Pioneer Planter of Papua

Death of Charlie Talbot

From Our Own Correspondent

Pt. Moresby, Feb. 27.

THE death of Mr. Charles Talbot, of * Puni Puni, North East coast of Papua, occurred at his home on January 26, after several weeks’ ill health.

The late Charlie Talbot, who was 68 years of age, arrived in the Territory in 1910, from the Northern Territory of Australia. Occupying himself first in the early developments of the British New Guinea Development Co., he later engaged in the production of sisal hemp and copra, which were the chief indus tries of the time.

His positions included, at various times, the management of Fairfax Harbour Plantations Ltd., North Fairfax Co. Ltd., Katea Hemp Co., and Veimauri River Plantations.

He was actively engaged in these con cerns until 1927, when he retired to es tablish an industry of his own with his brother Richard at Puni Puni, one of the most attractive properties in Papua.

Charlie Talbot’s long years of experi ence in planting in the country, and his successful handling of native labour, earned him the respect of all with whom he came into contact. Immune to hard ships from his early days in Kalgoorlie and Derby in 1890, there were few prob lems that Charlie Talbot did not tackle in the new and untried country of his adoption. He made lasting friendships with brown and white alike.

So departs another of the fine pioneers of Papua, of whom the country is proud.

It remains to be seen if the following generation can match their bold enter prise and courage.