Island Potters
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
Letter to the Editor GLAZED potsherds, relics of a bye gone era in New Guinea, are to be found in the collections of a few museums here and elsewhere. Mr. R. A.
Vivian, in May “PIM,” referring to my earlier article on “Island Potters,” raises another point, reminding us how little is known of pre-historic New Guinea. Un doubtedly, there are many secrets yet to be revealed, but until scientific institu tions are prepared to maintain well equipped expeditions to carry out sys tematic archaeological surveys in New Guinea and other Pacific islands, most discoveries are likely to be made by re sidents during their daily work.
I would like to suggest to other readers that any discoveries of relics, or evidence of extinct civilisations within their territories, should be placed on record by writing to “PIM” about it. Who knows what key to the past may be revealed?
Island residents, because of their en vironment, naturally have a wider appreciation of ethnology and kindred subjects than the average person, and also feel a community interest in all matters relating to the South Seas.
I am, etc.,
F. J. Morgan.
Vaucluse, Sydney.
May 5, 1945.
Major E. B. Ayris, formerly of Wau, New Guinea, veteran of World War I, who had exciting years on small ships and on transport work generally, after the evacuation, is now settled on a sheep station near Brewarrina, NSW. He writes: “I feel like the New Guinea boat hand who went to work on a plantation.
When the schooner master saw him, he was driving a bullock-cart. ‘Hullo, Kondoni.’ he said. ‘You no more stop along schooner?’ ‘No, master,’ said Kon doni. ‘Now me boat crew belong sikooner belong bullamakau.’ That’s me!”