Today's farm report

From PAUL OATES in Queenslands, Australia

The winter sun slowly burns the morning mist away and melts the frost on the grass as I deliver the cattle's molasses based lick. All through the paddocks there were thousands of dew drop covered spider webs  . Brrr.. it is definitely Polar bear weather, so we visited 'Seaworld' yesterday to watch the bears there.

Smouldering remains of the colonial Burns Philp building

 

 

End of an era in Papua New Guinea history

Original photo of the Burns Philp building from the period 1910-1920

Papua Hotel 1955

Moresby Hotel 1955

The burning down of the former Burns Philp building, a colonial icon in downtown Port Moresby on Sunday night, was indeed the end of an era.
It was quite tragic too as Nasfund, which owned the property, was planning to maintain this heritage building which played an important role in the development of Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.
The building housed the Tribal Den nightclub, several shops including kai bars, an internet café and the National Narcotics Bureau office.
Joint Nasfund CEOs Rod Mitchell and Ian Tarutia said a statement would be forthcoming tomorrow after a board meeting.
“The Nasfund board will be meeting on Wednesday specifically to discuss the issue,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The chairman of Nasfund will make a statement after that meeting.
“Until then, we are unable to make comment although we express a deep sense of disappointment at the loss of this historical icon.”
Burns Philp was once the most-famous company in PNG and the Pacific, with stores in Port Moresby, Samarai, Lae and Goroka, among others.
As well as running all the major shipping routes between Australia and its neighbours, it also ran a huge network of integrated industries, shops and hardware for example.
Those who grew up in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s would remember the chain of ‘BP’ stores all over the country.
Last December, the former Burns Philp store in Lae was burned down, marking the end of an era in PNG’s second city.
The history of the Burn Philp building in Port Moresby goes back to 1891 when a store was first established in this colonial outpost, according to company history sourced from the internet.
James Burns had been running his shops in Queensland since 1867 but it was not until 1883 that Burns went into partnership with his former employee Robert Philp to form Burns Philp & Co.
In 1880, they had acquired the mail contract to run to Thursday Island and this was the beginning of an active interest in Melanesia and Polynesia which lasted until the late 20th century.
Over the course of these years Burns Philp and other companies which they held controlling interests in were intimately linked to the development of industry in the area.
In the 1880s, Burns Philp was involved in the labour trade which was known as "blackbirding" mainly at the behest of Robert Philp, who was also an aspiring politician but two official enquiries into conditions on board their ships the Heath and the Hopeful, coupled with a downturn in the sugar industry in 1886 led them to look for other ways of making money in Melanesia where most of the labour was recruited.
In 1891 they opened their first stores in New Guinea at Port Moresby and Samarai, setting in motion a brilliant Australian company.
They were the first company to offer tourism to New Guinea, in 1884, advertising the 'New Guinea Excursion Trip'.
This consisted of a five-week trip from Thursday Island and has been described as the "official beginning of tourist cruises in the South Pacific".
Acquisition of the Port Moresby Hotel occurred in 1914, with the Papua Hotel purchased some years later.
Burns Philp went out of existence on December 20, 2006, when all its shares were purchased by Rank Group Australia Pty Ltd
In 2007, Nasfund purchased 51% of the Burns Philp site in downtown Port Moresby.

In 2008, it purchased the remaining 49% comprising 5,191 square metres over six titles. “Maintenance of heritage buildings is important to the city of Port Moresby,” Nasfund said in its June 2009 newsletter.

“It was deemed important that the most-important redevelopment site in Port Moresby be owned by Papua New Guinean workers through their fund.

“Any long-term redevelopment will ensure that the historic Bell Tower section will remain preserved as the Tower is perhaps the most historical building in the country, dating back to the early 1900’s.

“As part of the restoration, a further 950 square metres of disused space will be upgraded for lease to the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Daltron.”

All these plans, infortunately, went up in flames on Sunday night.

Icon destroyed

Caption: A firefighter trying to put out the fire on the roof of Tribal Den nightclub. On the right is the tower undergoing renovations by Hornibook PNG – Nationalpic by Henry MorabangA

 

Burns Philp building razed within two hours

 

By PATRICK TALU in The National, Papua New Guinea’s No. 1 daily newspaper

 

The former Burns Philp Building, a colonial icon in downtown Port Moresby, was gutted by fire last night.

The building housed the Tribal Den nightclub, several shops, including kai bars, an internet café and the National Narcotic Bureau office.

The building was recently purchased by Nasfund.

Eyewitnesses told The National the fire started around 7pm, and by 9pm, the building was burnt to the ground.

The fire service arrived at the scene but could do little. But they managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the Westpac Bank.

The cause of the fire is not known.

An employee of a firm that operated the internet café said he believed the fire started in one of the offices at the top floor.

The firemen responded quickly but could not contain the fire as the building was too wide and the fire had spread from the middle of the building.

The winds, blowing briskly towards Fairfax Harbour, ensured the fire spread quickly.

The firemen tried their best to put out the fire but tackling the inferno from only one side was a lost cause as the fire had already spread all over the building, making it impossible for the fireman to contain it.

As the flames spread towards the Westpac Bank building, which was adjacent, firemen fought hard to prevent the flames from engulfing the bank.

Chief of PNG Fire Service Isaac Silas, who was at the scene, said he could not make any comments yet as it was too early to determine the cause of the fire.

Some opportunists tried to take advantage of the situation to loot shops but police were on guard.

Residents from downtown, who were there to witness the scene, described the building as one of the iconic and oldest buildings from the colonial period.

They said it was built almost the same time as the Papuan Club, which was burnt down in the late 1960s.

In 2007, Nasfund purchased 51% of Burns Philp and purchased the remaining 49% last year. The site comprised 5,191 square metres over six titles.

The fund wanted to redevelop the site for historical reasons. It wanted to ensure that the Bell Tower section would remain preserved because the tower was perhaps the most historical building in the country, dating to the early 1900s.

 

New Lae property sets benchmark for the future

The new K50 million development on Second Street in Lae (pictured)  is destined to set a new standard for quality and excellence in the Lae property market once it is completed by mid 2011.
The building, 100% owned by the largest superannuation fund, Nambawan Super Ltd will comprise of basement car parking, five levels of high quality office/commercial space and two penthouse levels of premium residential space.
Contractor is Lae Builders and Contractors, architect is Pacific Architect Consortium (PNG) Ltd Project managers  is Point Project Management, Civil and structural engineers is Kramer Group, and services engineers is M&E Partnership Ltd.
“Nambawan Super Limited has realised that the continued growth and prosperity of Papua New Guinea relies on the creation of suitable buildings and facilities,” said managing director Leon Buskens.
“Both Port Moresby and Lae are currently lacking office and residential accommodation as evidenced by the high rental rates being paid. 
“As part of a wider investment strategy, Nambawan Super Limited is in the process of constructing a number of ‘landmark’ buildings including the new Lae ‘Top Town’ Building; an affordable housing development at Eight-Mile in Port Moresby and a multi-storey mixed commercial / residential building in Port Moresby CBD.
“All these projects provide a balance between responsible investment in PNG’s future and solid returns for members of the fund.”
Lae Builders and Contractors Limited (LBC) has been awarded the construction contract for the ‘Top Town’ building and will employ 220 people from around Lae and PNG for approximately 2.5 years while the job is progressing.
Skilled employees will range from programmers and health and safety officers to electricians and bricklayers.
“Mike Gibson is the commercial and contracts manager for LBC and it is his responsibility to coordinate all the various work packages,” Mr Buskens said.
“Most material for the building is being manufactured locally by Lae Builders, which adds a second tier of investment into the local economy.
“For instance, LBC has commissioned its own concrete batching plant and concrete beam manufacturing facility.”
Only recently, LBC chairman, Sir Bob Sinclair, presented an overview of the construction techniques involved with this complicated structure to building students at the University of Technology in Lae. 
“The project will provide a valuable ‘real world’ learning tool to the construction professionals of the future,” Mr Buskens said.
“The total cost of the project is approximately PGK 50,000,000 and completion is expected in mid 2011.
“As part of the project, Nambawan Super will be investing in local infrastructure such as electricity sub-stations.
“The building will also be a step into the future for PNG.
“The design team has worked hard to ‘future proof’ the building by incorporating features such as energy-efficient chillers, energy-efficient lighting, high quality glazing that limits energy loss, low water bathroom appliances and sun hoods to limit temperature rise caused by solar heating.
“In addition, the building has the latest fire safety systems including an independent tank for fire water supply.
“Ease of maintenance has also been a major consideration to ensure that the building maintains its status as the prime address in Lae for many years.
“The stunning design by Pacific Architect Consortium of Port Moresby offers a choice of    one or three-bedroom apartments or commercial space with a floor plate of up to 900 square metres.
“The positioning of the building on ‘Top Town’ hill guarantees spectacular views of both the Finisterre Ranges and the Huon Gulf.
“It is expected that the new ‘Top Town’ building will be the first in a long line of developments that will reinforce Lae’s position as a major city within the region.                                               “Nambawan Super Ltd has engaged the services of Point Project Management who are based in the offices of Rumbam Engineers in Port Moresby.
“Point will be working with prospective tenants to ensure the facilities are fit for purpose and can drive business success right through the next decade.”
•       For further information about the building or for prospective tenancy information please contact Justin Parker on justin.parker@pointpm.com.au  

Record prize money offered by University of Goroka for art awards

Ms Sally Watson of New Guinea Fruit Company and UOG chancellor Peter Baki (CBE) Chancellor standing under the banner to officially launch the Live Lave Art Awards competition last Wednesday night.Picture by KATE GUNN of UOG

Art in Papua New Guinea has entered a new dimension with the launching of the Live Lave Art Awards.
The competition was formally launched on campus at the University of Goroka (UOG) last Wednesday.
In a first for UOG, a total prize pool of over K20, 000 will be offered for winning entries in the Live Lave Art Awards competition for 2009.
The competition will be the highest-ever paying of prizes for art awards in Papua New Guinea.
The Live Lave Art Awards is jointly sponsored by the New Guinea Fruit Company and UOG, and is a competition for artworks in three different media: painting, printmaking and innovative craft sculptural form.
First prize for the painting category is a record K10, 000, while second prize is K5, 000.
New Guinea Fruit Company, a Goroka-based business specialising in locally-made fruit drinks and other fruit products, moved to support the arts at UOG through donating K36, 500 to support the Live Lave Art Awards competition.
Acting vice chancellor of the UOG, Associate Prof Michael Mel described the evening as “a special occasion for many of us…as many things make UOG unique from its other sister universities and the development of culture is one of these factors”.
Prof Mel said the art awards had become an annual event at UOG after its initial conception during the Goroka Coffee Festival in 2008.
He said that this year’s art awards were a “private and public collaboration between New Guinea Fruit Company and UOG to support and collect culture in its various artistic forms”.
New Guinea Fruit Company representative Ms Sally Watson, who attended the evening, said sponsoring art had been an idea of the company’s for the last few years and of great interest to them.
She said it was a pleasure to be involved as it “is important to preserve art for the future” especially for our children’s sake.
The programme for the evening included guests touring an exhibition of entries from last year’s competition acquired by the UOG; witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UOG and New Guinea Fruit Company and the official launching of the Live Lave Art Awards by UOG chancellor Peter Baki and Ms Watson representative of New Guinea Fruit Company.
Mr Baki said the loss of culture equaled the loss of a nation.
“The future is redesigned and rewritten, with UOG’s support for culture, starting tonight,” he said.
The launching saw a good turnout from corporate friends and staff of UOG, including council members, who were happy to support UOG and sample products from New Guinea Fruit Company.

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

 

This seems a little daunting to start with but if you apply yourself you may find that it's not as difficult as you think.
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.
With a 5-kg potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full
minute, and then relax.
Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-kg potato sacks.
Then try 25-kg potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 50-kg potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.)
After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack.
 

Wattle bark

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

Australia's National floral emblem is the Golden Wattle (top picture) ,  however,  I think the Cootamundra Wattle (second picture)  is spectacular. Wattle trees flower in winter and it's heavy 'nutty' perfume fills the air.

BTW - Does anyone know how you spell Wattle bark in three letters?

A wedding made in Lae

Husband and wife...Dobbin and Evelyn Laka emerge from the Cassowary United Church last Saturday after their wedding

Bride Evelyn Faunt and her flower girls

An emotional David Faunt leads his daughter Evelyn to her wedding to Dobbin Laka

Man of the moment Dobbin Laka (right) with his escorts

Guests emerging from Cassowary United Church after the wedding

Two longtime Lae families – the Lakas and the Faunts – came closer together last Saturday when Dobbin Laka tied the knot with sweetheart Evelyn Faunt at the Cassowary Road United Church.
Rainy Lae gave its blessing by not pouring down on this special day for the young couple.
Family, friends and relatives from all over PNG, including Lae MP Bart Philemon, gathered at the church for the wedding and exchange of vows, which was conducted by Rev Raka Aiga.
This was followed by traditional Manus exchange of gifts and a wedding reception at the Lae International Hotel.
Dobbin Laka is the son of well-known former cricketer and Lae businessman Harry Laka and netball personality Jill Laka, while Evelyn Faunt is the daughter of respected teacher David Faunt and whose mother, from Manus, and another highly-regarded teacher, has passed away.
The Faunt family includes Papua New Guinea singing sensation, John Faunt, of the Lae-based Hauboi band.
The couple met while at the University of Technology in Lae

Pictures of Bootless Bay, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Pacific Adventist University goes more hi-tech with new computers

Jackson Kumye and Donalyne Kuamin, both third-year education students at PAU, working on two of the new computers installed this week

Pacific Adventist University has maintained its status as one of the most hi-tech institutions in Papua New Guinea with a significant upgrade to its computer laboratories this week.
While students at the long-established University of PNG and University of Technology are struggling for computers, their counterparts at PAU and Divine Word University in Madang are miles ahead.
PAU currently provides some of the best computer and technology facilities in PNG and these facilities are available to all students studying at PAU.
While studying at PAU, students as part of their fees are all provided access to computer labs (ratio of 4:1 students per computer, one of the best for any university in PNG), a school email address, wireless internet, ladies dorm computer and wireless access and access to the latest teaching and learning software and equipment.
The PAU this week installed 24 brand-new computers in the schools of business and science and technology.
The classroom computer upgrade program, costing approximately K70, 000, is running all of the most-current teaching and learning software including Windows Vista SP2 and Office 2007.
Additionally, because PAU is a member of the Microsoft IT Academy programme,
students there will also have access to and be taught in the use of Microsoft’s latest development software such as Visual Studio 2008, Expression 2, Visio 2007 and Project 2007.
The installation of 22-inch LCD screens will facilitate the teaching and learning of many of these programmes.
Ben Thomas, dean of the school of business, is excited about the installation of the new
computers.
“Computers play a critical role in all aspects of business,” he says.
“It is imperative that students learn to use the latest computer technology, as this will enable them to be successful in their future employment.
“I believe that PAU produces the best graduates because of our holistic emphasis on education.
“Good infrastructure and facilities, such as computers and the internet, as well as our focus on quality lectures, student work ethic, church participation and sports allow PAU to produce graduates who can be successful in any organisation.”
While installing the new computers, IT staff could overhear comments from students who are excited about the new facilities and equipment.
“These computer upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to live up to our vision
statement to be the BEST (Biblically Sound, Educationally Valid, Spiritually Challenging, Technologically Relevant) provider of quality tertiary Christian
education in the Pacific islands,” says Wayne Hawken, communications director at PAU.
“These upgrades continue to ensure that PAU students have leading access to technology
while studying at PAU.”
PAU will continue to significantly upgrade its technology and computing facilities throughout the remainder of this year.
PAU is a tertiary institution owned and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, offering diploma, bachelor and post-graduate awards in a range of disciplines.
PAU is located at Koiari Park, at 14-Mile outside Port Moresby, with affiliate campuses
At Fulton (Suva, Fiji) and Sonoma College in East New Britain province.

A holiday with a difference

Students taking sewing lessons at PAU’s ‘Holiday School’

Sixteen-year-olds Maria Raka (right) from Laloki High School and Grace Apana from Badihagwa Technical Secondary School busy sewing away at PAU’s ‘Holiday School’

Friday, July 10, draws to a close the groundbreaking ‘Holiday School’ programme run by the School of Education at Pacific Adventist University’s Koiari Park Campus at 14-Mile outside Port Moresby.
The holiday School has transformed normal university classrooms into a school for approximately 200 grade 10 students from various schools in the Port Moresby area.
“The timing of the holiday school has been an excellent opportunity both for the pupils and the practice teachers,” says Dr Jillian Thiele, dean of the school of education and holiday school ‘principal’.
“The holiday school has meant that our students have been able to experience a wide range of situations in a controlled environment, and the Grade 10 pupils have had the opportunity to get additional professional tutoring in preparation for the national
Year 10 exams.”
Enthusiastic students told me that they had enjoyed every moment at PAU’s picturesque campus and it was a welcome change from their normal classrooms.
“We’ve been learning science, social science, English and maths,” said Ishmael Nigints from De La Salle High School, Bomana.
“There are also optional subjects like IT, sewing and cooking.
“I’ve enjoyed it very much, I have learnt a lot, and it’s very interesting.
“At De La Salle, there are only boys, but here, there are girls, so it’s a new experience for some of us.
“And also, the environment here is very beautiful.”
Dr Thiele said the topic focus areas for the holiday school had been identified and managed in conjunction with a number of high school teachers and principals in the NCD region.
“As a result,” she said, “the holiday school is targeting areas that teachers have identified as common weak areas.
“Additionally, because the holiday school is being held on the PAU campus – school
pupils and teacher trainees have direct access to the university’s specialist lecturers in the
various content areas.
“The programme would not have been the success that it is without the assistance and support of the NCD governor, Powes Parkop, who has assisted the holiday school with bus transport to all NCD students from the NCD region to Pacific Adventist University for the holiday school.
“The programme this year is considered a great success and PAU wishes all of the participants the best for the upcoming national exams.”
PAU is a tertiary institution owned and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, offering diploma, bachelor and post-graduate awards in a range of disciplines.
PAU is located at Koiari Park, at 14-Mile outside Port Moresby, with affiliate campuses
Fulton (Suva, Fiji) and Sonoma College in East New Britain province.

Bulolo thanks outgoing US envoy

Bulolo MP Sam Basil ties a traditional headdress on outgoing US Ambassador Lesley Rowe

People of Bulolo, Morobe province, on Thursday, July 09, 2009 presented gifts to outgoing US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Lesley Rowe.
The gifts – bilums, a headdress and a spear – were presented to Ms Rowe by Bulolo MP, Sam Basil, who earlier this year witnessed the swearing in of Barrack Obama as 44th US president at the invitation of the US government.
Ms Rowe told Mr Basil that she was so glad that he had been able to travel to the US and witness the historical transition of power.
“It was a historical time,” she said.
“I’m glad we got you (to travel to the US) when you were young.”
Mr Basil thanked Ms Rowe on behalf of his fellow Buang villagers, people of Bulolo and Papua New Guinea for the last three years she had spent in the country.

Return of the 39th Battalion 'chocolate soldiers'

Peter Holloway (left) and Harry Barkla at McDonald's Corner

Harry Barkla makes a point of history to Aaron Hayes of Ectourism Melanesia

Harry Barkla and Peter Holloway meet Australian trekkers at Owers' CornerEnthusiastic trekkers meet 39th Battalion veterans Harry Barkla and Peter Holloway

Australian trekkers surround 39th Battalion veterans Harry Barkla and Peter Holloway at Owers' Corner

Australian trekkers line up to meet Harry Barkla and Peter Holloway at Owers' Corner last Sunday

Peter Holloway autographs a book for an Australian trekker as Harry Barkla looks on

Harry Barkla signs an autograph for an adoring Australian trekker

Harry Barkla spent his 21st birthday sitting in a foxhole on the Kokoda Trail before all hell broke loose at the Battle of Isurava in August 1942.
The 87-year-old from Bendigo, Victoria, has returned to Papua New Guinea for the second time since 2007 with another Australian World War 11 veteran Peter Holloway to mark 67 years since the battle and to remember lost mates.
Both are members of the legendary 39th Battalion – so wrongly disparaged as “chocolate soldiers” - who fought the Japanese in the now-famous Battle of Isurava in August 1942.
I was privileged to be asked by tourism operator Ecotourism Melanesia to be their tour guide last Sunday as well interview them, given my interest in WW11 history.
It was an emotional moment for both men as we visited the site of the old Schwimmer Drome at Laloki, Owers’ Corner, MacDonald’s Corner, the wreck of the mv MacDhui, the site of the Jackson Airfield (now International Airport), and Bootless Bay, among others.
One of the most-touching moments was when a group of young Australian trekkers arrived at Owers’ Corner after the grueling 96km trek from Kokoda, and when they learned that Mr Barkla and Mr Holloway were original members of the 39th Battalion, they were treated like royalty and swamped for autographs.
“We did it for you,” the two veterans humbly told the admiring trekkers.
An increasing number of Australians and Papua New Guineans are just now beginning to learn the tremendous story of courage and tenacity at Isurava, but it is hoped that more will take the time to learn about it
During the period from 27-30 August 1942, under almost constant attack, soldiers of the 39th Australian Militia Battalion and the 2/14th Battalion, Second Australian Imperial Force, with the help of the 2/16th Battalion and the 53rd Battalions, held back the advancing Japanese at Isurava.
What followed was the famous fighting withdrawal down the Kokoda Track during September 1942, which ended with the Australian dig-in on Imita Ridge on September 17, 1942.
From Imita, there was no further retreat.
On September 28, the Japanese began their withdrawal back across the Owen Stanleys along the Kokoda Track, having come within sight of the sea and the lights of Port Moresby on Ioribaiwa Ridge opposite Imita.
Ironically, the militia men of the 39th Battalion were initially disparaged by more-experienced soldiers as “chocolate soldiers” who would melt in the heat of battle, but proved this tag so wrong at Isurava.
“I celebrated my 21st birthday at Isurava on August 22, 1942,” Mr Barkla told me
“The Japs didn’t attack until August 28, which was when the 2/14th (Battalion) arrived.
“I’m very proud of the 39th Battalion for the job they did against terrific odds.
“Ask any member of the 39th Battalion and he’ll tell you he’s a very proud man.”
The other 39th Battalion veteran, Peter Holloway from Melbourne, did not fight on Kokoda, initially being involved in supplying food to troops, but did see action on the Northern Beaches of Buna, Gona and Sanananda (which he visited this week).
More Australians – about 1,400 in all – were killed in Buna, Gona and Sanananda than Kokoda, where about 500 were killed.
“I was part of that campaign,” Mr Holloway recalled.
“The significant part was when we could walk on the beach at Sanananda.
“I celebrated my 21st birthday in Port Moresby on February 19, 1942, the day the Port Moresby Hotel was bombed by the Japanese.”
Mr Holloway said Australians owed Papua New Guineans a great deal for their help during WW11.
“We had great assistance from the indigenous people,” he said.
“A lot of our people would have been dead if it hadn’t been for them.
“I think they’ve had a rough deal from the Australian government since the end of the war.”
Among the fascinating yarns Mr Barkla and Mr Holloway shared was that Mr Barkla was working on the mv Macdhui on June 17, 1942, the day before it was bombed and sunk by Japanese planes, while Mr Holloway was supposed to have been working on it on the actual day of the bombing but was sick
Five of their 39th Battalion mates were killed together with 10 crew members of the ship.
They also served at Jacksons Airfield and remember the numerous Japanese air raids.
Jackson Airfield was named after Australian ace pilot John Jackson, leader of RAAF Squadron 75, who was killed in a dogfight against Japanese planes over Port Moresby on April 28, 1942.
“The very first day he (Jackson) was here, he shot a Japanese Kawasaki aircraft,” Mr Holloway said.
“He shot down quite a number of Japanese aircraft.
“He had quite a number of Japanese aircraft painted on the side of his aircraft, for every one of them that he shot down.
“On April 25, 1942, which was Anzac Day, we were at the back of the hill and New Guinea Anglican Bishop, Philip Strong, was conducting a service when the Japanese attacked.
“We all ducked for cover but he remained and continued to conduct the service
Mr Barkla and Mr Holloway were based on the hill overlooking the airfield, at what is now the PNG Defence Force’s Air Transport Wing staff quarters.
They also spent time at Bootless Bay keeping an eye for Japanese aircraft.
Both men could reminisce on and on about their WW11 days, however, time caught up and they had to leave for Popondetta.
I asked them why they were called “chocolate soldiers”.
“They said we weren’t fulltime soldiers, that we were part-time soldiers,” Mr Holloway replied.
“They said when the heat of battle was on, we would melt, but we didn’t.
“Australia had two armies, the Australian Imperial Forces, and the Australian Military Forces.
“The ‘chocos (Chocolate Soldiers)’ were part of that.
“Every member of the 39th Battalion was a volunteer.
“Most of the 39th Battalion eventually joined the AIF.
“They never called us ‘chocolate soldiers’ after the New Guinea Campaign.
“When we fought together, side-by-side, they changed that opinion.
“The 2/14th will tell you that if it hadn’t been for the 39th Battalion, they would have been annihilated.”

Interesting photo

 John Dege Waure trekking the South Simbu road a couple of days before his 14th birthday during his school term break. 

 In the background is the Whagi River separating Mt Wikauma to his right and Gunangi Basis to his left.

Gumine High School can be seen at the foot of Mt Wikauma.

Picture by Martin Mintai Waure

 

 

 

Pictures of Pacific Adventist University

I visited Pacific Adventist University at 14-Mile outside Port Moresby today and took these shots.
It's a great place to visit, especially for the avid birdwatcher, and I highly recommend it for any visitor to Port Moresby as well as residents of the Papua New Guinea capital.

Latest pictures of my cucumber garden

And for you keen followers of this blog who have been monitoring the adventures of my, my kids and our cucumber garden, I'm pleased to report that it's growing bigger and bigger every day.
The plants are flowering and we're all eagerly looking forward to our first harvest.
Above are pictures of the cucumber patch as well as my two keen gardeners, two-year-old Keith and his four-year-old sister Moasing.

Complex international factors force up July fuel prices

Increased international demand for refined fuels has forced up domestic fuel prices throughout Papua New Guinea.

InterOil President Bill Jasper says the increased demand is being spurred by a number of complex factors.

“Perceptions that Europe and the United States may emerge from recession later this year is a significant factor,” he said.

“So too are the needs of the fuel thirsty Chinese economy, which continues to grow despite the worldwide financial crisis.

“Added to this is the disruption to supply from key African oil fields due to political and civil instability.

“During the past month, crude oil reached a year high price of more than $US73 a barrel.

“Basically overseas markets are driven by perceptions of future demand and supply.

“We are part of the international oil-consuming community and as such we are not immune from the powerful forces at play.”

Locally, refined fuels will cost more this month in line with movements in the international marketplace.

The pump price of gasoline (ULP) is up by about 4 %.

Diesel and kerosene have increased by six and seven percent respectively.

Mr Jasper said despite recent increases, refined fuels are significantly cheaper now than they were at this time last year.

“UPL is about a third cheaper than what it was mid-way through 2008,” he said.

“The current retail price of diesel and kerosene is about half of what it was at the peak.

“Fuels are now more affordable for our many Government, commercial and private customers than they were a year ago.”

 

For further information and to arrange media interviews contact:

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations InterOil Corporation

Ph: (675) 321 7040

Mobile: (675) 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com  

 

Robbing our children of their childhood

Young people enjoying the new basketball court at Gerehu Stage Two yesterday




I recently wrote in this blog about new recreational facilities sprouting up all over Port Moresby, thanks to the very visionary leadership of National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
For instance, at Gerehu Stage Two where I live, the first of two new basketball courts went up at the weekend, meaning I can take my kids to the courts and teach them how to play.
Towards the end of last year, playground facilities were set up, bringing so much joy and enjoyment to children in the neighborhood.
I like nothing better than a glorious sunny arvo when I can take my kids for a leisurely stroll in the park and watch them swing, slide, climb on the monkey bar or roll on the sand, while I take pictures of them or lie down on the grass and read.
It is quite ironic that while Mr Parkop and the NCD Commission are spending a lot of money on such facilities, politicians like Deputy Prime Minister Sir Puka Temu and certain business houses are doing their best to take them away from our children.
They must remember that such facilities also keep our young people occupied and away from a life of alcohol, drugs, and juvenile delinquency.

Police probe killings of four children

From The National, Papua New Guinea’s leading daily newspaper

 

Father of murdered children faces questioning by cops

 

POLICE in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands province, are expanding their investigations into the killing of four children, allegedly by their own mother early last Saturday morning, in a village outside the city.

The mother, who surrendered to police and has been questioned while in custody over the last three days, faces wilful murder charges which carry the death penalty.

Police have not formally charged her yet, and are seeking to question others, including her husband.

Police said they had not picked up Anis Onda, the husband, and other people in the village for questioning because they were in a state of shock and mourning, and police were giving them time.

“We would like to question the father and other relatives; what they know about this shocking incident,” metropolitan commander Chief Insp Peter Roari said.

So far the woman has not said much, only blaming the husband for the action she took.

Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi, who was very disturbed after learning of the killings, took the unprecedented step of going to the police cells in Mt Hagen to talk to the woman.

He was seeking to find out for himself the reasons for the heinous crime, and not to assist police investigations, sources said.

Mr Rambi told The National the woman allegedly did what she did because she was fed up with the husband.

Reporters from The National visited the haus krai at Kuiya village, where the husband, Mr Onda, was in mourning with his family and relatives.

Mr Onda was shocked and could not say much, but tribal leaders called for the woman to be sentenced to death.

The shocking crime took place early last Saturday.

Police alleged that the mother took the four children out one by one, and killed them by drowning them in the Kum River.

Police alleged she made sure that all her children were dead before she surrendered to police and told them what she had done.

The bodies of the children – three girls and a boy aged between nine and three – had been recovered from the river and are at Mt Hagen General Hospital awaiting post-mortem examinations.

The news of their killing has shocked Papua New Guineans, and attracted widespread condemnation and calls for those responsible to face the death penalty.

Mr Onda and his wife are from the Hagen Central district in Western Highlands province.

 

Impressive developments at Owers’ Corner

New police station under construction at Owers' Corner

New resthouses being constructed at Owers' Corner

Roadworks along the Sogeri-Owers' Corner Road on Sunday

Resthouse at Owers' Corner

Trekkers receive a welcome from their porters after completing the rugged Kokoda Trail on Sunday

Storyboard at Owers' Corner

World War 11 spots such as McDonald’s Corner and Owers’ Corner, further in from Sogeri, have always been a favorite place for many residents of Port Moresby.
They are famously known as the beginning of the Kokoda Trail and are visited by thousands of tourists, mainly Australians, every year.
Enjoying a cold beer after a hard couple of days on the Kokoda Trail has always been part of the routine for these trekkers.
Enjoying a family picnic at Owers’ Corner under the blue sky, white clouds, majestic mountains and lush, green environment is a moment to treasure.
McDonald’s and Owers’ Corners, for many years, have been a means of escaping from the sweltering heat and scorched landscape of Port Moresby.
While Moresby is dry as a bone for over six months of the year, these places, invariably, are moist and green and the mountain air cooler.
The mountains, foothills, forests, savannah woodland, rivers and streams have long captured the imagination of many.
It goes without saying that when one goes to McDonald’s and Owers’ corners, one returns to the city very much relaxed, and reinvigorated.
They are very much among the many jewels in PNG’s crown.
My two-year-old son Keith and I accompanied a group of Australian visitors to Owers’ Corner on Sunday – thanks to Ecotourism Melanesia - and I was quite impressed with the infrastructure developments there.
A new police station and rest houses are going up to cater for the increasing number of trekkers.
The Sogeri-Owers’ Corner Road, which five years ago was a national disgrace, is making a complete 360-degree turn and I was quite happy to see a committed bulldozer working at MacDonald’s Corner on Sunday.
Owers’ Corner, about 17km in from Sogeri, is the finish line of the Kokoda Trail after a rugged and grueling trek over the Owen Stanley Ranges.
Vice-versa, it is the start line of the trail, from which one must start the journey to Kokoda.
Kokoda Trail, which includes Owers’Corner for that matter, is a world-famous icon that draws in people from all over the world for varying reasons.
In 2003, I first walked the Kokoda Trail, ending at Owers’Corner, and found the place in an absolute mess.
The memorials at Owers’Corners were unkempt and covered by bush, a desecration of the memory of those many men who sacrificed their lives during World War 11 so that we can live in peace.
The road, rather ‘goat track’, from Owers’Corner to Sogeri was an absolute national disgrace, given the number of tourists who came to walk the Kokoda Trail every year.
Guides and porters told me about being shouted upon by angry tourists after waiting for hours for a vehicle to pick them up.
All that, I’m pleased to report, is fast becoming a thing of the past.

Lae a skeleton of its former self

The remains of Best Buy Store

Hodgson Nagi (Telikom) Building continues to remain the tallest building in Lae

Eight Street bus stop, Lae…notorious for potholes and bag snatching

Lae, particularly the Top Town area, continues to remain a skeleton of its former self.
Nothing remains of the former Best Buy Store, formerly Burns Philp – one of the icons of Lae – after it was burned to the ground last December.
It looked cluttered and unorganised last Saturday, with people wandering aimlessly, as compared to the hustle and bustle of the past.
The old Hodgson Nagi (Telikom) Building – built in the 1970s – continues to be the tallest building in town.
Potholes abound in town and the Eight Street bus stop is notorious for bag snatching, especially from women, by gangs of youths.
There is, however, a silver lining to the dark cloud with a number of new property developments in Lae.

Ethics in politics - are they mutually exclusive?

By PAUL OATES

 

Speaking at a seminar some years ago, the Queensland Ethics Commissioner presented an example of an ethical dilemma. Asking the group to indicate when they perceived an unethical point had been reached, the Commissioner gave the following ‘hypothetical’ example:

A senior Public Service officer was recruited with a contract package that included a private plated vehicle. Part of this officer’s package allowed for this vehicle, maintained and fuelled by the government, to be used after hours in a private capacity by the senior officer. “Did anyone see a problem in this,” The Commissioner asked? A few old crusty Public Service types (me included) did but not many raised their hands.

“OK,” he went on, “The vehicle in question was also allowed to be driven by the officer’s family when not being used in an official capacity. See any problems with this?” A few more raised their hands but still only a small percentage of the seminar’s participants.

“OK. Police were then called to an accident involving this vehicle that was being driven by the teenage son of the senior officer, late at night.” “Who thinks there is a problem?” About half the audience now had their hands up.

“The police then had trouble extracting the young man from the vehicle as he was covered in dozens of pizzas he was in the process of delivering,” was then next and final part of the story. At this stage, roughly two thirds of the audience thought they had a problem with the ethics of this situation.

However when those who didn’t have a problem with the ethics of this situation were asked why, (and the majority of these seemed to be from a Local Government background), most said that as the officer’s contract allowed for family members to drive the vehicle after hours, no law had been broken. The fact that the taxpayer had to pick up the insurance and repair bill along with the fuel bill was apparently not seen as a problem. Also, that a profit making enterprise was being conducted using a taxpayer funded vehicle also seemed to these people to be of no concern.

Imagine my surprise when I was discussing this ‘hypothetical’ years later with a number of senior officers and one confessed that he was the Personnel Officer of the Department this incident occurred in and had to make a ruling on it. His ruling was the same as those who said that no problem existed as the provisions of the contract had not been broken.

So what’s ethical and what’s not? What benchmark should be used to evaluate political malpractice and who should apply it?

In an article titled “MPs thumb noses at ethics,” by Steven Wardill on the 4^th of July 2009 in the Courier Mail, the retiring Queensland Integrity Commissioner Mr Gary Crooke, QC warned:

“… that MPs were thumbing their noses at conflict-of-interest criticisms.
His comments came on an extraordinary day in the Gordon Nuttall trial, as former premier Peter Beattie contradicted claims from his successor, Anna Bligh, that she did not need to declare a free family holiday last year.
Ms Bligh told Brisbane District Court this week there was no need to declare the stay at the Sydney mansion of Thiess director and friend Ros Kelly.
However, Mr Beattie yesterday told the court any holiday gift given to a minister should be declared.
"We both know what we are talking about and the answer is yes," Mr Beattie said when asked if a declaration was needed.
Mr Crooke said the actions of MPs risked undermining public confidence and compromising gains in ethical standards.
Mr Crooke said he was often aware of politicians and senior public servants who did not seek the Integrity Commissioner's advice because they believed in their own ethical compass."There is a danger, a very real danger, that . . . an individual is so confident of their own ethical approach to anything that confronts them that they won't heed whatever is thought to be the conflictual aspect," he said. "But, in fact, they fall into the trap of engaging in a practice that, objectively, is seen to be inappropriate."

Mr Crooke also criticised the growing practice of "pay-per-view" politics that has emerged on both sides of politics as a key fundraising mechanism.
He said politicians were only "trustees" of elected positions so they were selling something they had no right to.
Ms Bligh, who eventually declared her holiday after it was revealed by the Courier-Mail, yesterday said the job of the integrity commissioner was vital to ensure ethical behaviour.
She defended pay-per-view fundraising, saying the donations were publicly declared.
"In the Australian political context, these arrangements are seen for what they are, they are political donations," she said.
But Mr Crooke, a senior counsel in Queensland's Fitzgerald inquiry, said the practice struck at the heart of public administration and both sides of politics appeared to be keen to take the money but reluctant to debate if they should.
"One of my abiding fears is that if something like this is done and cannot be justified in principle, there a developing tendency in public
administration for people to say: 'If we just do it and tough it out people will forget about it'," he said.
"That is the worst type of apathy and if we are talking about trying to improve public standards there has got to be accountability and justifiability for anything that is done at the top level."

Now if this is the current situation in Australia today, how can we ‘cast aspersions’ at PNG? Most stories and articles about PNG these days continually focus on the negative aspects of political corruption and malfeasance at the highest levels.

In comments on the article on the 4^th of July 2009 about today’s PNG by Dave Tacon titled “As things fall apart”, Phil Fitzpatrick comments on the ‘PNG Attitude’ site:

“… it’s almost a mandatory requirement for stories about PNG. I suspect that Dave Tacon knew that without the negative sensation, including the title, his story wouldn’t have otherwise been published.”

Is this therefore the situation most journalists find themselves when an editor calls for an article on PNG? Is this why in PNG Attitude, the PNG Governor General called on PNG writers to write about only good things that are happening in PNG today?

In a Christmas message from the Queen years ago, she raised the dilemma of the modern world. “No news is good news,” she said, “But it seems these days that good news is no news.” Christian culture and standards have been used for centuries as a basis to develop and interpret Australia’s and PNG’s legal system. But has this worked effectively or even just worked?

Surely any ethical debate about a politician’s actions should ultimately focus on outcomes and not inputs. Otherwise, there is a tendency to start tripping over the trees while losing sight of the forest? Could there be a more practical way ahead? After all, what we really want are politicians who by their actions, can improve our existence and not make it worse.

So how could a new, but still ethical approach work? Could and should we put to one side the current ethical standards that have evolved from our legal system? If we were to do so, what benchmarks would we then have to evaluate whether a politician was behaving ethically and correctly?

What about creating a “Commission of Political Truth and Objective Resolve”. Imagine if all politicians were held accountable for their time in office and responsible for achieving what they said they would do prior to being elected? Imagine if there were to be a publically issued report card on each elected member prior to the next election? Surely the acid test aught to be whether the lives of their fellow countrymen and women were demonstrably better off for a politician being elected?

Now how would both Australia’s and PNG’s politicians then stand up to assessment I wonder?

How you can help commemorate the Montevideo Maru

From Keith Jackson

Dear Friend of Montevideo Maru,
Later this year (we hope in November), the Montevideo Maru Memorial Committee will make a submission to the Commonwealth Government in which we shall recommend ways in which the Australian nation can permanently remember and honour the tragedy of the men who died as a result of the fall of Rabaul in 1942 and the subsequent sinking of the Montevideo Maru.
We would like this submission to come from all of us and, at an appropriate time, we will seek your approval to add your name to it.
For now, though, there is something you can do - and I thought I might add a bit of interest by framing it as a contest.
Topic: What is the most important initiative you think the Federal Government could take to honour the men of Rabaul and the sinking of the Montevideo Maru?
Limit your response to one (maybe two) suggestions. Keep them fairly brief but give some reasons why you think your ideas should be adopted.
There are prizes for the three best entries (as adjudicated here in the secrecy of my home office): two copies of a CD The Music of W Arthur Gullidge played by the Melbourne Staff Band of the Salvation Army (with thanks to John Cleary) and a DVD of John Schindler's award winning documentary The Story of the Krait (with thanks to John Schindler).
When you submit your entry (by email to benelong@bigpond.net.au), let me know which prize you'd like.
We'll publish all entries in the MvM Newsletter and close the competition in a month or so (or whenever your inspiration seems to have dried up).
Better still, the Committee will consider entries of merit for inclusion in our submission to the Commonwealth.

Best wishes.

Keith

 

Keith Jackson AM  |  Chairman
Jackson Wells  |  Neutral Bay, Sydney, Australia
t: 02 9904 4333 | f: 02 9904 4555 | m: 0411 222 682
e: benelong@bigpond.net.au.au |  e: kjackson@jacksonwells.com.au
PNG Attitude Website  |  w: http://asopa.typepad.com

 

 

 

Mother kills four children in Papua New Guinea

Caption: Sad and emotional moment ... The bodies of the four children are being brought to the Mt Hagen General Hospital as their relatives grieve in the background. – Picture courtesy of Dr Malts WaiKids

By JAMES APA GUMUNO in The National, Papua New Guinea's leading daily newspaper
A MOTHER is in police custody in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, after she allegedly killed her four children and dumped them in a river.
The bodies of the four children were recovered at the Kum River.
It is believed the woman murdered her children in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The mother surrendered to police, after being satisfied that she had killed or drowned all her children.
Police said the eldest daughter was eight, second daughter aged seven, third, a son, aged five, and the youngest a boy about two and half years old.
Metropolitan Commander Chief Insp Peter Roari said yesterday the mother was in police custody and had not been charged yet.
Chief Insp Roari said the bodies of her children were recovered by her tribesmen on Saturday.
He said the woman, believed to be 35, told police during a brief interview that she drowned all her children because her husband never looked after her and the children.
She told police she was fed up with the husband’s constant drug abuse.
Chief Insp Roari said the woman was from Togoba village but married to a Moge man, and they lived at Kuiya village outside Mt Hagen city.
He said this was a very rare case and had shocked residents of Mt Hagen and Western Highlands province.
Chief Insp Roari said he believed this was a first of its kind in the province and country, where a mother decided to take the lives of her four innocent children.
He said homicide detectives would now question the mother and find out what forced her to kill her children.
She will undergo medical examinations.
The bodies of the four children are in the morgue at Mt Hagen General Hospital.
When hearing of the gruesome killing, a shocked North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul said the mother should be put to death.
He said that she was not fit to live in this world.
He said he could not believe that a mother could do such a thing to her children.
“Even animals love and care for their babies,” Mr Mul added.
“She is worse than an animal and should not live in our society as she poses a great risk to our children.”
Provincial police commander Chief Supt Kaiglo Ambane said that there was a possibility other people might have been involved.
He added police were investigating.Chief Supt Ambane supported Mr Mul’s call for the death penalty to be imposed immediately to deter such killings. Friends and relatives are in mourning at Kuiya village.