Port Moresby - Nelson's Newest Suburb

The world is a small place - and for a town with a European population of somewhat less than Nelson, Port Moresby is a shining example of how true this cliche can be. The people in the photograph have all had Nelson associations. From left they are:

Del Mackay, wife of

Ian Mackay (C.M.G.) - son of the late Mr and Mrs D. Mackay of 41 Mount St, Nelson. Ian was at Nelson College in 1924-25, and was one of the founders of Radio 2ZR - now 2ZN. Still in broadcasting, this time with the Department of Information and Extension-Services in Port Moresby.

Helen Du Frense - daughter of Mrs F. and the late Mr S. M. Robinson of 35 Weka St, Nelson. Helen was educated at Nelson College for Girls', and before her marriage worked at Mellets Bookshop (now Whitcombe and Tombs). Here in Moresby Helen works as a secretary for a firm of importers.

Andy Du Fresne - son of Mr and Mrs V. E. Du Fresne of Ruby Bay. Andy was educated at Motueka High School and here in Moresby works for the Department of Public Works Headquarters as an engineering technical officer.

Maria Robinson - daughter of Mr and Mrs B. P. Hippolyte of 113 Toitoi St, Nelson. Maria was the assistant principal of the Salisbury School in 1968-70, and is now teaching in Port Moresby.

Noel Robinson - Noel worked at the Golden Downs from 1957-60, and is now with the Department of Forests in Moresby.

Rosalee Whiley - With three young children and a husband to care for, most of Rosalee's time is taken up in the house! She is holding Mana (aged 2), the other two boys are standing in front and are (left to right) Tairoa (aged 8) and Dean (aged 6).

Noel Whiley - Noel was a civil engineer with the Nelson City Council 1962-66, and is now with the Department of Public Works. Noel was at headquarters in Moresby, but was recently transferred to Goroka in the New Guinea Highlands.

Jan Balm - Jan used to work for Mutual Rentals in Nelson from 1967-69, and is now a secretary with a firm of consultant engineers in Moresby.

Mike Balm - son of Mr and Mrs H. E. Balm of Higgs Road. Mapua. Mike was a civil engineer with the Nelson Harbour Board from 1967-69, and is now a draughtsman with the Department of Public Works headquarters here at Moresby.

John McGowan, whose parents live at 3 Nikau St, Nelson. was to have been included in this photograph, but was on leave in New Zealand at the time. We know also of the existence of three other Nelsonians in Port Moresby; there is certainly quite a community of us!

However, the above facts still do not excuse the use of the aforementioned cliche, even though you will have noticed that three of us are employed in the same building. The fact is that the Mackays, Du Fresnes and the Robinsons were each allocated - separately by the Administration - a flat in a block of four flats in Korobosea Drive in Moresby. The world is indeed...... A. K. Du Fresne.