Papuan Scouts Speak From Sydney

Motuan On The Air

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, April 8.

For the first time in history, the Motuan language of Papua was broadcast, when two Papuan boy scouts —Arua-Gavera and Lohia-Udu—who attended the Scout Rally in Sydney, in honour of Lord Baden-Powell, spoke over the new A.W.A. Radio service to their friends in Hanuabada village, in Papua.

The surprise that was expressed in the village when they heard the voices from far-away Sydney can be well imagined. Indeed, some of the older Papuans were convinced that it was nothing less than “puri-puri,” or white man’s magic, and was quite inexplic able.

It is of interest that when Lord Baden-Powell addresed the Rally he made special mention of these two visitors from Papua. He said how pleased he was to see them and re marked on the great educational value such an experience would be to them.

Imports into Tonga for 1930 were valued at £148,305. Of this total £89,653 entered the Group through Nukualofa, £17,208 through Haapai, and £41,443 through Vavau.