|
PNG Frequently
Asked Questions
|
via Papua New Guinea
|
via Papua New Guinea
|
Please note -- Whilst all care has been taken in preparing and maintaining the FAQ's about Papua New Guinea it is not possible to be able verify every answer. The information is provided 'as is' and I can not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from the use of this information.
Please verify the information for yourself from a government source, travel agent or other similar organisation.
This database does not contain information about other countries. It is only about Papua New Guinea (PNG).
History - General List of Categories
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3
- Who was Papua New Guinea's first Woman minister?
- Where can I find information about the Imbonggu? History and today. Thank you
- does the arapesh, mundugumur and tchambuli tribes still exist and a short history of them is welcomed.
- The leahy family is so huge. Is there a place where we can see the leahy family tree?
- When were the first people living in the Goilala area of Central Province?
- How old is the tradition of Hiri Trading?
- Who was Goava Oa?
- Was the shell kina legal tender until 1960 (?) or did it only have an unofficial exchange rate. If legal when did the law come into effect and when was it repealed and what value was set for the pair of kina.
- What is a Kina Shell?
- How much is a Kina Shell worth?
- Where did the commander of the Japanese Army in PNG surrender at the end of the Second World War?
- When were the Asaro mudmen first displayed?
- Who was JK McCarthy?
- Where is Mt. Gahavisuka Provincial Park?
- I need to find out about the lae bros?
- What was the name of the person that won the 2006 Goldman Environmental Prize?
- When did the London Missionarty Society first visit the area now known as Port Moresby?
- Who is considered to be the first Eupropean to visit the area now known as Port Moresby?
- When was the Macdhui sunk in Port Moresby Harbour?
- When were the suburbs developed in Port Moresby?
- What year did the Panguna mine close?
- When was Bougainville first sighted by an European?
- When was the Kangu Beach massacre on Bougainville Island?
- Where and how many times did the Torres Strait magistrate take possession of New Guinea for Queensland in April 1883. Further if it was not Chester who took possesion and erected the cairn in Possession Bay (near Samarai) who did?
thanks for your help
Fritz-- www.brbb.com
- Where and how many times did the Torres Strait magistrate take possession of New Guinea for Queensland in April 1883. Further if it was not Chester who took possesion and erected the cairn in Possession Bay (near Samarai) who did?
- Fritz Herscheid www.brbb.com asks the following -- You may be able to help me with another small matter, in 1970 I embarrassingly sunk my salvage boat at a little bay very close to Watutu Point on Goodenough, I subsequently salvaged it and we were on our way to the Sim Sims, but the plantation owner at Watutu was very kind to us for the 6 days we were there I would like to repay him by mentioning him and his plantation in my forthcoming book "the last new guinea salvage pirate" but have never been able to find anyone who knew of the plantation or the guy, any clues?
- Where is the start (or finish) of the Kokoda track?
- Where can I buy artefacts in PNG?
- When was the Bikpela Bike Ride Bilong PNG?
- Who was Mick Leahy?
- Who was Joe Leahy?
- Who was Mount Hagen named after?
- In what year was Kagamuga Airport opened?
- Who is responsible for Currency Exchange Control?
- When was the Kina and toea launched?
- Who was the Governor of the Bank of PNG when the Kina was launched?
- How long did Sir Henry ToRobert serve as Governor of the Bank of PNG?
- Who took over from Sir Henry ToRobert as the Governor of the Bank of PNG in 1993?
- Do you have the exchange rates for 1986?
- Who was the first PNG person to write and publish a book?
- What are some other books that have been written by PNG nationals?
- Do you know the names of the people who have looked after the RPNGC band?.
- When did Air Niugini acquire its A300 Airbus?
- Where were the Top Bar and the Bottom Bar?
- Who founded Steamships?
- When did Collins and Leahy take up an interest in Steamships?
- When did Collins and Leahy take up an interest in Steamships?
- When did the Melanesian Hotel open?
- When did Steamships Trading commence?
- What year did STC purchase the Kiunga Chief
- In what year was the Goada Chief purchased by Steamships?
- In what year was the Goada Chief purchased by Steamships?
- How much did Steamships Trading sell its Coca-Cola operations for?
- What year was the tanker stuck on the reef outside Port Moresby?
- When was the Gerehu Provincial High School opened?
- What year did the Catholic Church start in PNG?
- Who was the first PNG national to become a master mariner?
- What year was "Royal" added to the name of the police force?.
- When was the first police force established in PNG?
- How was the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Force formed?
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3
- Who was Papua New Guinea's first Woman minister?
Was it Nahau Rooney or Dame Josephine Abaijah? Can anyone help?
to top
- Where can I find information about the Imbonggu? History and today. Thank you
Sorry, I do not know the answer to that question. Perhaps a reader can help?
to top
- does the arapesh, mundugumur and tchambuli tribes still exist and a short history of them is welcomed.
This question is easily researched using a search engine such as Google.for example and I will only give one example for each as I am positive a search on Google will find many more references.
Arapesh -- http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/delsamples/arapesh.pdf
Tchambuli (see Chambri) - http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Margaret+Mead
Mundugumor - http://www.interculturalstudies.org/mundugumor.html
to top
- The leahy family is so huge. Is there a place where we can see the leahy family tree?
Sorry I am not aware of any family tree for the Leahy family.
to top
- When were the first people living in the Goilala area of Central Province?
Scientists have found stone tools and other evidence that suggest people lived at Kosipe in the Goilala mountains 26,000 years ago
to top
- How old is the tradition of Hiri Trading?
The Motu people from the Papuan coast around Port Moresby celebrate the Hiri Moale festival each September. At this time of year the tradewinds change and for hundreds of years brought Motu seafarers home from a hazardous voyage to the west trading pots for much needed food.
to top
- Who was Goava Oa?
Goava Oa was a person who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Sir Hubert Murray simply because it was speculated that he had committed murder not because it was proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
He was later released in his old age by Sir Donald Cleland.
to top
- Was the shell kina legal tender until 1960 (?) or did it only have an unofficial exchange rate. If legal when did the law come into effect and when was it repealed and what value was set for the pair of kina.
Sorry I do not know the answer to that one. I do not think it was ever an offical currency. The only money that I know of that is considered to be legal tender is the traditional Tabu money used in East New Britain and that was only officially recognised recently.
to top
- What is a Kina Shell?
The Kina Shell is manufactured from the shell of the Gold lip shell (Pinctada maximums) and was part of the traditional payment and medium of exchange in Papua New Guinea. The shell gave its name to the modern currency of PNG -- The Kina.
to top
- How much is a Kina Shell worth?
The Kina Shell was an object of value and an essential part of the bride price payment. The value is guided from the condition of the shell, the size and the colour. Most valued were the ruddy coloured Kina Shells.
In the past, 8 Kina Shells were worth a fully-grown pig in somew areas and for one shell a person could obtain one small pig. The value of the Kina Shell varied from region to region depending on how easy it was to obtain one.
I believe that up until the 1960`s the Kina shell had a fixed exchange rate of 12 shillings per pair.
to top
- Where did the commander of the Japanese Army in PNG surrender at the end of the Second World War?
It was at Cape Wom, Wewak at 10:15am on the 13th of September 1945, when Lt Gen Hatazo Adchi surrendered unconditionally in the presence of over 3,000 troops to Maj Gen HCW Robertson CBE DSO Australiam Army.
to top
- When were the Asaro mudmen first displayed?
It has been quoted that they were first displayed to the general public at the inaugural Goroka Show held in the Eastern Highlands Province in 1957.
The original mudmen come from the village of Komunive - 30 minutes by road from Goroka - in an area commonly referred to as Mando.
to top
- Who was JK McCarthy?
J.K. McCarthy was one of Papua New Guinea's legendary patrol officers.
to top
- Where is Mt. Gahavisuka Provincial Park?
Mt. Gahavisuka Provincial Park is eleven km's out of Goroka by four wheel drive.
It is an area of around 80 hectares set in beautiful mountain scenery. The park includes a botanical sanctuary, where exotic plants from all over PNG have been added to the local, natural orchids and rhododendrons. There are clearly marked walk tracks and a lookout at 2450 metres with panoramic views.
to top
- I need to find out about the lae bros?
Do you mean the Leahy Brothers? If that is the case try at http://www.pngbd.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-6503 but once you have the correct spelling of the name I am sure you will be able to find your own information.
to top
- What was the name of the person that won the 2006 Goldman Environmental Prize?
Anne Kajir won the prize. Kajir won the award for her efforts in uncovering evidence of widespread corruption and complicity in the PNG government, which allows rampant, illegal logging to destroy the largest remaining intact block of tropical forest in the Asia Pacific region. Kajir is the chief executive officer of the Environmental Law Centre in Port Moresby
to top
- When did the London Missionarty Society first visit the area now known as Port Moresby?
In 1874, one year after Captain John Moresby sailed into the harbour., Rev. Williarn G. Lawes established the London Missionary Society headquarters near Hanuabada.
to top
- Who is considered to be the first Eupropean to visit the area now known as Port Moresby?
In 1873 Captain John Moresby sailed into the harbour which he named after his father.
to top
- When was the Macdhui sunk in Port Moresby Harbour?
During the Second World War in June 1942
to top
- When were the suburbs developed in Port Moresby?
The industrial area at Badili was developed in the 1950s, Hohola, Gordon, and Six Mile areas in the 1960s. The University of Papua New Guinea opened in 1965. Development of the new national government office centre at Waigani began in the 1970s.
to top
- What year did the Panguna mine close?
The Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) forced the Panguna mine to close in 1989.
to top
- When was Bougainville first sighted by an European?
The island that would later be called Bougainville was first sighted in 1768 by the French explorer Louis de Bougainville who gave the island its name.
to top
- When was the Kangu Beach massacre on Bougainville Island?
The massacre took place in 1992. It has been reported that the Bougainville Revolutionary Army killed 18?? PNG Defence Force soldiers.
to top
- Where and how many times did the Torres Strait magistrate take possession of New Guinea for Queensland in April 1883. Further if it was not Chester who took possesion and erected the cairn in Possession Bay (near Samarai) who did?
thanks for your help
Fritz-- www.brbb.com
Sorry a very interesting question but I have not been able to help with an answer. I have read something in an old book but can not remember what book it was.
to top
- Where and how many times did the Torres Strait magistrate take possession of New Guinea for Queensland in April 1883. Further if it was not Chester who took possesion and erected the cairn in Possession Bay (near Samarai) who did?
Thanks to Fritz Herscheid
www.brbb.com
for this answer.
Chester took possession for Queensland at Port Moresby in 1883 but it was
not recognised by Britain. I wasrealy looking for was information on the cairn at Possession Bay, close to Samarai. I used to anchor in the bay quite regularly in the early 70's and my divers visited the spot on several occasions, I at the time never bothered. Originally I was told it was Cook, I was also told that Cook visited Wari but I knew this to be incorrect.
Possession at Sariba isle (Possession Bay, hence the name) was by Capt. John Moresby in 1873 when he took possession of "all the islands to the eastward" for Britain. His annexation was also repudiated by the English and it was not until 1888 when formal annexation took place in Port Moresby.
You may be able to help me with another small matter, in 1970 I embarrassingly sunk my salvage boat at a little bay very close to Watutu Point on Goodenough, I subsequently salvaged it and we were on our way to the Sim Sims, but the plantation owner at Watutu was very kind to us for the 6 days we were there I would like to repay him by mentioning him and his plantation in my forthcoming book "the last new guinea salvage pirate" but have never been able to find anyone who knew of the plantation or the guy, any clues?.
to top
- Fritz Herscheid www.brbb.com asks the following -- You may be able to help me with another small matter, in 1970 I embarrassingly sunk my salvage boat at a little bay very close to Watutu Point on Goodenough, I subsequently salvaged it and we were on our way to the Sim Sims, but the plantation owner at Watutu was very kind to us for the 6 days we were there I would like to repay him by mentioning him and his plantation in my forthcoming book "the last new guinea salvage pirate" but have never been able to find anyone who knew of the plantation or the guy, any clues?
Does any one know the answer to this one?
to top
- Where is the start (or finish) of the Kokoda track?
The northern end of the Kokoda Trail terminates at the village of Kokoda and from here to the coast, and around the beaches of Buna and Gona, some of the most violent and bitter fighting of World War11 took place. It is estimated that over 15,000 Japanese soldiers died on the Kokoda Track. The area is still littered with war relics and at Jiropa Plantation, on the Buna road there is a Japanese plaque commemorating their dead.
to top
- Where can I buy artefacts in PNG?
Papua New Guinea artefacts and handicrafts can be purchased from individual artists and retail outlets in towns and villages. The faculty of Creative Arts at the University of PNG at Waigani is also an excellent source of paintings, pottery and etchings.
Contact the Provincial Tourist Office, located in each of the provincial headquarters for details of the best places to view and purchase local; handicrafts and artefacts
to top
- When was the Bikpela Bike Ride Bilong PNG?
In 1986 twenty-nine motorcyclists crossed the country from Wewak to Port Moresby (taking 18 days) competing in the Bikpela Bike Ride Bilong PNG.
to top
- Who was Mick Leahy?
One of the famous Leahy Brothers who spent most of his adult life in PNG. He was one of the first Europeans to reach many areas and to discover and climb the country's second tallest mountain – Mount Giluwe (1934)
The 1983 award-winning documentary film 'First Contact' is about the exploration of the Waghi Valley and Mount Hagen in PNG based on much of Leahy's footage.
to top
- Who was Joe Leahy?
Joe Leahy was the mixed-race son of Australian explorer Michael Leahy and and a Jiga woman. In case, you've forgotten, Michael Leahy was one of the Leahy brothers, Australian prospectors who are acreditied with being the first white men to reach the interior of New Guinea.
to top
- Who was Mount Hagen named after?
Mount Hagen was named after Captain Curt Von Hagen by the botanist Dr. Carl Lauterbach.
to top
- In what year was Kagamuga Airport opened?
Kagamuga airport was officially opened in February 1965 by Earl Mountbatten of Burma
to top
- Who is responsible for Currency Exchange Control?
Authority to administer Exchange Control under the Central Banking Regulation is vested in the Bank of Papua New Guinea, which in turn issues instructions, directions and requirements to the Authorised Dealers (Regulation 2(2)).
to top
- When was the Kina and toea launched?
PNG introduced its own notes and coins on the 19th April 1975. The name of the dollar equivalent is Kina and the name of the cent equivalent is Toea. The Kina is the major unit and one single kina is equivalent to one hundred toea.
to top
- Who was the Governor of the Bank of PNG when the Kina was launched?
The first and the longest serving Governor of the Bank was Sir Henry ToRobert.
to top
- How long did Sir Henry ToRobert serve as Governor of the Bank of PNG?
Sir Henry ToRobert served the Bank from inception in 1973 to 1993 or about twenty (20) years.
to top
- Who took over from Sir Henry ToRobert as the Governor of the Bank of PNG in 1993?
His successor was Sir Mekere Morauta who was in office for about 15 months from 31 July 1993 to 15 September 1994.
Other Governors have been
Mr. Tarata
Mr. John Vulupindi
Mr. Morea Vele
Mr. Leonard Wilson Kamit
to top
- Do you have the exchange rates for 1986?
No I don't and I checked the Bank of PNG web site and they only go back to 1989. see -- http://www.bankpng.gov.pg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=360&Itemid=1
to top
- Who was the first PNG person to write and publish a book?
The book called "The Erstwhile Savage: An Account of the Life of Ligeremaluoga" was first published in 1932 and was written by Ligeremaluoga
to top
- What are some other books that have been written by PNG nationals?
Ten Thousand Years in a Lifetime - Albert Maori Kiki
Sana - an Autobiography of Michael Somare
Of course a prolific writer is Sir Paulius Matane who has written too many books to recall the actual number.
My Mother Calls Me Yaltep was written by Ignatius Kilage and The Crocodile by Vincent Eri is another novel that springs to mind. The Crocodile is often quoted as being the first book to be written by a PNG National but see another entry for Ligeremaluoga's -- The Erstwhle Savage published in 1932.
to top
- Do you know the names of the people who have looked after the RPNGC band?.
Inspector David Crawley
Supt. Thomas Shacklady, MBE
Supt. William Harrison, MBE
Supt. Keith Terrett and
Chief Inspector Pala Walo, MBE
to top
- When did Air Niugini acquire its A300 Airbus?
At the end of 1984. It was painted with a big bird of paradise on the side but unfortunately the design could not be reproduced on the other aircraft in the Air Niugini fleet.
to top
- Where were the Top Bar and the Bottom Bar?
The Top Bar was the Papua Hotel (Pap) and the bottom bar was the Hotel Moresby both in downtown Port Moresby. They both opened around the year 1910 but are since gone from the skyline of Port Moresby. The Pacific Place skyscraper is now on the site of the Bottom Bar and the Pap site is still vacant after being burnt down in the 1980's.
to top
- Who founded Steamships?
Retired sea captain Algernon Sydney Fitch
to top
- When did Collins and Leahy take up an interest in Steamships?
In 1986 STC's shareholding had a remarkable change. Collins and Leahy Investments Limited of Goroka acquired 33.3 per cent interest and John Swire and Sons Investment Ltd increased its shareholding to 33.3 per cent. The Chairman of Collins and Leahy was appointed Chairman of Steamships in that year.
to top
- When did Collins and Leahy take up an interest in Steamships?
In 1986 STC's shareholding had a remarkable change. Collins and Leahy Investments Limited of Goroka acquired 33.3 per cent interest and John Swire and Sons Investment Ltd increased its shareholding to 33.3 per cent. The Chairman of Collins and Leahy was appointed Chairman of Steamships in that year.
to top
- When did the Melanesian Hotel open?
In 1967 the Melanesian Hotel in Lae opened and a modern plant commenced bottling Coca Cola products in Port Moresby.
to top
- When did Steamships Trading commence?
In 1924 the Public Company was formed.
The first branch store was opened on Samarai Island by Mr. Jackson in 1926 who reached a turnover of 300 pounds per month. He was replaced by Mr. E. V. Crisp who in 1930 increased business to 4,000 pounds.
to top
- What year did STC purchase the Kiunga Chief
The Kiunga Chief was purchased by Steamships Trading in 1999
to top
- In what year was the Goada Chief purchased by Steamships?
The Goada Chief was purchased by STC in 1998
to top
- In what year was the Goada Chief purchased by Steamships?
The Goada Chief was purchased by STC in 1998
to top
- How much did Steamships Trading sell its Coca-Cola operations for?
In 1991 the company sold its Coca-Cola operations in Port Moresby and Lae for K27 Million.
to top
- What year was the tanker stuck on the reef outside Port Moresby?
You may be thinking of the oil tanker, Manhattan Duke. It was pulled off the reef at the entrance to Port Moresby Harbour (Basilisk Passage) on Monday the 25th of July 1983 after spending about 10 days stuck waiting for salvage experts to arrive from Fiji and Australia. It was estimated that the salvage cost would have cost between K2 and K4 million in 1983 values. The salvage operation was lead by Ian Lockley.
to top
- When was the Gerehu Provincial High School opened?
It was established in 1982 and officially opened on the 3rd of September 1983 by the then Minister of Education - Sir Barry Holloway. The school was established to cater for the rapidly growing Port Moresby suburb of Gerehu.
to top
- What year did the Catholic Church start in PNG?
In 1844, Pope Gregory XVI erected the Vicariate Apostolic of Micronesia and Melanesia entrusting it to the Missionary congregation of the Society of Mary. A vicariate Apostolic is a mission territory under the pastoral care of a Bishop. The vicariate of Melanesia included Papua New Guinea.
to top
- Who was the first PNG national to become a master mariner?
Captain Moremb Kepe gained the distinction of being the first Steamships Sea Cadet and the first PNG Trained seaman to qualify as a Master Mariner.
to top
- What year was "Royal" added to the name of the police force?.
In 1939 King George the sixth honoured the Papuan Police Force with the title Royal for outstanding work.
to top
- When was the first police force established in PNG?
PNG's first police force was established in British Papua in 1884 to protect settlers and to introduce law and order.
to top
- How was the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Force formed?
It evolved from two forces which were formed by two rival powers - the German New Guinea force and the British New Guinea Armed Constabulary.
to top
Please note that this is not "Ask Jeeves" — you cannot type a whole sentence as your query. Enter a word, a phrase, or several words and press search.
Please remember that this is a FAQ database about Papua New Guinea.
Doing a search for PNG or New Guinea or even P.N.G will probably not return much. Keep the search simple. i.e. if you want to find out the population simply enter "population" without the quotes. There is no need to have PNG / P.N.G or whatever in the search string.
