Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

PNG Office of Libraries and Archives receive rare documents for preservation

The Public Solicitor’s Office has passed on a collection of important and rare documents dating back to the 1880s to the Office of Libraries and Archives for preservation and safekeeping.

It is the first time such a handover has taken place, and saw landholding records, maps, surveys and field reports of historic and legal significance released to the Director General of Libraries and Archives, Kakai-to Kasi. The records will be preserved in their original form, as well as copied in digital format so that they can be accessed by people throughout the country.

Acting Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu said the documents were among 39,000 files assessed over a five month exercise. A further six tonnes of documents were disposed.

Mr Kasi said when he first saw the files, “it was immediately apparent that these were very rare documents. They are of national importance”.

He said they were not only of historical significance, but were also of great legal note.

“With the country experiencing a lot of land disputes, these records will be helpful,” Mr Kasi said. He called on all Government departments and agencies to follow similar practices.

The process was supported by the Australian Government, through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program.

 

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

Acting Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu (L) hands over rare landholding documents to Director General of the Office of Libraries and Archives Kakai-to Kasi (R) in a ceremony at the Public Solicitor's Office, Boroko.