Clip description
This clip outlines achievements in training of local Papua New Guineans by the Australian civil administration.
Curator’s notes
This clip shows a range of training operations and facilities run by the Australian administration. Young Papua New Guineans are seen receiving training in technical trades, medicine and agriculture. The aims of the Australian administration were high. While agronomists today estimate as little as 1 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s land to be suitable for cash crops, the assumption at the time was that a far greater proportion of the country could be converted to commercial farmland. Major impediments to development were overlooked. Besides the formidable terrain, the country’s linguistic diversity – with more than 700 native tongues – was a significant hurdle. The clip shows malaria research being carried out at the Department of Public Health Malaria Centre Maprik. Today this centre is known as the PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) in Maprik, East Sepik Province. Malaria research is still one of its high priorities.