The Editor's Mailbag

Warders, Not Soldiers

We feel that Percy Chatterton (PIM, May, p 39), did not make the boo-boo in his monthly “Footnotes” article.

The photograph published opposite the “Men of the PIR” caption is actually a photograph of graduating prison warders—now called exultingly and somewhat ambiguously “Correctional Officers”—taken early in 1966.

Fourth and fifth warders from the left of the front rank are George and Michael who left the service in 1968/69. The uniform was of khaki drill—very pukka and cheap—now, we believe, subsequently replaced, and sandals were worn instead of the present “chic” shoes and sox. You will notice .303 rifles, too, still in use. Our PIR does boast of FN SLR models.

While we have never really worked out why prison warders are got up to be a para-military force, as ex-prison staff we do have a soft spot for the service and trust that you will point out that the men in the photo do not fall under the title of

PIR. (We must admit that to people not in the know the photograph certainly gives the impression of being a strong band of army men!)

R- Boivan

E. J. Whitaker,

Wanigela Plantation, PNG.

I would like to refer to your May issue and the “Footnotes” feature by Mr Percy Chatterton (p 38).

I would particularly draw your attention to the photograph captioned “Men of the PIR. . . .” etc. The men photographed are not of the Pacific Islands Regiment. They are, in fact, members of the Corrective Institu tions Branch.

I enclose a recent picture of PIR men on parade, please feel free to use it in any further articles you may publish concerning the Pacific Islands Regiment.

Mr Chatterton has used the term PIR to generally describe what is now the land element of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. The PIR is in fact only the infantry arm of the land element, which also includes engineers, clerks, drivers, signallers,

ordnance, provost, electrical and mechanical engineers and cooks.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force, which came into being on January 26 this year is a fully inte grated force which encompasses what was the Army, Navy and Air Force in Papua New Guinea.

D. J. Roylance (Major)

Public Relations Officer, Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The Bomb

Recently I spent some three weeks in French Polynesia as a lecturer/ biologist on a cruise ship. Naturally, as a New Zealander, I made a number of inquiries concerning the feelings of the French Polynesians to these tests, mainly because of all the voices raised against the tests one that has been conspicuous by its absence is that of the French Poly nesians themselves.

While in French Polynesia I was not able to achieve much in terms of worthwhile information. However, when I returned to New Zealand I did receive quite a considerable number of documents concerning opinions and feelings of these peoples.

It did become obvious that information is suppressed from these people and that they really had very little voice in their own affairs.

I would like to add that I am in no way a member of any political party or affiliated to any pressure group.

I am a zoologist, the Assistant Director of the Otago Museum in New Zealand and one who is very much concerned for the welfare of these people.

J. T. Darby.

Dunedin, NZ.

New Hebrides Land

Your recent articles (PIM, March, p 101) about land promotion prob lems in the New Hebrides prompts me to write.

I head a growing group of indivi duals who are seeking legal redress over our purchase. We intend to go to court over the lack of registered titles and for what we feel, too often, was gross misrepresentation of the islands and property.

Everyone has had their say in this mess so far except the some 4,000 individuals who purchased. We are organising a New Hebrides Land Owner Association. As long as we are not organised we will continue to be buffeted by all concerned.

Our attorneys are confident over prospects for recovery. Any individual wishing to reach us may write PO Box 72 Phanßang, Vietnam.

Arthur C. Hayhoe,

Association Organiser.

Vietnam.

Below, the real PIR, reviewed by Port Moresby Lord Mayor Oala Oala-Rarua.