Lohia Lives Quietly Now
p. 87 · Read in the full issue
By R. W. Robson
Back in the 1930'5, a young Papuan called Lohia was the personal servant and chauffeur of the late Sir Hubert Murray, Lieut.-Governor of Papua.
HE was efficient, good-looking, smartly uniformed, clever, spoke good English—an outstand ing example of what can be made of a Papuan, given a fair chance.
Sir Hubert was very fond of him.
Occasionally, when I was visit ing Port Moresby, Sir Hubert would send Lohia and his big black car to take me around; and I formed a warm regard for Lohia.
Recently, strolling through Hanuabada Village with Judge Gore, I noticed how cordially he was greeted by the old men there; and I suddenly thought of the Governor’s old servant. “I wonder
what became of Lohia”, I said.
The Judge smiled, took my arm, guided me into the centre of a little group and up to a rather small, shrunken, old man who had been quietly watching us. “Lohia”, said the Judge.
So I renewed an old friendship, and met an old Papuan who could talk in an informed, intelligent way about his people, and the numerous problems they now face.
Lohia lives quietly in Hanua bada on a small pension, takes a semi-tolerant, semi-humorous view of affairs, and remembers Sir Hubert Murray with affection and respect.
Lohia as he is today.