel schools at the Intermediate level one for those who appear suitable for further academic studies, training of a professional nature or higher technical training, and the other for those who will return to work as farmers or as semi-skilled tradesmen in the villages.”
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Education Advisory Board – Twelfth Meeting, 10 February 1959. ACC 8 Box 34 File 33.14.1 Folio 16. I have approved the Board’s recommendations but my approval for compulsory attendance is for the limited implementation in more highly developed areas where the Director of Education is satisfied after careful investigation that all the children in the specified area can be catered for at an approved school.
LR Newby, to the Superintendent of Schools – Native Education, Staffing Requirements for Native Schools, 25 February 1959. ED 5022 Pt 2 Folios 92-93. In connection with the introduction of the new wages scale for Administration employees, the need to provide sufficient promotion positions for native teachers and in order to plan more effectively the Recruitment Programme for Education Officers, it is desired that a table be prepared to show for each school in the Native Division, the number of positions at each level required.
JT Gunter to Departmental Heads and District Commissioners, Use of Natives Themselves in Obtaining Full Participation by the Native People in the Advancement of the Government’s Policies in the Territory of New Guinea, 27 February 1959. ED 5256 Pt 1 Folio 8. Gunther quotes the Minister’s letter to Territories on 9 February and asks for a list of suitable people so that they can be sent to the Minister. List to be in order of priority and give educational standards, subsequent training, present position, location, and degree of influence on his or her fellows.
J Reilly to the Director of Education, Monthly Report February 1959, 2 March 1959. ED 1124 Pt 1 Folios 7-14. Report on the Administration School at Hagara.
D Owner, Staffing at Kila Kila Intermediate School, 2 March 1959. ED1124 Pt 1 Folio 24. “For one European teacher to sit in a supervisory role over three or four native teachers on a fulltime basis, no matter how hard he works at the job, the result will be most unsatisfactory… is just not possible.”
LR Newby, Agricultural Projects in Primary Schools, 3 March 1959. It is considered that in the field of Agriculture at the Primary level the Department of Education can do its most effective work through Agricultural Projects. Advice and assistance can be obtained from the Rural Science Officer, Rabaul.
South Pacific Post, He Will Study in America, 6 March 1959, p. 10. Frank Johnson is off to the University of Michigan to study at the English Language Institute. He won an Administration post-graduate scholarship.
J Newman, Formation of District Education Committee, 6 March 1959. ED 337 Folios 1-2. The DEO of New Ireland suggests that a DEC be formed. Roscoe says Irvine will handle the matter when he returns from leave.
South Pacific Post, The Case for Two Languages, 6 March 1959, p. 12. Percy Chatterton’s argument also contains valuable pre-war information on Mission/Administration schools.
VD McNamara to the Director of Education, Monthly Report – New Britain District, 9 March 1959. ED 5101 Folios 125-131. “The second problem is, of course, the lack of Area Education Officers. As a result, our Village Higher Schools are not receiving the attention they require, and of course it is quite impracticable to give attention to Mission requests for registration of schools and teachers… I have on my desk a huge pile of forms in connection with the inspection and registration of Mission teachers. This is of course quite out of the question at the moment.” His comments on the lack of teachers: “One class has been sent home, and this has provoked a huge outcry from the parents; another class is taken by the Secondary teachers during their free periods, an arrangement that is far from satisfactory. Many teachers have to take two classes, an arrangement which is, I fear, frequently beyond their capacity.”
GT Roscoe to the Netherlands Liaison Officer Port Moresby, News Service Sheet, 9 March 1959. ED5261 Pt1 Folio 98. Gives the names and addresses of Intermediate and Secondary Schools and Teachers’ Colleges in P&NG.
GT Roscoe, Language Teaching in Ghana, 10 February 1959. Roscoe reports on a news item that appeared in ‘Overseas Education’ in July 1958 which gives the findings of the Barnard Committee into language teaching through the medium of the local language, with English taught as a new language. “As soon as possible there will be a transition from the vernacular to English as the medium of instruction and upper classes 10 will receive all instruction through the medium of English, except that… the vernacular will receive special study.”
Legislative Council Debates, Third Council Fifth Meeting of the First Session, 9 to 20 April 1959. Secondary Education: Mr. Hohnen asked Gunther how many native secondary students that have returned from Australia have found employment. See SPP article 13 March. Primary Education: Mr. Ure applauds the quest for universal primary education and says that the only feasible lingua franca is English. He points out that there are no primary readers and suggests that gramophone records could help teach English
South Pacific Post, Children Build a School, 10 March 1959, p. 3. Parents refused to help build a new English school at Tangu for the Devine Word Mission so the pupils built it. Parents later helped.
DM Cleland to the Secretary Department of Territories, Request for Information – Attendance of Students from Netherlands New Guinea at Institutions in Australia and Papua and New Guinea, 11 March 1959. ED5261 Pt1 Folios 103-104. There are two Native Secondary Schools – Sogeri and Kerevat. There are no vacancies at Sogeri. There are no suitable Administration Teacher Training institutions. Vuvu Catholic Training College is prepared to accept Catholic students at £100 per student per annum. The Guidance Branch of the Department of Education could find places at secondary schools in Australia if they speak English.
South Pacific Post, Most Children Now Have a Job, 13 March 1959, p. 9. 41 out of 42 native students returning permanently from Australia had either found a job or were in training, Gunther told the Legislative Council on Tuesday 10th. 35 sat for the Junior Certificate. 7 did not complete the course.
South Pacific Post, Free Education: No Such Thing Legco is Told, 13 March 1959, p. 9. Legco member Rev DE Ure said that indigenes could and should contribute more money towards education.
South Pacific Post, More Teachers Needed Here, 13 March 1959, p. 10. Hasluck said in Canberra that the Administration’s object was to provide primary education for all. Higher education and training would be developed concurrently but it was not the intention to develop a “small highly-educated indigenous group.” The main problem to overcome was the shortage of teachers. More Australian teachers and “satisfactorily educated and trained indigenous teachers” were needed.
South Pacific Post, Languages: They Need Two, 13 March 1959, p. 14. Chatterton concludes his case for vernacular teaching.
GT Roscoe to Assistant Administrator, Use of Natives Themselves in Obtaining Full Participation by the Native People in the Advancement of the Government’s Policies in the Territory of New Guinea, 16 March 1959. Ed5256 Pt1 Folio 26. “There are two points I would wish to make: So far as Departmental headquarters is concerned there are none of our native officers or employees who would seem to have a great deal of influence with their fellows. The only one that I might mention is Toua Kapena, as Senior Native Clerk, who is a member of the Local Government Council at Hanuabada and an official of the Poreporena Cooperative Society. The other point that occurs to me is that in Papua and New Guinea, as indeed in Australia, teachers do not as a rule, exercise a great deal of public influence… The general practice in Australia is to discourage teachers from taking a prominent part in current affairs.” Note: Roscoe attached a list of Education employees but this is missing. It would be interesting to locate the list to see who was on it and how high they rose in employment and public life.
JT Gunther to His Lordship Bishop A Sorin, 16 March 1959. Acc 8 Box 47 File 62.5.11 Folios 6-8. Gunther lists sixteen questions Sorin will have to address if he wishes to apply for a subsidy to help build a hostel for girls in Port Moresby. The Government usually puts up 60% of the costs and the Mission 40%.
GT Roscoe to R Gibson, 17 March 1959. ED5260 Pt7 Folios 85-86. Gibson is the Director of Education, US Trust Territory, Guam. He used to exchange information with Groves. Roscoe is to continue the tradition and informs Gibson of the changes in P&NG education.
South Pacific Post, UN Mission is Now in Manus, 17 March 1959, p. 10. UN arrives today for a month’s inspection tour of New Guinea.
South Pacific Post, The Early Days of Education, 17 March 1959, p. 20. Rev RM Wiltgen adds valuable information to Chatterton’s article on the history of pre-war education. Notes works by WC Groves and JK Murray on pre-war education.
Minutes of Meeting Held at Lorengau between United Nations Visiting Mission and Heads of Administration Departments, 18 March 1959. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3 Pt3. Chairman of the Visiting Mission, Mr Chiping, HC Kiang, said a request had been put forward that European and indigenous people should attend the same schools and hospitals and “the standard of education given to the European scholars is better than that offered at indigenous schools.” The District Commissioner, LJ O’Malley said it was his personal belief that education being given to the native people is as good as, if not better, than the European children are getting at the moment. Further, as far as indigenes’ entrance to European schools was concerned, he did not think there was any objection to this and, in fact, at Lorengau there are three native children already attending the European school. Mr S Kociancich said, from his own personal experience and from discussions with the Councils, it was felt education should be provided with a view to helping people to reach a standard which will enable them to secure jobs and that if they reach a normal standard of education, they are entitled to engage in paid activity… the people thought that going to school was for the purpose of getting a job. The District Education Officer, C Beresford, stated that according to his records there is not one single case of a boy or girl who has attended school, and has left honourably, who has not got a job now and he went on to say that he personally kept in touch with these scholars and each has a good job, either with the Administration or private enterprise.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer New Britain, 19 March 1959. ED5101 Pt 4. Children under the minimum age are to be removed from the Preparatory class at the Elementary and High School Rabaul.
GT Roscoe to Public Service Commissioner, Inspector of Schools, 19 March 1959. ED20 Pt9 Folio 115. Roscoe points out that the appeals against the appointment of his Inspectors of Schools have been finalised but he intends to send Gibson to Madang, with a small amount of luggage, to commence work. If he holds his appointment the rest of his belongings will be shipped to him otherwise, he will be posted elsewhere. Roscoe asks if this meets with the PSC’s approval.
GT Roscoe to G Gibson, 19 March 1959. ED20 Pt9 Folios 116-117. Roscoe informs Gibson that approval has been sought from the PCS to send him to Madang.
GT Roscoe to District Commissioner Western Highlands, Posting of Inspector of Schools, 19 March 1959. ED20 Pt9 Folios 119-120. Roscoe explains difficulties in getting McNamara to Goroka and points out that the Inspector of Schools will be the Director’s professional, not administrative, representative in the region and that all administrative matters must be referred to the District Education Office.
GW McMeekin to Director of Education, Lutheran Mission – Introduced Vernaculars, 20 March 1959. ED5096 Pt5 Folio 70. Lutheran mission would like a statement of the policy that the Department will follow in giving effect to the Minister’s decision that financial assistance will cease to missions using introduced vernaculars.
P Hasluck, Universal Primary Education for Papua and New Guinea, circa 20 March 1959. ED/4 No2 Folio 72. See SPP article same date.
South Pacific Post, Education is Vital Factor – Says Minister, 20 March 1959, p. 6. Hasluck said yesterday that the progress of the inhabitants of P&NG was dependent very largely on providing education a greatly increased scale. He said the object was to provide primary education for all children in the Territory. Higher education and training would be concurrent but it was not the intention to develop merely a small, highly educated indigenous group. Presently 70,000 of the 400,000 are in schools. Many more teachers are needed from Australia and special efforts are required to produce an increasing number of satisfactorily educated and trained native teachers.
South Pacific Post, Advantages of Vernacular, 20 March 1959, p. 13. CR Buckman in a letter to the editor argues for the vernacular.
Donington, ‘The Dutch Case’ an article in The Observer 21 March 1959. Gives the Indonesian claims for Dutch New Guinea and summarises administrative and educational advances made under the Dutch.
WW Watkins to Assistant Administrator, Curfew for Native People, 25 March 1959. Acc 8 Box 48 File 62.12.1 Folios 53-54. The Secretary for Law forwards Regulations to abolish the curfew, ban on the beating of drums etc at night in towns; the offence of being on premises other than those of the employer in curfew hours; and taking part in a sing-sing in town, at night, without the approval of a District Officer.
GT Roscoe, Section 86 Leave, 29 March 1959. Is taken at the discretion of the Director and is only for those who are engaged in teaching duties.
CE Beresford to the District Commissioner Manus, Annual Report Manus District 1958-1959 (Education), 28 March 1959. ED5101 Pt5 Folios 153-155.
UNO Meeting at the Masonic Hall, 31 March 1959. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3 Pt 3. Mr Kiang: “In the field of Education, our Mission would like to know what progress has been made in increasing the inspection staff.” Mr Dobbyn (District Education Officer): “In the past year I have personally inspected 192 schools. That was Mission schools including Government schools. In the new organisation we have three Area Education Officers.”
GT Roscoe to the District Education Officer Eastern Highlands, Lutheran Mission – Introduced Vernaculars, 1 April 1959. ED5096 Pt5 Folios 71-72. “At the time when the Administrator made an official statement regarding the Plan for Universal Primary Education, the Lutheran Church Conference was in session at Wau. At the request of the President, the Administrator sent me to Wau to address the Conference and I spoke for over an hour explaining the Departmental attitudes and intentions during the period of changeover in the schools which are using foreign vernaculars.” Roscoe says he will issue a Circular Memorandum on the matter and gives a good summary of previous correspondence. “The decision that schools employing foreign vernaculars will close in 1960 is a new decision, but it has not been made without plenty of warning… It is the duty of the Director of Education to interpret and implement the policy laid down by the Minister. It is not the intention of the present Director to be unreasonable or arbitrary, particularly when dealing with missionaries who are making a sincere attempt to cooperate with the Department. It is not proposed to announce a fixed date on which all schools employing foreign vernaculars will close…. In a place where Pidgin is very generally understood by the people it will be accepted on the same basis as the local vernacular. The Department will not, however, countenance any attempt to introduce Pidgin into the schools in an area where it has not already been accepted by the people. The Mission must therefore either use the local vernacular or start directly in English from the beginning.”
LR Newby to the Director of Education, Division of Districts into Areas, 2 April 1959. ED/4 No2 Folio 76. He suggests that each District be divided into areas serviced by an Area Education Officer and attaches pro-forma to be completed by the District Education Officers. Roscoe approved on 3 April.
GT Roscoe to Officer in Charge Idubada Teacher Training Centre, Monthly Reports, 2 April 1959. ED3018 Pt2 Folio 13. Roscoe asks for monthly reports and sets out information required.
GT Roscoe, Employment of Native Students Leaving School, 2 April 1959. District Education Officers are asked to cooperate with the Labour Placement Service through the District Officer to complete a register of applicants for employment and job vacancies. A career advisor will be appointed to each secondary and intermediate school and a Vocational Testing Service is being established as part of the activities of the Guidance Section of the Department of Education.
D Owner to GT Roscoe, Proposed Departmental Reorganisation, 2 April 1959. ED4 No2 Folio 83. “In discussions with you I understand that you wish to achieve in the main two things by the proposed reorganisation; the first, to eliminate the racial distinctions between the Divisions and the second to achieve a better administrative balance between the work of the Divisions, and particularly to relieve the load on the overworked Native Division and spread it more effectively.” To achieve the second part of the above Owner suggests that there should be a division in the organisation at Standard V level, and a selection at that level of students to proceed through Standard VI and VII in a pre-secondary or pre-intermediate general educational course… instruction at that stage should pass into the hands of either European teachers or of native teachers with advanced qualifications teaching in boarding-type schools of an “Intermediate-type.” On 4 April Roscoe noted that he would think on it and consider changing the definition of Intermediate School after Ministerial approval has been given to the new organization.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Sepik District, 3 April 1959. Gibson has been provisionally promoted as Inspector of Schools to the New Guinea Mainland and his inspectorate will cover the Sepik, Madang and Morobe Districts. The District Education Officer is responsible for the overall organisation, administration and supervision of educational activities within his District but will omit from his duties those matters specifically defined as falling within the province of the Inspector. The Inspector of Schools will be responsible for – [a] The inspection of Secondary Schools, Primary (A) Schools, Intermediate Schools, both Administration and Mission and for professional guidance to teachers. [b] For the maintenance of uniform educational standards and such other matters as pertain to the proper functioning of professional matters within these schools. [c] And for the assessment of efficiency of European and Auxiliary Division Officers. It is expected that Mr. Gibson will take up his provisional appointment within a week or two.
DM Cleland to Secretary Department of Territories, Plan for Universal Primary Education, 3 April 1959. ED4 No2 Folios 77-82. The present position regarding the development of the Plan for Universal Primary Education is as follows: - 1.1 Changes in Departmental Organisation: Proposals to organise the Department into four Divisions are with Territories awaiting the Minister’s approval. The additional positions of Inspector of Schools and District Education Officer which have been approved by the Minister have been filled by transfer or provisional promotion. The Public Service Commissioner has agreed to appoint an additional Appeals’ Committee to expedite the hearing of appeals. Until this is done the field force cannot settle down systematically to work. Officers are being posted with the designation of Area Education Officer as soon a lining accommodation can be arranged. A Circular Memorandum of instructions regarding the Plan has been sent to all members of the field force. Inspection and supervision of Mission Schools is proceeding as it was last year but has not yet been accelerated as intended in the Plan. 1.2 Expanding Programme of Teacher Training: Restricted owing to lack of accommodation. Teachers are still being trained in small groups wherever room can be spared at one of the boarding schools. Some suitable applicants have to be turned away. It is hoped the first Teachers’ College will be completed in time to be opened at Port Moresby at the beginning of 1960. A second at Rabaul will be on the building programme for 1960/61 and a third at Goroka for 1961/62. Consideration will be given to the admission, to Administration Teachers’ Colleges, of candidates from the Missions, particularly the smaller Missions. It is recommended that an offer be made to Missions to provide finance for the building of Teachers’ Colleges along the same lines as those followed in the building of hospitals. (Note: these are outlined) 1.3 and 1.4 Revised Scale of Financial Grants-in-Aid: The Minister has already approved “that the current basis of Grants-in-Aid be retained until the end of the calendar year 1959.” It is proposed that from January 1960, GIA for ‘A’ certificated teachers rises from the present £40 pa to £80 14 pa and that the rate for ‘B’ and ‘C’ teachers rises from £60 pa to £100 pa and £120 pa respectively. It is proposed that GIA for the maintenance of teacher trainees rises from the present £20 pa to £50 pa from January 1960. 1.5 In-service Training of Mission Teachers: Will be commenced when the Division of Teacher Training is established. The Director of Education will negotiate with individual Missions through the Inspectors of Schools and District Education Officers to draft local plans for the in-service training of Mission teachers and with the provision of courses in English and the possibility of providing correspondence courses in English. 1.6 Improved Methods of Teaching English to Native Teachers: A Programme of Work in Oral English was commenced by an officer of the Department of Education but his efforts proved unsatisfactory. Action in being undertaken to second an officer from the Commonwealth Office of Education to advise the Department in the production of this work. 1.7 Mass Production of Activity Material and Teaching Aids: 5,000 copies of Pre-Readers and Teachers’ Instructions have been printed, also 3,000 graded number charts. 340 flannelgraph sets have been produced. The Government Printer has in hand an order for 20,000 English Primers for Standard 1. Work is proceeding on a series of wall pictures and two more sets of Readers.
South Pacific Post, Director “Teach by Tape Idea,” 3 April 1959, p. 6. Roscoe, back from Hollandia, would like 200 tape recorders to help teach native children English. No one to fix them when broken. Idea in abeyance.
Meeting of UNO with Departmental Heads – Wewak, Sepik District, 6 April 1959. Acc8 Box80 File 90.3.3 Pt3. Mr Chiping HC Kiang: We would like to know if there are sufficient European Officers to supervise schools which are registered. Mr F Daveson (DEO): The supervision of registered schools is done by the District Education Officer and the appointment of two young Education Officers is going to alleviate the position.
GT Roscoe, Administrative Instruction No 8 of 1959, 8 April 1959. Roscoe states that although he is still awaiting the Minister’s approval of the new Divisional organisation, he has been advised that it is within his authority to assign duties to officers in accordance with the new Duty Statements. He lists HQ personnel, their positions and duties.
GT Roscoe to Acting District Education Officer Manus, Native School Committees, 8 April 1959. Ed5104 Pt7 Folio 4. The a/DEO is complimented on his efforts to establish these committees.
GT Roscoe to Acting District Education Officer Manus, Definition of Duties – European Officers Manus, 8 April 1959. Ed5104 Pt7 Folio 3. Officers are expected to help as much as possible not only the teachers in their own schools but other teachers in their areas… “I suggest that before you take any steps to confine either of the officers strictly to his own school you ensure that it will in fact be possible for you to visit regularly each of the village schools which they have been servicing.”
GT Roscoe to Rev Fr M Morrison, Supplementary Diet Items for Mission Schools, 9 April 1959. Acc 8 Box 48 File 62.7.1. “I regret to say that the Department of Education has no funds available to provide supplementary rations for boarding pupils in Mission schools… In the Netherlands New Guinea, the Dutch authorities have taught the people to grow new plant foods such as chillies and Brazilian cherries to provide vitamins.”
GT Roscoe to Acting District Education Officer Samarai, Sea Transport, 9 April 1959. ED4 No2 Folios 88-89. Roscoe appreciates F Barron’s problems. “The Superintendent of Marine, Captain Hawley is a very good friend of mine and is doing all he can to help. I will write to the District Commissioner. Let HQ know his reaction” …. “The provisional promotion of the three Inspectors of Schools has produced quite a crop of appeals which will take some time to hear. In a couple of months’ time, I propose to advertise a number of EO3 and EO2 positions, including the three District Education Officer positions, held by yourself Gesling and Madden in an acting capacity (Note: These three will be the Departmental nominees for the positions). The reason for advertising them is that some of the more ambitious officers, who would otherwise appeal against your promotion, may find themselves satisfied if they are at the same time promoted to a position of equivalent status, say as an EO3 in charge of an intermediate school. I want to minimize appeals because they involve a great waste of time and put the Chiefs of Division and myself to a great deal of trouble preparing a case to be heard by the Appeal’s Committee.”
GT Roscoe to E McDonald, 10 April 1959. Ed5260 Pt7 Folio 92. “If you come to Port Moresby, you will find that we will have a secondary day-school in operation on 1.1.1960. It will commence with about five rooms and will cover the first two years of the Queensland course to Junior. There are two very large primary schools and a Roman Catholic one which follow the NSW curriculum.”
South Pacific Post, New Teaching Method is to be Considered, 10 April 1959, p. 3. The Education Advisory Board will consider a revolutionary system of teaching in new areas. Roscoe saw it in Dutch New Guinea. A Teachers’ College is set up in a new area to train teachers for four years where they learn the vernacular and customs. A school is opened and the new teachers are put in. They teach the vernacular first and then English.
South Pacific Post, Languages in Schools, 10 April 1959, p. 12. Chatterton in a letter to the Editor suggests 78 rpm records to teach English. He points out that Roscoe learned Dutch to visit Dutch New Guinea. Why not learn a vernacular?
BM Gesling to the Director of Education, Building Programme, Intermediate and Secondary Native Schools, 11 April 1959. Ed5094 Pt3 Folio 152. “There is no immediate need for an Intermediate or Secondary type native school. In the District we have one class of eight students at Standard VI level. There are no students at Standard V level, ten at Standard IV level and fifty-four Standard III level.”
United Nations Visiting Mission 1959, Notes of Conference with District Commissioner and Department Heads, Eastern Highlands District, 13 April 1959. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3 Pt 3. Mr. McMeekin (DEO): The Education Department is under-staffed here; we are short of Native Teachers. This shortage will be experienced for many years to come, because we cannot train teachers in a hurry. The staff shortage is chronic. We could take the whole Education Department and put it in one Sub-District and we would still be under-staffed. The program which is going forward to recruit European Officers from Australia will give us more new Officers, but resignations cancel out a good deal of these gains. We need Officers for supervisory duties, viz. Area Education Officers. We have only one Area Education Officer in this District.”
GT Roscoe, Native Scholarships Tenable at Schools in Australia, 13 April 1959. Twenty to be awarded. Students over 15 years should not be nominated. Exam to be held from 28 to 30 September 1959. Their schools will be chosen by the Department with due regard paid to the student’s religious affiliation.
Tentative Agenda for Meeting with UN Mission, 14 April 1959. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3 Pt 3. The Chairman asked whether in view of the UNESCO statement of the small number employed in the school inspectorate staff, this staff could be increased. Mr Roscoe stated that the Minister this year had approved an increase of inspectors to 6 and of District Education Officers to 18. The DEO acts as an Inspector for indigenous primary schools while Inspectors inspect all schools. At present there are 24 inspecting officers in the Department of Education. The Chairman asked whether there was any thought of replacing exempt schools with other schools. Mr Roscoe replied that schools were now being inspected by hundreds and classified as recognised or registered. The Department was assisting the Mission with teacher training to raise the standard of exempt schools to recognised or registered. The Chairman asked for particulars regarding secondary schools. Mr Roscoe replied that for some years there had been a secondary school at Kerevat which trained indigenes for the Queensland Junior Public Examination. At Rabaul there was an elementary and high school commenced originally as a secondary school for Asians whose pupils had been particularly successful in the Queensland Junior Public Examination. A third school is to be built at Rabaul but will not be ready until early next year.
GT Roscoe to Acting District Education Officer Manus, School Committees, 16 April 1959. Ed5104 Pt7 Folio 6. School committees should be formed only with the full support of Native Local Government Councils and it is considered desirable to work through Council officials when convening meetings.
DM Cleland, Curfew to be Abolished, 16 April 1959. Acc 8 Box 48 File 62.12.1. The 11 pm curfew which applies to Papuan and New Guinean inhabitants of the main Territory centres is to be abolished from 20 April 1959. This action is being taken as one of the measures to withdraw discriminatory legislation. The abolition has been considered previously, and then was withdrawn until the Commissioner of Police could confirm that the Police Force was adequate to maintain law and order and provide full protection for the general public.
GT Roscoe, Section 86 Leave, 17 April 1959. It is not compulsory for officers to take long service leave when it falls due. Such leave may be deferred and accumulated at the discretion of the officer concerned.
South Pacific Post, Curfew Ended, 17 April 1959, p. 1. Cleland announced that the 11 pm curfew on natives to be abolished from next Monday.
CE Beresford to Director of Education, Native School Committees Manus, 20 April 1959. Ed5104 Pt7 Folio 16. Asks Roscoe when he can come and see one of the very popular committee meetings.
P Hasluck, Notes of Conference between the Minister for Territories (Hon Paul Hasluck MP) and the United Nations Visiting Mission, 20 April 1959. Acc 8 Box 81 File 90.3.3 Pt 4. The summary is ten pages. The only mention of education is this statement. Mr. Hasluck: A much better effort is being made towards education in the remote areas. We are rejecting the idea of concentrating on the established areas, and are pushing ahead rapidly so that there is a certain uniformity, and no enormous contrast between people in one part of the territory and backward people in another part.
GT Roscoe, Commonwealth Day, Formally Known as Empire Day- 24 May, 21 April 1959. You are requested to make arrangements for the suitable celebration. Includes a message from Air Marshal Sir Victor Goddard, KCB, CBE, MA.
GWJ McMeekin to the Director of Education, Standard IX Students Goroka Intermediate School, 24 April 1959. Ed5096 Pt5 f98. There are 16 students at that level, the majority of who are in the 13 to 15 year age group. As yet there is no provision in this District for Secondary training, and until this year, there has been no demand for such in the Highlands region.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Boarding Facilities for Secondary Schools, Papua New Guinea, 24 April 1959. Ed1001 Pt1 Folios 122-123. The Minister has stated his intention of reviewing the payment of financial assistance for secondary education to Territory parents after the secondary schools at Rabaul and Port Moresby have been in operation for one year. The two high schools will be ready for operation at the commencement of the 1960 school year. He has given indications that he may cease the payment of secondary educational assistance to students who live within daily traveling distance of the two schools. It would appear that there are going to be no organized facilities for boarding for non-European students in either Rabaul or Port Moresby… hence it is likely that only those parents of this class of student who live within these town limits may have their assistance terminated. The Administration is now providing secondary assistance for about 1025 students including an increasing number on £400 per annum. The Administration may find itself faced in 1960 with a very large and increasing expenditure for overseas education and two partly constructed High Schools of necessity staffed on an expensive basis, catering for day students only because of the lack of boarding facilities. Roscoe suggests that the case for boarding schools at both centres be put to the Minister. Cleland wants a more detailed submission, as he feels the Administration may be swapping an Australian secondary subsidy for a boarding subsidy.
CE Beresford to Director of Education, Native School Committees, 27 April 1959. Ed5104 Pt7 Folio 18. Yes, the Council aspect of Native School Committees has been borne in mind in the formation of such committees.
GT Roscoe to Public Service Commissioner, Changes in Departmental Organisation, 28 April 1959. Ed4 No2 Folios 90-91. Roscoe summarized correspondence between the Port Moresby and Canberra and gives the reasons for some of the delays. He concludes however, “If you could see your way clear to write to the Department of Territories pointing out that it is now six months since I had my interview with the Minister and comparatively little has been done in that time to carry out his intentions, it might be suggested, with all deference, that if Ministerial approval for the new organisation could be given fairly soon, the Director would greatly appreciate the consideration.”
GT Roscoe to Teacher in Charge Teacher Training Centre Idubada, Practical Teaching, 29 April 1959. Ed3017 Pt1 Folio 90. Roscoe suggests alternatives for practice teaching.
GT Roscoe, Staff Postings as at 30 April 1959, 30 April 1959. Ed17 f77-82. Also lists Cadet Education Officers in training.
G Gibson to All Education Officers, Sepik, Madang and Morobe Districts, May 1959. ED335. Gibson is starting a professional library which field staff can borrow and will periodically send summaries of new material. Those who come across other material should send a summary to him so he can duplicate it and inform others.
GT Roscoe, Professional and Other Qualifications of Education Officers, 1 May 1959. Staff asked to update their information for promotion and appeal purposes.
GWJ McMeekin to Director of Education, Native Staff, 1 May 1959. ED5096 Pt 5 Folios 108-109. Asks for 31 teachers. “In the Eastern Highlands, we are faced with a very heavy population, greater than the whole of Papua… (with) an insistent demand for education. In one village, the people have already erected school buildings and teachers’ houses, and have fenced and planted a large area of land in preparation for a school. They now seek a teacher. They have had to be told that no guarantee can be given that they will have a teacher posted there.”
N Thomson, Personal Reports on Officers, P.S.C. Circular No22 of 1959, 3 May 1959. ED20 Pt 9 Folio 177. The Public Service Commissioner states “that when any personal report is made on an officer, he should be made aware of the contents of the report. Advice should also be given, where appropriate, on remedying any deficiencies which are reported upon.”
GT Roscoe, Notes for Teacher Training Centres, 5 May 1959. From time to time it is proposed to issue notes for the information of Teachers-in-Charge of Teacher Training Centres. The Administration commenced a two-year course for the ‘C’ certificate this year. Thirty-eight students who sat for the 1958 Junior Certificate have been enrolled.
SA Nielson to Director of Education, Staff Establishment – District Education Office – Central District, 6 May 1959. ED5081 Pt1 Folios 150-151. As the District Education office has move from Konedobu to Ela Beach, the DEO can no longer use HQ clerical staff. He asks for two clerks and one typist.
GT Roscoe, Changes in Duties of Officers, 6 May 1959. Advises field staff of changes in HQ.
GT Roscoe, School Leavers, 12 May 1959. “Regular inspection reports of Intermediate and Secondary Schools indicate a fairly large proportion of students are attending schools at these levels who have little or no chance of academic success… school offers a well-organized and secure environment which is to their liking because it contrasts so favourable with either life in the village or in the world of work. For many, school is not just a place of preparation for life, it is life in itself. Some inspectors are supporting the view, put forward by teachers, that at any time during the working year certain students should ‘terminate their schooling and seek employment.’ Except in exceptional circumstances students should complete the full year. The department of Education is now working in close co-operation with the Native Labour Branch of the Department of Native Affairs which is responsible for the placing in industry of school and other leavers. School leavers should be referred to officers of this Branch.”
CR Lambert to Public Service Commissioner, Organisation – Department of Education, 11 May 1959. ED4 No2 Folios 92-94. The Minister on 1st May, 1959 approved the Chief of Division positions for Primary Education, Secondary Education and Teacher Training, a position for a Superintendent of Primary Schools and Inspector (OIC Female Education). In the Pre-Entry and Auxiliary Training Branch in the Secondary Division he approved one Education Officer Grade 3 position, two Education Officer Grade 2 positions, ten Education Officer Grade 1 positions and two typist positions. The Minister also approved the form of organisation – divisions, branches and lines of control as submitted.
GT Roscoe to Director-General of Education Brisbane, Queensland Centenary Celebrations, 13 May 1959. ED5260 Pt7 Folio 106. Roscoe asks for copies of material being produced for the Celebrations.
ATT Shanley, Conference, 14 May 1959. ED5098 Pt6 Folio 5. He is organizing a conference at Rabaul between the Training Master and the Area Education Officers.
N Thomson, Register of Qualifications - Administration Officers, PSC Circular No 26 of 1959, 13 May 1959. ED20 Pt 9 Folio 177. Asks the Department to submit, for each officer, academic qualifications, examinations passed, other courses and studies undertaken and current studies.
ATT Shanley, Conference of the District Education Officer, Training Master and Area Education Officers Held 15th May 1959, 18 May 1959. ED5098 Pt6 Folios 20-21. The conference discussed essential school records.
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Education Seminar Western District, 15 May 1959. ED5076 Pt6 Folio 122. Mr KR McKinnon, a very keen and active young man, is proposing to conduct a Seminar of a week’s duration for 15 European Mission Teachers, 3 Administration Education Officers and 9 Papuan Teachers on the subject of teaching English. Approval was requested and granted to spend £350 on transport.
KR McKinnon, Invitational Letter to Seminar Participants, 18 May 1959. ED5076 Pt6 Folios 135-136. Two-page letter outlining the seminar content and administrative arrangements.
GT Roscoe to Teacher-in-Charge Teacher Training Idubada, Your April Report, 18 May 1959. ED3018 Pt2 Folio 23. You should restrict practice teaching to one and sometimes two periods. Curriculum revision: Miss Turvey’s notes are being duplicated and those done by you and Mr. Marshall should also be sent to the four centres.
P Hasluck, Public Service of Papua and New Guinea, 15 May 1959. ED/1 A/1 Pt3 f47 and ED340 A/1-20D Folio 1. Certain rumours affecting the Public Service are circulating in the Territory and are causing concern to officers. I want to state categorically – There is no proposal to absorb the Territory Public Service into the Commonwealth Service. No submission has been made to me on house rents. No plans to change the education subsidy in the near future. No submissions made regarding leave conditions. There will be no major change in conditions without prior consultation.
N Thomson, Statement by the Minister for Territories, P.S.C. Circular No 27 of 1959, 18 May 1959. ED/1 A/1 Pt3 f47 and ED340 A/1-20D f1. Advised public servants of the Minister’s statement of 15 May 1959.
GT Roscoe, Telephone Numbers – Department of Education – Central District, 21 May 1959. Gives the phone numbers for HQ staff and the major educational institutions in Port Moresby.
GT Roscoe to District Education Officer Eastern Highlands, In Connection with the 16 Students at Standard 9 Level at the Goroka Intermediate School, 21 May 1959. ED5096 Pt5 Folio 119. ‘I think you should take steps to acquire ground for a secondary school. It is likely that we will move your 16 students to Kerevat.”
KR McKinnon to Director of Education, Western District Teaching Seminar, 25 May 1959. ED5076 Pt6 Folios 137-139. Three-page letter giving reasons for the theme of the seminar. Mr. Ralph will be attending and will be asked to present a paper, Re-Organisation of Territory Education System.
Administration Press Statement No. 23, Port Moresby, 26 May 1959. ED/4 No2 f95 and ED335 and Acc 8 Box 54 file 74.1.2 Pt1. Announces that Hasluck has approved the Education Department’s new organisation and additional positions for inspectors and District Education Officers. Roscoe says a new Teachers’ Training College will be opened at Port Moresby at the beginning of next year and probably others at a later stage at Rabaul and Goroka.
South Pacific Post, School at Boroko Needs More Space, 26 May 1959, p. 3. Some had to move into the Scout Hall.
South Pacific Post, Council Builds School, 26 May 1959, p. 6. In Southern Highlands.
VV McNamara to Director of Education, Monthly Report for May 1959 – Highlands Regional Inspector, 30 May 1959. ED5097 Pt6 Folio 129-131. He is spending most of his time in primary schools as there is a shortage of other types.
United Nations Visiting Mission to the Trust Territory of New Guinea 1959, Comments by the Administering Authority on the Report of the Visiting Mission, circa June 1959. AD 90/3/17 Folios 10-12. Resignations of Permanent Officers: Figures refer to the whole of P&NG. 92 males left of which 12 retired, 3 died, 4 dismissed, 5 appointments annulled. Of the 68 resignations 16 were dissatisfied with conditions, 14 found better prospects of employment, 17 left for private reasons, 6 for family reasons, 5 for personal or family ill-health, 2 for further studies and 8 for other reasons. Of the 63 females leaving 37 were nurses and 20 resigned to become married. Secondary Education in Australia (paragraph 198): Introduced in 1954, this is not a satisfactory practice for New Guinea children. It is preferable the children remain in their own environment. Increased Numbers of Teachers paragraphs 195-196): Need for the provision of an adequate number of teachers both from Australia and locally. The present steps being taken by the Administering Authority to intensify the recruitment of teachers will be continued and extended in whatever way would seem to be advantageous. The Administration is already training all local students qualified and available to undertake teacher training. Lowering the present standard of entry is not contemplated as it would tend to defeat the objectives of universal primary education and literacy in English.
United Nations Visiting Mission to the Trust Territory of New Guinea 1959, Draft Conclusions and Recommendations, circa June 1959. AD 90/3/17. General: The rate of progress in all fields and more especially in the political field needs to be accelerated. Educational Advancement: 46. The Council considers it important that all mission schools be brought under more effective governmental inspection and supervision in the next three of four years, in order that the standards of instruction in mission schools be raised to those prevailing in Administration schools. 47. Too great a reliance is being placed on missions for the dissemination of education in the Territory. Practically all mission schools are one-teacher schools, the majority of the teachers being only partly trained and unqualified to teach beyond the second or third primary grade…endeavour to persuade the missions to pool their efforts. 48. In the year under review only five new Administration schools were opened. The council would welcome a detailed account of the Territory’s new educational plan at its next session. 49. The Council welcomes with particular satisfaction the contribution that local government 20 councils are making towards the establishment and maintenance of schools in their areas… hopes that indigenous initiative will be encouraged. 50. Progressive increases in expenditure on education will be necessary. 51. Illiteracy still very high… the necessary improvement and expansion of the whole system of education in the Territory. 52. The scope of the recruitment and training of teachers particularly indigenous teachers is insufficient. It urges the necessity of ensuring a sufficiently large annual turnout of indigenous teachers…Consolidate and improve the existing facilities of primary education and a rapid expansion of secondary education and special courses of intensive instruction of those who, despite the initial absence of a full course of primary education followed by intermediate or secondary education, may make suitable teachers. 53. The number of children receiving secondary education is quite inadequate… high priority should go to secondary education, which should be developed in the Territory itself. 54. The Council hopes that the trend in vocational bias in intermediate and secondary schools will be further strengthened. ATT Shanley, Conference of the District Education Officer, Training Master and Area Education Officers, 3 June 1959. ED5098 Pt6 f28-29. Cover item like school records, handwriting and spelling.
South Pacific Post, New System, 3 June 1959, p. 10. Teaching in Secondary Schools will be a stream system, says Owner – the brighter would not be kept back with the others.
United Nations Visiting Mission to the Trust Territories of Nauru, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands 1959, Report on New Guinea, Trusteeship Council Official Records: Twenty-Fourth Session, New York, 2 June – 6 August 1959. 195. The provision of an adequate number of teachers continues to be a difficult problem. The resignation rate is still fairly high. So long as qualified local teachers are not available, the Administration will have to intensify its efforts to obtain teachers from overseas. 196. A greatly increased supply of indigenous teachers is essential to the advancement of education in New Guinea and the Mission was concerned to learn that some difficulty was being experienced in securing recruits. The Director of Education informed the Mission that a major factor was the opening up of new avenues of employment for better educated youths in other departments of the Administration and in private enterprise. The Mission feels that special attention should be given to this problem to ensure an adequate supply of teachers and to make it possible for the expansion of education services to continue. 198. The view was expressed that children who went to Australia lost contact with their own people and families during their prolonged absence and returned almost as strangers. It is preferable to provide secondary schools in New Guinea where the children will remain within their own environment and closer to their own people. 199. The Mission wishes to stress the importance of providing adequate facilities for technical training, particularly at this stage of the Territory’s development when the need for skilled workers in all trades is increasing. 200. The number of pupils receiving such (post-primary) education was too low to meet the needs of the Territory, where there is a growing need for better educated New Guineans… which must be met by a further extension of secondary education. 201. With regard to the education of girls, the Administration has had to contend with a marked reluctance on the part of the make dominated society to encourage or even allow its girls to be educated. 202. The Mission was pleased to see evidence of increasing interest displayed by the New Guinea people in the schools. This interest was most notable where local government councils have been formed. 203. The Mission was glad to note that the people are apparently becoming aware of the Administration’s educational programme …to replace pidgin with English as the lingua franca of the Territory.
United Nations Visiting Mission Report on New Guinea. Digest of Main Points, circa June 1959. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3 Pt 3 Folios 1-2 and 7. Similar to the above report.
D McCarthy to Secretary Department of Territories, United Nations Visiting Mission Report - New Guinea, circa June 1959. Acc 8 Box 80 File 90.3.3 Pt 3 Folios 8-21. 9. The UN Report was received in Canberra through the Department of External Affairs on 10 June 1959. McCarthy states, “The report is a moderate one and contains little overt criticism and some commendation of policies and achievements in New Guinea. The Mission’s main concern… is that the Administration is not in sufficiently close touch with the thinking of the people.” (Their evidence for this was opinions expressed by native leaders, isolated outbreaks of cargo cults and the Navuneram incident.)
GT Roscoe to His Honour the Administrator, Local Government Schools – Staffing with Mission Teachers, 4 June 1959. ED5254 Pt2 Folio 59. “Yesterday I attended a Meeting of the Central District Education Committee, at which the following proposition was put up to me: Since Local Government Councils are now able and eager to build Primary Schools and the Department of Education is unable to provide sufficient trained teachers to staff them, should not the schools be staffed by certificated mission teachers when such are available? It would appear that the answer to this must be affirmative, but I do not like it at all. (Note: The underlining is Cleland’s. In the margin he commented, “Neither do I.”) In all our previous thinking we have thought of Local Government Schools as being un-denominational. Staffing them with Mission Teachers will in effect make them Mission Schools and, since the Catholic Missions train mire certificated teachers than all the other Missions put together, they will become predominantly Catholic.” The only solution Roscoe could offer was for the mission teachers to become Administration employees. On the 8th June, Cleland noted that he wished to speak with Roscoe before he said, “Yea or nay.” Roscoe met with Cleland on 3rd July and his comment on the meeting was “Await developments.” Ian Downs on the UNVM Report (released 5 June, 1959): The mission critically examined the role of the Christian missions and pointed out that the education program could not produce sufficient educated men for the Public Service and participation in government. There was an understandable view at the UN that the Minister’s policy of universal primary education had taken place at the expense of secondary education and was holding back political progress, the 1959 visiting mission noted that the Administration not only had to expand and improve its own services, but also needed to raise standards of education in the very large number of mission schools. (From, ‘The Australian Trusteeship. Papua New Guinea’, p129.)
GWJ McMeekin to Director of Education, Standard IX Pupils: Goroka Intermediate Schools, 5 June 1959. ED5906 Pt6 Folios 3-4. “During his recent visit to Goroka, the Director Mr Roscoe, agreed that a ‘B’ Course Teacher Training programmes should be commenced in Goroka in 1960. Those who are too young to commence Teacher Training should continue with Secondary Education in the hope that they would later undertake the ‘C’ Course or its equivalent. The remainder, of more advanced age, and who would probably not be able to complete the Secondary course, should undertake the ‘B’ Course of Teacher Training at Goroka in 1960. With respect to the obtaining a piece of land suitable for a secondary school… I believe that I already have a possible site – 40 acres of elevated, undulating land at Samagoni – some 6 miles out of Goroka. During his visit Mr. Roscoe suggested that it be used as an Agricultural High School but since that visit, I have learned that D.A.S.F is proposing to establish and Agricultural College at Goroka.” On 21 June 1959, Roscoe notes on the bottom of the letter, “I have no special desire for an Agricultural High School at Goroka but we are committed to an ‘Agplan’ which provides for one Agricultural High School every two years. We must therefore put it on the Building Programme. It will of course NOT repeat NOT be built.”
RC Ralph, Primary Education, Paper presented to the Conference of District Education Officers, Port Moresby, 8 to 12 June 1959. Ralph Collection. “The aim of Universal Primary Education is to enable all children to become literate in English - to speak English and at least to use English as a lingua-franca. They will also become reasonably proficient in Number. We are faced at present, as an immediate task, with doing on the one hand as much as we can for the many who will have only two, three or four years at school, and on the other with preparing the few for higher schooling. For the majority, that is, we have to consider schooling as a preparation for living in a village. English, yes, and Arithmetic of a practical kind are essential. But we need more than that. The children need a sound grounding in hygiene and first aid, in house and village sanitation; in gardening; in arts and crafts; of living together as a school unit, a village unit, a district unit to an awareness of the world around them…I deplore this “drift to the city” and away from the village in search of white-collar jobs. When I first came to the Territory, there was not only passive resistance but even strong opposition to the education of girls. Now it is different: the proportion of girls to boys in the school enrolments is growing. It is not uncommon by any means for village people to build a school and a house for the teacher and then to present the DEO with a fait accompli, saying “We have done our part, now you do yours and give us a teacher.” It is becoming more common for a Local Government Council to vote money for a school, to set aside land and present a similar fait accompli. On the other hand, in some Districts it is difficult to get children to school, and even when that is achieved, after the Christmas break the whole process has to be started all over again, sometimes with the aid of the Native Affairs Officers to round up the children. In other Districts, where there are very small village communities or merely scattered populations, it is economically not possible to have a school for each village. In such cases it is my belief that we should have area boarding schools. The majority of primary students stop at Standard III. The minority will be in two groups; the first who will stop at Standard V or VI; the second who will go on to post-primary either secondary or technical. From my experience in the schools, I think that at our present stage of development Standard V should be the top level of the Primary School, and that Standard VI should be part of the Intermediate Boarding School and rationed and treated as such. I want to end on the note that primary education is essentially education for the good of the majority, and that the needs of the minority should not be allowed to dominate those of the majority.”
Department of Education, District Education Officers Conference, 8 to 12 June 1959. ED282 A/15-22 Pt3 Folios 70-75. The conference made 36 recommendations, many of them relating to administrative matters such as school supplies, office staff, transport, funding and staff reports. The more important are summarized here: To open as many as possible schools leading to Standard IV and graduates of these schools go on to continuation schools. Comment: This in effect what is being done now. Invite Missions to share Administration teacher training facilities and hold seminars and similar functions for Administration and Mission teachers at regular intervals. Comment: All approved as policy. Fulfillment depends on resources available. That a genuine and determined effort be made to ensure that our classes are not overloaded with students who are obviously over-aged. Comment: A sound suggestion. An effort will be made to induce parents to send children to school at a suitable age. That each AEO should concentrate on developing in his area one Administration school of high standard to serve as a model for the surrounding mission schools. Comment: A Departmental instruction to this effect will be issued. That at all regional conferences, one DEO from outside that region be invited to attend as an observer. Comment: Suggestion accepted. Inspectors will be notified. That Mission liaison be left essentially to the DEO with the Inspector taking part on a professional level. Comment: The Director will instruct either according to the circumstance. The system of putting a DEO and Inspector on equal rank could lead to confusion of control. Comment: No workable alternative. That a trained Infants’ Teacher be appointed to every Training College. Comment: Desirable but they are not available. That the Department investigates the possibility of using Physical Education tables in Primary ‘T’ Schools. Comment: Until something effective is done about programmes of work in English, physical education cannot be given priority. That facilities be provided to enable a full coverage of Manual Arts and Technical Training in all districts. Comment: To resolve that “building, equipment and teachers be provided” does not produce a miraculous appearance of these necessities. That guidance services be extended. Comment: Desirable but the proposal would call for 12 Guidance Officers. The present strength is one. That Native Teachers be given an issue of furniture. Comment: The Director is sympathetic but resources are not available. That the Department investigates accurate methods of ascertaining correct ages of children in the 5-10 year group. Comment: As far as is known ther