Figure 1.-- Here we see an Easter sceen in the League of Nations Mandated terriory assigned to Australia for the former German northeasten New Guinea. The capion on the back reads something like "Good Friday 'Stations of the Cross' on the airstrip & School Playground - Christ's a local with cross standing on prow of boat (Shamrock) with me & some of the canoes - I have on flooded grounds!! a drum in hand!"

The Dutch as part of their colonization of the East Indies (Indonesia) claimed the western part of the island. The eastern part of the island (modern Papua) was not colonized until later (late-19th century). And here there was a difference between the north and south. The Germans claimed the northeastern part of New Guinea (1884). They also acquired other isasnds north and east of New Guinea. The late colonization reflected the general European assessment as to the value of Mew Guinea. Germany authorized a chartered company to administer its new colony. The Imperial government took direct control (1899). The German Pacific possessions changed hands in World War I. Australian forces troops occupied German New Guinea and it remained under Australian military control (until 1921). After the War, the new League of Nations introduced a whole new concept to European colonization--the mandate. A League mandated obligated the mandate power to govern in the best interests of the population and prepare them for independence. The British Government, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, assumed a mandate from the League of Nations for governing the Territory of New Guinea (1920). At the time the independence of Australia was still evolving. That mandate was administered by the Australian Government until the Japanese World War II invasion (1942). The British reacting to the German action in the north, proclaimed a protectorate over southeastern New Guinea (which they called Papua and its adjacent islands. The protectorate, was annexed outright (1888). It was transferred to the Commonwealth of Australia (1902). The Papua Act of 1905, changed British New Guinea to the Territory of Papua, beginning the formal Australian administration (1906). This continued until the Pacific War (1941-45). Dutch, German, British and Australian colonial control primarily affected the coastal areas. Few Europeans ventured into the rugged and often hostile interior. And as might be expected a strong lure was needed. A in other areas that lure was gold. Michael Leahy, an Australian prospector from rural Queensland, is believed to have been the first European to make contact with the highlands tribes in the interior). Leahy and his brother Dan began looking for gold. They explored the highlands with Patrol Officer James Taylor (1932-36). Leahy kept a diary and took photographs used in a fascinating documentary--'First contact'.

Created: 1:28 AM 8/29/2025
Last updated: 1:28 AM 8/29/2025