Natives Far From

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One Far-reaching Effect of the War

PRIOR to the Japanese invasion it was not permitted to bring New Guinea natives “South” —a law that had the whole-hearted approval of all Territory residents. Now, due to the fortunes of war. a number of them have been uprooted from their native soil and must temporarily make their home in Australia.

One party came as a boat’s crew on a schooner bringing Territory refugees from the Japanese. At first, the boys lived on the boat, then in a cottage at Balmain, and later were transferred to the coun try where, under sympathetic superin tendence, they await the time when they can be repatriated.

“Nelson” —an intelligent lad hailing from the village of Nordup, near Rabaul —came south with a Government offi cial. Nelson had been trained at the Government Technical School in Rabaul as a wireless telegraphist, and was sta tioned “somewhere in New Guinea” when the Japs arrived. He assisted greatly in the escape of a party of Europeans: but then the problem arose as to what was to be done with Nelson. Finally, the Government officer decided to take him along and, after many adventures, they arrived in Melbourne. Later, the boy was taken to Geelong and joined a party of Nauruans in the experienced care of Mr. H. E. Hurst, one-time Victorian Scout Commissioner, and well known for his interest in Pacific Islands natives.

Now, Nelson is working for a firm of radio engineers, and attending night classes at a technical school.

His experience, and to a lesser extent, that of the other natives at present in Australia, is unique. The results of it remain to be seen—much depends unon those who will supervise and control them in their difficult period of adjust ment to a new way of life.