Philip Fitzpatrick

Bamahuta Leaving Papua Philip Fitzpatrick

First came the kiaps - the patrol officers - they explored the country, established the outposts and introduced the rule of law. The work was often dangerous and the conditions were primitive and the young men attracted to it tended to "walk to the beat of a different drummer." With dogged perseverance, dedication and a studied understatement they helped bring the emerging nation of Papua New Guinea to independence. Bamahuta recreates the years leading up to independence through the eyes of a young kiap. Philip Fitzpatrick went to Papua New Guinea in 1967 as a Cadet Patrol Officer and left in 1973. This is a book about Australia's role as a colonial power in Papua New Guinea. Bamahuta means "goodbye" in Motu, the Papuan trade language. It is a poignant farewell made by the many Australians who served there.