Sir Paulias turns 89

GAZELLE MP and Health Minister Jelta Wong, his first secretary Bernard Lukara, Koroba-Lake Kopiago MP Petrus Thomas and Inter-Government Relations Minister Pila Niningi paid a courtesy tribute to country’s senior statesmen Sir Paulias Matane, who turned 89 on Monday.
Sir Paulias, a former governor-general and author, has had a great influence on Papua New Guinea as a public servant and vice-regal.
He has written books which deliberately used simple English focusing on parts of his overseas travel.
His writing intended to persuade people that books are an important source of information and that people should not regard them as something for foreigners.
His autobiography My Childhood in New Guinea was the first autobiography to be written by a Melanesian and was on the PNG curriculum and other books as well.
Sir Paulias was also a teacher, administrator, writer, broadcaster, Papua New Guinea ambassador to the United States and governor-general for nine years.
During their visit to Viviran village, Toma-Vunadidir local level government, East New Britain, Wong said: “It makes me realise that we must spend time with our leaders and learn from their work so others can see their greatness and rich history in the life they lived. “Such is Sir Paulias’ standing in the PNG landscape that all citizens of East New Britain and PNG will in some way feel a sense of ownership of this great statesman.”
The visit was timely as it would remind everyone that Sir Paulias was a giant in PNG’s documented history and they would be remiss not to acknowledge him for it.
“On behalf of the staff of the Department of Health, the people of the Gazelle and my family, I wish Sir Paulias a happy 89th birthday as he continues to teach Papua New Guinea about humbleness, simplicity and compassion,” Wong said.