"Boong"?

Who Invented The

Letter to the Editor rE Territorian who has explained the term “Boong” (March “PIM”) is obviously not a Northern Territorian.

The term “Boong” has been in use for many years—in fact, was in use when most of the youngsters now wearing the African Star were “swinging on gates”!

In an article to “Smith’s Weekly,” I included “Boong” as a name by which the Papuans are sometimes known. I wrote that article years ago, and, barring “Fuzzy Wuzzy,” my list of synonyms is

complete.

Certainly the military brought to light Kipling’s “Fuzzy Wuzzy,” but “Boong” was not invented by the boys in the ME. ’Way back in the early ’2o’s I remem ber Jim Markey, of Samarai, always using “Boong.” Jim came from the NT.

Perhaps that explains it.

I am, etc.,

Sydney H. Chance.

Paddington, Qld.

March 23, 1944.

Commandant Cabanier, of the French Navy, who, over two years ago, was appointed commander of French naval forces in the Pacific, by Admiral d’Argen lieu, has arrived in New Caledonia.