Michael Waterhouse, author of the highly regarded Not A Poor Man’s Field presents this insightful talk on Australia's colonial experience in New Guinea before World War II. In the mid-1920s, Europeans had barely penetrated New Guinea’s mainland. Ten years later New Guinea was the location of unparalleled scenes as it led the world in commercial aviation. It was an era of gold discoveries, visionaries and new-found wealth. Michael Waterhouse was formerly a Senior Adviser in the Commonwealth Treasury. Not A Poor Man’s Field was inspired by the experiences of his grandfather, Les Waterhouse, who, before his death in 1945, was a director of the largest and most successful gold mining company, Bulolo Gold Dredging, and of the largest air transport company, Guinea Airways. Don’t miss this talk on an intriguing – and little known – chapter in our history.
