| Bib ID |
4352519 |
| Format |
Audio [sound recording] , Online - Google Books |
| Author |
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| Access Conditions |
Written permission is required for research, personal copies and public use for 10 years from the date of the interview. |
| Description |
2008
4 sound files (ca. 327 min.)
|
| Series |
Australians in Papua New Guinea (PNG) 1942-1975 oral history project.
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| Summary |
Tom Leahy speaks about his early life and his schooling; travelling to New Guinea to work with his uncle, Mick Leahy at Zenag; his early experiences; learning Tok Pisin; taking a gold mining job and mining techniques; Highlander workers and their work ethic; problems faced by Highlanders with malaria and influenza; dealings with Highlanders at gold mine; his plans to start own mine; relations with local tribes people; observations of cultural differences; looking after the family farm at Zenag and its organisation; making an application for land in Markham Valley, how it was granted, being the first European settler in valley; problems with irrigating land and successful outcomes; the early years on the property, building a house; illnesses experienced; developments in education and health at that time; Arthur Calwell; his role 'hearing court' and the administration of justice; the importance of education and views of local people; observations of developing political and economic understanding and the impact of change; leasing land from local people, sharing the proceeds of harvests; the evolution of local people in understanding business and their understanding of land and its value.
Leahy discusses local government councils; becoming a member of council of Lae University of Technology and work practices; the introduction of and importance of A.B.C. radio in political education; his thoughts on first P.N.G. politicians and their understanding of politics; his approach to campaigning, campaign promises and electioneering; his commencement as member of the House of Assembly; joining the Legislative Council (ie. Administrator's Executive Council); issues facing the country at the time; Bougainville mine and land owners; David Hay; Barry Middlemiss; Leo Morgan; methods used to train and educate Papua New Guinean members; Sinake Giregire; his involvement in the Constitutional Development Committee; Parliamentary and public service integrity bills; Sir Michael Somare; John Guise; Pangu Pati; Gough Whitlam; the timing of P.N.G. Independence; how Australia handled its relationship with P.N.G.; his concerns about exploitation, public servants and entrepreneurs; the failure of contemporary administration and the achievements of Australian administration.
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| Notes |
Recorded on April 4, and July 22, 2008 in Qld.
Digital master; National Library of Australia, Oral History and Folklore collection;
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| Index/Finding Aid Note |
Timed summary (6 p.) |
| Subjects |
Leahy, Tom, - 1930-2012 - Interviews. | Independence Day (Papua New Guinea) | Papua New Guinea - Politics and government. | Papua New Guinea - Social conditions. | Papua New Guinea - History.
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| Other authors/contributors |
Ritchie, Jonathan, 1961-, Interviewer
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| Related records |
Australians in Papua New Guinea (PNG) 1942-1975 oral history project
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