[George Batia]

I totally agree with the valid statements issued by Mr Maclaren Jude Hiari,MBE of the Kokoda-Buna Historical Foundation.The past executives of the Kokoda Trail Authority have mismanaged funds without tangible and sustainable developments.I have noticed that the have connections with local and international companies and diverted funds to their business cronies for personal gain.

The Native Labour Section of the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU) showed that about 49,500 Papua New Guineans were recruited as labourers for the Allied Forces.There were 25,500 carriers in Papua and 25,000 in New Guinea.Interestingly,war records indicate that some carriers were recruited as far as Benabena and Chimbu for the Lae,Wau and Salamaua Battles.

Records indicate that 46 natives have been killed by Japanese fire and 1,962 died from tropical diseases,other illnesses and courses, and accidents while 91 were wounded by Japanese during the war.

The Kokoda campaign involved the participation of some Koiarians and natives recruited from other parts of PNG.

Finally, I believe the newly appointed KTA Chairman,Mr James Enage will make a difference and consider such organisation run by Maclaren Jude Hiari,MBE.

George Batia
Former Board Member,Kokoda-Buna Historical Foundation
Queanbeyan,NSW
Australia

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