“Uncontrolled”
p. 63 · Read in the full issue
Natives
Primitive N.G. People are Slowly Absorbing Civilisation
From a Special Correspondent.
WAU, Feb. 22.
THE Wahgi valley is reported to be quiet and peaceful.
The large Mogei tribe living to the east of Mt. Hagen is friendly and is quickly absorbing new methods of agri culture, under the guidance of the missionaries and the Government. Steel axes and knives, which they previously refused to buy, have now been acquired, and they have learnt to trench deeply, whereas before it was superficial.
At intervals Fathers Ross and Meiser, of the Society of the Divine Word (a German order) hold services in the dis trict at which already a few natives attend. The Wahgi natives trade freely with the missionaries selling them vege tables and pigs, and working for them when they feel so inclined. Far from being lazy, however, they do not care much for working for the white men as their own immediate tasks fully occupy their days.
These primitive people are in danger of becoming air-minded, though the arrival of a ’plane is still attended with interest. Shortly they will not take much notice of the machines which will be looked upon as a commonplace.
Bena Bena District
Very little inter-tribal fighting has oc curred recently in the Bena Bena district.
It seems that the natives have become wise to the protection offered them by the presence of the Administration. Harassed tribes from outlying districts are settling near the Police past, and there have actu ally been proposals to make settlements near the vicinity. Established villages have become larger, showing clearly the feeling of security.
The construction of the road linking up Bena Bena with the Chimbu and Ramu Police posts is being rapidly extended, and to the west is reported to have reached Mahometo.
Chimbu Valley.
Though the work of extending the Gov ernment’s influence is steady and persist ent in the Chimbu Valley, there is yet much to be done before the natives recog nise law and order and peaceful conditions.
Intermittent fighting occurs between tribes often from trivial causes, or at least what might appear trivial to those not acquaint ed with the complexities of so primitive a culture. It will be some time before the Administration can declare the district open to settlement or prospectors.
Good progress has been made around the Police post in maintaining gardens and erecting labour and police quarters. The gardens, it is hoped, will provide sufficient food for the post, making it self support ing. All measures are convincing the na tives that the Government has come to stay, and already signs are evident of confidence and respect—which is most encouraging.
A portable wireless set has been in stalled at the post, by which the officer in charge is in communication with Sala maua. This is of great assistance to the isolated and far-flung post.