Eastern Papua
p. 69 · Read in the full issue
Radio Communication in Eastern Papua
QUESTIONS concerning wireless com munication in Eastern Papua were a. :.ed in the Commonwealth Parliament recently by Mr. J. S. Garden (N.S.W.).
Addressing the Minister representing the Postmaster-General, he wanted to know; 1. What is the reason for taking away the means of communication from Misima Island to the mainland of Papua by dis mantling the transmitting wireless ap paratus? 2. Is it a fact that there are 40 miners in residence there? 3. Is it a fact that they are 200 miles away from medical attention?
Sir Archdale Parkhill replied on No vember 19 as follows: 1. The Postmaster-General’s Depart ment granted a licence for a wireless sta tion on Misima Island in November, 1935, and renewed it this month. The. station is licensed to communicate with Samarai, which in turn communicates with Aus tralia. The departmental station on the island was dismantled many years ago. 2. The number of miners resident on Misima is not known. The European population on the island is over 100. 3. A Government Medical Officer is not stationed on the island. The question of the appointment of such an officer is at present receiving the consideration of the Papuan Government.