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Tom Leahy interviewed by Jon Ritchie in the Australians in Papua New Guinea (PNG) 1942-1975 oral history project [sound recording]
Bib ID 4352519
Format AudioAudio [sound recording]
Author
Leahy, Tom, 1930-2012, Interviewee
 
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.

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.

Notes

Recorded on April 4, and July 22, 2008 in Qld.

Digital master; National Library of Australia, Oral History and Folklore collection;

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.
Other authors/contributors Ritchie, Jonathan, 1961-, Interviewer

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    Details Collect From
    ORAL TRC 5920/10
    Copy: Recording
    Petherick Reading Room (Oral History)
    ORAL TRC 5920/10 (summary)
    Copy: Summary
    Petherick Reading Room (Oral History)

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    Members of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori communities are advised that this catalogue contains names and images of deceased people. All users of the catalogue should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today, but may have reflected the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written.