The good news is that the long awaited History of Sogeri will be off the press and ready to be launched, all being well, at the next Sogeri Reunion to be held in Canberra from September 27 to 29, 2002.  The launch will be on Saturday September 28 from 2.30 pm at the Papua New Guinea High Commission.  The book, selling at (Australian) $33.00 (incl. GST), will have a similar format to SNAKE ROAD.

To help with the production decisions and the marketing of the book we are giving you the opportunity to order now at a discount.  Copies that are ordered and paid for by the end of August can be inscribed by the author in time for the launch. He plans to be back in Australia a week or so prior to the Reunion.  As we expect Lance to have a busy day signing books at the launch we think that this is a good way to ease the congestion at the function at the PNG High Commission. These pre-launch orders will be at a special price of $30.00 ea. If collected at the Reunion there will be no postage cost.
 

Our next Sogeri Reunion is to be held on the weekend from Friday  September  27  to Sunday  September  29,  2002.  Last September you would have received the update of the plans for the 2002 Sogeri Reunion. Now we would like to ask you to register for the planned weekend. All the earlier details about the venue, the PNG High Commission etc. we can still confirm as correct. As registrations come in we will be happy to provide you with further details of the weekend programme.

As we are required, by The Garden City, to pay a meal charge deposit 12 weeks prior to our Reunion we would like you to send a quick reply to say you are definitely coming and follow up with your meal package payment by the end of June. Our arrangement with The Garden City is for us to collect the meal package costs and for individuals to make their own accommodation bookings stating that you are part of the Sogeri Reunion Group.(Enclosed in this mailing is a sheet showing the benefits you can gain if you stay at The Garden City, the venue’s features and facilities and the Free call number: 1800 675 622.)

As each room in the Motel has a small dining table/chairs, toaster and jug you may like to prepare your own breakfast.(See ROOM ONLY and BED AND BREAKFAST costs later in the newsletter.)

Breakfasts are not served to rooms but served in the Dining Room. We have exclusive use of a Function Room which will have Tea and Coffee facilities on tap throughout - from 8.30 am until bedtime.

In addition The Garden City has agreed that days you book prior and/or following the Reunion will be at the same group rate of $80.00 per room per night (1 or 2 persons). Be sure to say that you are with the Sogeri Reunion Group when you make your booking.

Anyone who is coming singly and wishes to share please contact Marj Walker a.s.a.p. on  03 9803 9071 who could then suggest a contact that you may like to negotiate with to share.

Also if you know of anyone else who may be interested in coming to all or part of the Reunion please let Marj have a contact address or photocopy this one yourself to give them.

For those wanting to leave promptly on Sunday September 29 please note that the concluding BBQ Lunch will begin at 11.30 am.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,
Sincerely

Christopher Martin -   11 Wallen Street, East Brighton, Victoria 3187,   03 9592 1488
Marjorie Walker -   31 Josephine Avenue, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149,   03 9803 9071
Robyn Warnock -   29 Barrallier Street, Griffith, ACT  2603,   02 6295 3191
Jeanette Richmond -   46 Crozier Circuit, Kambah, ACT  2902,   02 6231 5285
 
 
 

IF YOU LIKE TO REGISTER, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO GET A REGISTRATION FORM

IN THE REGISTRATION FORM ARE SPACES AND BOXES FOR THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

I / We  will be attending the  2002 Sogeri Reunion   Date     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Name(s):     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Which Years were you at Sogeri:    from    19  .   .   .   .    to    19  .   .   .   .

Postal Address:       .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   Postcode      .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Telephone:      .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Please advise the Number  of  Persons and  Costing

Package 1   -   includes the following:  Full Package  $55 per person
        Saturday Afternoon Function at PNG High Commission,  Saturday Evening Dinner
        Sunday Lunch,  Morning Teas,  Supper,  Use of Conference Facilities, etc.
Package 2   -   includes the following:  Full Package  $75 per person
        Friday Evening Dinner
        Saturday Afternoon Function at PNG High Commission,  Saturday Evening Dinner
        Sunday Lunch,  Morning Teas,  Suppers,  Use of Conference Facilities, etc.

If not taking a package, please select or combine any of the events below:

Saturday Afternoon Function at PNG High Commission    @ $5 per person
Saturday Evening Dinner only    @ $30 per person
Sunday Lunch only    @ $25 per person
Then work out the Total Cost:

{The above prices do not include drinks from the bar}

Enclosed is a Cheque for  $   .  .  .  .  .  .  .   payable to  ‘ING Direct - Sogeri Account’

Estimated Arrival:  Day:     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .    Time:   .  .  .  .  .  .  .

Estimated Departure: Day:     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .    Time:   .  .  .  .  .  .  .

Please sign:       .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

Please ask for one of these forms, and post the complete form to:
Marjorie Walker,  31 Josephine Avenue, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149
By  June 30, 2002

Please Tick one of these:
  <>   We have made our accommodation booking with  Garden City
  <>   We have made other arrangements (Please give details)
 
 

REUNION PLANS
Our last newsletter reported to you about the 1999 Reunion at Maroochydore. This letter will give an update on the plans made so far for the 2002 Sogeri Reunion to be held from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 September 2002 in Canberra.

Chris and Marj drove to Canberra in April this year to join Robyn and Jeanette to check out and negotiate with the staff of the "Quality Inn Garden City", Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah in Canberra as a suitable venue for our next Reunion. The Garden City is in a very convenient location for our purposes as it is near the PNG High Commission, also near a golf course and 5 minutes drive from the centre of Canberra.

We are pleased to confirm that the PNG High Commissioner, the Hon Renagi Lohia has agreed for us to use the Haus Tambaran on the Saturday afternoon of our weekend . We are working hard to have Lance Taylor’s History of the Sogeri ready to be launched at that function.

Robyn’s careful research into the various Term Dates of all states for 2002 enabled us to make the choice of dates that suited best for the Reunion. A bonus for all those travelling to Canberra for the Reunion is that the Floriade Festival is on at that time.  Before Easter next year we will send you an invitation and application form for the Reunion

RESPONSE TO THE LAST NEWSLETTER
We were most encouraged to receive so many positive comments after the mailing of the newsletter with its news of the 25th Independence Celebrations. Thanks also to those who contributed to the costs of sending out the newsletter. Also thanks to Herb Golightly for sending some newspaper cuttings some of which we have copied for this mailing.

HISTORY OF SOGERI
Lance Taylor's book on the History of the Sogeri School (1944 - 1994) is progressing well. We are hoping to launch the book officially at the Reunion in Canberra in 2002. The book will have over 250 pages of text, numerous pages of photos and an index. We are working hard to have it ready by the next Reunion as a launch at the PNG High Commission in 2002 would be most appropriate. However, by then some important factors need to be resolved like finding a suitable publisher, cover design, title etc.. It  is hoped that Lance will be back to Australia within the next 6 months so that movements can be made on the publishing of the book.

The Foreword of the book is written by Sir Michael Somare, following correspondence with himself, his daughter Bertha and his research staff.  In a recent telephone call from Sir Michael to Marj he confirmed his on-going interest in the School and stressed that, despite the passing of time, he remembers being at Sogeri, his teachers and sports coaches, very well and sends his best wishes.
 
 

RECENT NEWS ABOUT SOGERI AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA

First woman principal to head Sogeri - This was a heading we came across on the web page of the PNG Post Courier on Friday Jan 11 2001:  There was a (very unclear) photograph with the following caption:
"New principal of Sogeri National High School Ms Lillian Ahai (right) makes a point in her speech to farewell her predecessor Arnold Lakamanga at a brief ceremony at the school yesterday.  Mr Lakamanga is leaving for further studies in Australia. Ms Ahai is the first woman to head the school.  (AURI EVA picture)"

Followed by a short article:  "First woman principal to head Sogeri".
   A Bougainville woman made history yesterday when she was appointed to lead one of the country's oldest educational institutions.
   Lillian Ahai, 44, from Morokaimoro village in Siwai, Bougainville, was officially made the principal of Sogeri National High School at a low-key ceremony at the school witnessed by the media and school staff.  She is the first woman principal of Sogeri since its establishment in 1948 and also the first in any national high school.
   Ms Ahai took the reins from Arnold Lakamanga who is leaving for Australia.  She has a great deal of experience in teaching at both provincial and national high schools.   In the last three years,  Ms Ahai held the position of deputy principal (administration) at Sogeri.  “This is a big achievement not only for me but for all women in PNG.  I would like to take this as a breakthrough for women in a male dominated society, she said.  Ms Ahai used the occasion to appeal to all former students to come forward  with donations to help build new classrooms.
   She said the school needed more than K2 million to build about 12 classrooms to replace the rooms that were gutted by fire in April 1997.  The rooms were used to teach Social Sciences, Economics, English and Expressive Arts.  The rebuilding of classrooms is one task that Ms Ahai has set for herself.
(Article by JACQUIE KAPIGENO)

(Footnote to this article: the school is in fact older than stated above, the first educational institution at the site having been established in 1944)

Following reading this article Marj wrote to Ms Ahai, sending her a copy of our last Reunion newsletter, and recently received an enthusiastic letter of reply which tells of some positive activity.  Ms Ahai took Marj's letter and the Reunion newsletter to the Ex-Students committee meeting and our past students were delighted that a large group of their teachers and others meet every few years for Reunions “down south”  (Let's hope some will be able to come to Canberra in September 2002).  Many of these past Sogeri Students now have  top jobs in the public and private sectors and in their spare time are working towards helping the school with fund raising occasions. Their plan is to upgrade facilities and create new projects  like a modern High Tech Library. The first fund raiser at the Airport Hotel (previously The Gateway) brought in money to purchase computers.

We look forward to hearing more good news from the school.  The next fund raiser will be in the middle of October 2001.  The Ex-students account details for donations are:   Ex-Sogeri Account, Westpac, Boroko Branch, Account Number 6000445975.

Sir Mekere Morauta at the Sogeri Singsing on 8 September 2001 - The most recent Sogeri Singsing was a great success, judging by an extensive report in the Post-Courier, and what the “Drum” described as “the worst traffic jam you've seen in a one-horse town”!  In recent years the Singsings are held at the School, so that many hundreds of Moresby people come up to the Plateau for the day.   The Drum also made a few comments on the state of the road, which will be a familiar tune to our Reunion newsletter readers.......!  The guest of honour was Sir Mekere Morauta (a former Sogeri student himself) who officially opened the new Library, and confirmed the major support generated by ex-students committee, chaired by Jamie Maxtone-Graham, in achieving these renovations. He gave an inspiring speech (“it is full steam ahead”) on restoring efficient government and (again) boosting education, where he also asked for support by Community self-help.  Altogether there is a lot of positive news coming from the School this year.

Anna Solomon - Anna was a Sogeri student of 1971/72 and has worked for Word Publishing which includes the Times newspaper and now The Independent where she is Editor in Chief. After hearing Anna talking on an ABC radio programme and seeing her on a TV news item showing Sean Dorney around the Printery, we made contact and she also replied enthusiastically.

Misty Baloiloi and Philip Siaguru - Those of you who were at Sogeri in 1972 - 73 will remember Misty as a charming young Milne Bay student who displayed many gifts including acting and singing. He had the lead part in a Musical which Sogeri students performed at Monash University in 1973. More recently Misty has been back at Monash to study in order to return to the University of Technology in Lae as Vice Chancellor. During Misty's study leave Dr Philip Siaguru (also a student at Sogeri, in 1978-1979) acted as Vice Chancellor.  We wish them well in their academic careers.

Ralph Saulep - Those of you who came to the first Reunion at Mulwala will remember Ralph Saulep (Raphael to those who taught him at Sogeri in the late 70’s). He now lives and works as a lawyer in Port Moresby and is president of the PNG Cancer Relief Society, a group   who are fund raising  to have a fully equipped ward for cancer patients   at the Port Moresby General Hospital. We wish Ralph all the best in his professional work as well as the charity cause he is working for.

Dame Rachel Cleland - Dame Rachel was invited back to PNG for the 25th Anniversary Independence Celebrations  in September 2000. Dame Rachel was able to keep up with those much younger in spite of her 94 years. She was impressed with the progress and development since her initial arrival in PNG 50 years ago with her husband, Sir Donald. She was so happy and honoured to be able to celebrate with the people she worked with for so many years.
In an interview with the Post Courier on September 14, 2000 she said, “I love you all, I bless you all, I congratulate you. I think you are all terrific people, and I feel  you've turned a very difficult corner. I'm  sure you'll make wonderful strides from now on”.  Who better than Dame Rachel to be at the Celebrations to represent all those who spent many memorable years in PNG and we all echo her sentiments.
Another honour bestowed on expatriates was for Sir Silas Atopare, the Governor General to send Certificates of Award to a number of expatriates for their part in leading PNG to Independence in 1975. It is believed that some people on our newsletter mailing list were recipients and we congratulate them.

WAYS TO FIND OUT MORE UP TO DATE NEWS ABOUT PNG
For those who are on the Internet we can recommend the following links so you can get daily direct ‘hot off the press' news on people, happenings and the present situation in PNG

•  http://postcourier.com.pg/  -  now also with 3 illustrated weekly Regional Magazines in colour
•  http://www.abc.net.au/rn/asiapac   -   the Radio Australia resources

•  http://tufi.alphalink.com.au/png   (with a Reunion section and further reference links)
•  http://www.pembery.co.uk/page%205/Page%205.htm  (John Pembery, with photographs)

We send our greetings to all of you on our mailing list and again we would really welcome any news items, directly or indirectly related to Sogeri, or any suggestions about the newsletter and in particular any suggestions and bright ideas about activities that could be included in our next Reunion - September 27 - 29, 2002  -  weekend programme.

Yours sincerely (signed in the original)
Christopher Martin  -  1 / 41 Lantana Road, Gardenvale, Victoria 3185
Marjorie Walker  -  31 Josephine Avenue, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149
Robyn Warnock  -  29 Barrallier Street, Griffith, ACT  2603
Jeanette Richmond  -  46 Crozier Circuit, Kambah, ACT  2902
 
 

A LOOK BACK:  The 1999 Sogeri Reunion, held at Maroochydore in October 1-3 last year, was an enjoyable weekend attended by people from most States of Australia and PNG.  It was once again a great time to reminisce about the good times we had in PNG with plenty of storytelling, videos and lots of photographs and books - old and new and other memorabilia.  In particular thanks to Alistair and Leila Whittred for showing us the video of their recent trip to post volcanic eruption Rabaul and to Gladys Jago for bringing the display of Rob's art work.  Thanks to all others who brought things along for our interest.

Thank you to all those who were able to come to share their memories and friendships.  Once again the Reunion provided the opportunity for "old" PNG "hands" to look back on their time in PNG and consider how their experience has had a lasting effect on their lives and also on those indigenous people whom they worked with.  Thanks also to people who were able to drop in if even only for a brief time or for one of the meals.  One of the more interesting features of our Reunions is that the Ex-Sogeris cover a 50 year span of service and experience in PNG. At all 3 Reunions we have had at least one or two persons with Sogeri connections who are still working in PNG and who bring along recent newspapers and magazines.  This is our link with what is the real present situation in PNG.

THE NEXT SOGERI REUNION:  Robyn and Jeanette, in Canberra, have been putting quite a deal of consideration into finding and negotiating for the most appropriate venue for the next Reunion in 2002.
Amongst these considerations has been the possibility of arranging for part of the programme of the Reunion Weekend to be held at the PNG High Commission. The High Commission building, which is in the form of a Haus Tambaran, would make us feel very much at home.  As arrangements re-venue and dates etc. become clearer we will keep you posted.

The following enclosures were sent with this July 2000 Newsletter
(you can read these by clicking on the underlined text):

• This year is the  25th Anniversary of PNG Independence September 16, 2000  -  for some memories, please see: The Independence Celebrations  -  September 13 - 17, 1975
• Recent research done in the Varirata National Park
• Kokoda Trail closed to tourists , over compensation claim
• The Books written by Sir Paulias Matane , who was a student at Sogeri in 1962
• Obituary of Mrs Dulcie Johnson ,  wife of Les Johnson who was the Director of Education 1962-70. Les then became the last Administrator of the Territory before Independence. Our thanks to John Farquharson and UNA VOCE for permission to copy the enclosed article to send out with our newsletter.
• Also sent out were a number of (black and white) copies of recent photographs, taken at the 1999 Reunion and photographs taken at the time of PNG Independence in 1975.

Otherwise a very good source of information about expatriate people who worked in PNG is the quarterly newsletter of the 'Retired Officers Association of Papua New Guinea' based in Sydney: 'UNA VOCE'   which also gives notice of our Sogeri Reunions.  These newsletters are 50 to 60 pages of interesting Historical stories, Book reviews, Reunions, Obituaries and the June 2000 copy has the annual list of members.   If you wish to know more, write to:    ROAPNG,  Box 452,  ROSEVILLE,  NSW  2069.

HISTORY OF SOGERI   Lance Taylor's book on the History of the Sogeri School (1944 - 1994) is progressing. We are hoping to launch the book officially at the Reunion in Canberra in 2002. The book will have over 250 pages of text, numerous pages of photos and an index. We are working hard to have it ready by the next Reunion as a launch at the PNG High Commission in 2002 would be most appropriate. However, by then some important factors need to be resolved like finding a suitable publisher, cover design, title etc.. It  is hoped that Lance will be back to Australia within the next 6 months so that movements can be made on the publishing of the book.

We hope this finds you well and we look forward to hearing from you and any suggestions or news items will be appreciated.

Yours sincerely (signed in the original:)
Christopher Martin  -  1 / 41  Lantana Road, Gardenvale, Victoria 3185   03 9596 4860
Marjorie Walker     -   31 Josephine Avenue, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149   03 9803 9071
Robyn Warnock     -   29 Barrallier Street, Griffith, ACT  2603
Jeanette Richmond  -   46 Crozier Circuit, Kambah, ACT  2902

The Third Sogeri Reunion was held over the weekend of Friday October 1 to Sunday October 3, 2000,  at the Maroochy River Holiday Resort, near Maroochydore on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane.  A total of 51 people attended all or part of the weekend, many old friendships were renewed and new contacts made.  There were a wide range of people from the four schools: Sogeri and Iarowari High and the A and T Primary Schools as well. Plus people who worked and lived on the District's Plantations, Elcom and other organisations.  As always, we were able to bring together some people who had not seen each other for decades, or who had only ever seen each others' names in reports.   There was also a wealth of very interesting information on display thanks to many people bringing photographs (good old ever-lasting black and white and also many colour), school magazines, old newspapers and also (this week's ! ) current editions of Papua New Guinea newspapers, plus an 8 mm movie from the 1960's era and a number of videos. Many people took photographs at the Reunion and exchanged addresses.  This 3rd Reunion was organised by  Marjorie Walker 03 9803 9071;  Christopher Martin 03 9596 4860; Cleo Pashen 07 5448 1587;  John Stolz 07 5493 7028;  Lorraine Roberts 07 5441 5976
 
 

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