A brief description of some historical dates in early New Guinea.

 

 

A Short History

 Some important historical dates are provided.

1884        Britain and Germany divided the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between them.

1888      Sir William MacGregor became governor of British New Guinea.   

                                                                                                                                   

1891        Anglican mission established at Dogura, Milne Bay. Methodists began work in Milne Bay district. Burns Philip and Company Ltd established a branch in Port Moresby.

1898      George Ruthven Le Hunte succeeded MacGregor as governor of British New Guinea.

                                                                                                 

A Photo of Sir William MacGregor

  

1905      The Australian parliament passed the Papua Act under which it took responsibility for the administration of British New Guinea.
1906    Royal Commission established.

1907    Hurbert Murray appointed acting administrator and (in 1908) lieutenant governor of Papua.

1910    Bank of New South Wales  established in Papua.  Gold discovered at  Lakekamu Region. Copper mined at Saphire Creek.

1914  Outbreak of World War 1. Australia took over German New Guinea.