Papua

Two Tragedies of Papua

Letter to the Editor MAY I refer to Mr. J. T. Bensted’s comments on my article under the heading of “Two Related Tragedies of Papua.” I may tell Mr. Bensted that I was not writing by “recollection” when I wrote of the massacre of the Chalmers’ party. My information was procured from a diary of the late Mr. J. T. Mac- Donald, at that time head-gaoler at Port Moresby, together with the report of G.

Ruthven Le Hunte to His Excellency Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland, on April 8, 1901. as published in the “Annual Report of British New Guinea from July 1, 1900, to June 30, 1901” (pages 25 to 32).

Those comprising the force who accom panied Le Hunte on the “Merrie Eng land” to Goaribari Island to inquire into the reported massacre, were: Messrs.

Manning (Private Secretary), J. Mac- Donald (head gaoler), Guilianetti (ARM in charge of Mekeo District), with 36 of the native constabulary, and Dr. Blayney (Chief Medical Officer and RM of the Central Division). The Revs. Hunt (Port Moresby and Downey (Delena Hall Sound) also accompanied the party on behalf of the Mission. The launch “Ruby,” mentioned by your correspond ent, was taken in tow by the “Merrie England” to the scene, and from all accounts did useful work. In the party no mention is made of T. J. Bensted.

I prefer to rely on the “facts” from the above report and the first-hand information of Jack MacDonald’s diary, and consider them more authentic than the “recollection” of anyone residing in Papua at that time, be he a member of the Public Service, MLC, or planter.

I am, etc..

M. R. Hunter.

Hurlstone Park, 2/3/43.