Oala's 'Bigger Beer'
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
When PNG's Mr Oala Oala- Rarua did his self-effacing act at the South Pacific Conference at Noumea in September, 1971, and retired from the contest for a new Secretary-General, leaving a clear field for Western Samoa’s Mr Fred Betham, there was an understand ing that he would succeed Mr Betham in a few years' time.
PIM, sure that Oala was being groomed for something even better —and not meaning the job of Lord Mayor of Port Moresby, which he was until recently — said, “Oala may think the job’s small beer by then".
He should, because, as the December PIM forecast (p 5), Mr Oala-Rarua has been named as PNG’s official representative in Australia. He’s got no title yet, but, when independence comes, he is expected to be High Commis sioner.
A Sydney office will also be set up to house \a consul-general.
Below is Cr Jacob Lemeki, 33, Gala’s successor as Lord Mayor of Port Moresby. He comes from Misima Island in the Milne Bay District and is secretary of the PNG Public Service Association.
Oala Oala-Rarua.