27th Jan 2019, 13:21 - Wikipost
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A thread where ex PNG geriatrics lapuns and long longs can live in the dim distant past.
Where tall stories are accepted as fact. War stories are applauded. Grab a Brownie, pull up a story and join in a trip down memory lane!!! 
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PNG Ples Bilong Tok Tok
Retired Tiger pilot
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THIRTY YEARS?
Do you have a vaild excuse why it has taken you so long before entering the hallowed portals of the Dero Club?
Anyway on another note, we find that world renowned Capt JB has taken over the reigns as MLO at airnogat. congrats and all the best of sepik luck chief!
Do you have a vaild excuse why it has taken you so long before entering the hallowed portals of the Dero Club?
Anyway on another note, we find that world renowned Capt JB has taken over the reigns as MLO at airnogat. congrats and all the best of sepik luck chief!
You don't need an invite to go to the Port Morbid Dero but you should have been given a warning!! 
You're also 30 years too late for the best times!!!
Thinking of the Dero and 30 years ago - has anyone heard whether GHOC is still alive? I heard he went to the YouKay but returned to Australia, NSW I think???
The relationship between GHOC and the Dero is purely coincidental. I recall borrowing his Talair Company car, his price and joy silver Nissan and having it stolen at the Dero and junked. Next day I borrowed his replacement car, went to the Dero and well, you guessed it - nicked and junked again!
You're also 30 years too late for the best times!!!
Thinking of the Dero and 30 years ago - has anyone heard whether GHOC is still alive? I heard he went to the YouKay but returned to Australia, NSW I think???
The relationship between GHOC and the Dero is purely coincidental. I recall borrowing his Talair Company car, his price and joy silver Nissan and having it stolen at the Dero and junked. Next day I borrowed his replacement car, went to the Dero and well, you guessed it - nicked and junked again!
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GHOC and Bev last seen in Ashgrove BNE about 10/12 years ago... appears he lost quite a bit in the Christopher Skase (Quintex?) stuff up or something similar thus the UK trip may not have happened.
The Demise of VH-PAT at Bereina, 8 April, 1961
The full story is in 'Balus 2' , Ch2 - p23-24, and the pic is on p33. Simply told, a full load of medical supplies, including laboratory chemicals, broke open during loading, and proceded to fast corrode the DC-3, which was en route Moresby - Minj. Then it caught fire, and there can't be much worse than a chemical fire in flight. An emergency descent was made into Bereina,and everyone jumped from the cockpit. The whole thing then burnt.
Patti Gollum was a US citizen in Sydney on holidays in 1960 where she joined Butler Air Transport, and then Airlines of NSW, crewing on DC-3, F27 and Convairs. She went to Port Moresby in late 1960, and became Patairs' first F/A.
She had worked for Patair for several months on DC-3's, and that morning had done a Kokoda pax flight. She was then offered a ride up to Minj and back, on what was to become the last flight of VH-PAT. She injured her hip in the jump from the cockpit, but returned to duties about 4 weeks later - leaving TPNG later in 1961 to return to the USA.
Through purchasing an aircraft in Arizona in 1989, we met Patti Gollum. She had very clear memories of her adventures with Patair, and swears to this day that without Myles Lewis in command - they were looking at a rough trip.
Patti produced her logbook, and sure enough, all her PNG flying was meticulously recorded. One of the Captains later became my CP in Moresby - a real co-incidence
We recently saw Patti again in Mesa, Arizona, where she lives a quiet life on a golf resort. She is an active and alert 69 year old now, but fondly remembers her PNG days.
Thought this might be informative for you 'taim bipoa' crew.
happy days,
The full story is in 'Balus 2' , Ch2 - p23-24, and the pic is on p33. Simply told, a full load of medical supplies, including laboratory chemicals, broke open during loading, and proceded to fast corrode the DC-3, which was en route Moresby - Minj. Then it caught fire, and there can't be much worse than a chemical fire in flight. An emergency descent was made into Bereina,and everyone jumped from the cockpit. The whole thing then burnt.
Patti Gollum was a US citizen in Sydney on holidays in 1960 where she joined Butler Air Transport, and then Airlines of NSW, crewing on DC-3, F27 and Convairs. She went to Port Moresby in late 1960, and became Patairs' first F/A.
She had worked for Patair for several months on DC-3's, and that morning had done a Kokoda pax flight. She was then offered a ride up to Minj and back, on what was to become the last flight of VH-PAT. She injured her hip in the jump from the cockpit, but returned to duties about 4 weeks later - leaving TPNG later in 1961 to return to the USA.
Through purchasing an aircraft in Arizona in 1989, we met Patti Gollum. She had very clear memories of her adventures with Patair, and swears to this day that without Myles Lewis in command - they were looking at a rough trip.
Patti produced her logbook, and sure enough, all her PNG flying was meticulously recorded. One of the Captains later became my CP in Moresby - a real co-incidence
We recently saw Patti again in Mesa, Arizona, where she lives a quiet life on a golf resort. She is an active and alert 69 year old now, but fondly remembers her PNG days.
Thought this might be informative for you 'taim bipoa' crew.
happy days,
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Walschaert.... Hope you had your shots before you went to the Dero club. Lots of young duskies looking to make the aquaintance of a bright young Pilot.!! The old dero at the old Ansett building was very atmospheric, and of course, the site of the well known raid on the bar by 5 thirsty rascals some time ago. I keep the picture of my back on the wall of my study to remind me of the event. Happy days. 
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
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the site of the well known raid on the bar by 5 thirsty rascals some time ago.
Lahir contract
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Tapini Hotel
Maybe a member has knowledge on the following:
Have been wondering if the Tapini Hotel is still operating? I stayed there for two memorable nights in 1968 and remember lots of hospitality from the owner, Andy Anderson (I think) I was one of two guests! It was reported late in the life of Patair that they had purchased it from Anderson. Is this correct? If they did, what happened to it after Ansett acquired Patair? The Tapini valley and village was great to experience - a delightful area. Of course the flight in the Patair Navajo VH-PNL was an experience in itself. The airstrip was very active with movements by various Cessna singles, Army Caribou and Patair Piaggio aircraft apart from the Navajo movements.
Thanks if you can give some information on this.
AIRTAM
Have been wondering if the Tapini Hotel is still operating? I stayed there for two memorable nights in 1968 and remember lots of hospitality from the owner, Andy Anderson (I think) I was one of two guests! It was reported late in the life of Patair that they had purchased it from Anderson. Is this correct? If they did, what happened to it after Ansett acquired Patair? The Tapini valley and village was great to experience - a delightful area. Of course the flight in the Patair Navajo VH-PNL was an experience in itself. The airstrip was very active with movements by various Cessna singles, Army Caribou and Patair Piaggio aircraft apart from the Navajo movements.
Thanks if you can give some information on this.
AIRTAM
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A little off thread but.............
Many would remember Sir George Constantinou , he was murdered yesterday at Gerehu by criminals . See details in the Post-Courier or the National on-line.
What can you say ???.
Many would remember Sir George Constantinou , he was murdered yesterday at Gerehu by criminals . See details in the Post-Courier or the National on-line.
What can you say ???.
Hanoi, I don't find it off topic at all. I've had a several opportunities to return to PNG and most recently Moresby, but decided against it. I cherish my memories there and think about it daily. 10 years after I left, apart from the crime problem, the main reason why I haven't taken the opportunity to return is that I think that I would be disappointed and it would destroy my fond memories. Yesterday's senseless act will further tarnish moresby's and png's reputation that is consistently voted by expats as the worst city in the world. Even worse than Baghdad.
Paradise lost and wanim taim masta kam bak?
Paradise lost and wanim taim masta kam bak?
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George Constantinou.
A very sad sorry day for PNG again.
Farewell George and I had a few Singha's while recalling the many times I flew you over the gap to/from Popondetta and Girua since 1970. What wonderful days, sadly gone for ever as tinpis says.
Looie.
News
Wednesday 17th December, 2008
Thugs kill Knight
SIR George Constantinou, 75, founder of the Hebou group of companies, was attacked and suffered fatal injuries in a gang ambush
at Gerehu yesterday.
He was waylaid by up to 30 youths as he checked timber for his company’s work at a timber yard near controversial Tete
settlement.
Sir George, who spent much of his life starting and running a business empire in construction, road building and hotels in
Papua New Guinea, was pronounced dead at Pacific International Hospital emergency room at around 4pm yesterday, about two hours
after the attack.
There were unconfirmed reports he was also stabbed and shot. It was reported that a suspect was arrested by police last night.
Police yesterday afternoon took over the Tete settlement.
Metropolitan Superintendent Fred Yakasa and operations superintendent Anderson Bawa gave settlers 24 hours notice to hand in
the 30 or so suspects or be evicted by 4.06pm today.
Mr Yakasa and Mr Bawa, who were clearly upset, reiterated that Tete settlement was on state land and as of yesterday the police
“has taken this land back and there will be no room for negotiations”.
According to a company spokesman who wanted to go by the name of “Mitch”, an official statement will be released today by
Hebou Constructions. His empire included the Oasis apartments. Earlier in his career, he was also involved in the Airways and
Lamana hotels.
Archie Vanua, the man who was with Sir George, witnessed the mobbing, looting of a two-way radio and Sir George’s handgun. He
suffered minor injuries after the vehicle they were in slipped into a ditch when trying to avoid a roadblock set up by about 20
youths as they left a timber yard next to the settlement.
The two men had gone to the yard to inspect timber. Mr Vanua said as they were trying to drive out, the youths stopped them.
Sir George, realising the situation, sped past the mob. The youths scattered but regrouped after another group on the side of a
hill turned on the vehicle after it crashed into the drain not far from the block.
According to Mr Vanua as told to our cameraman, Sir George was trying to speed but did not negotiate the bend and hit the
ditch.
THIS was when the 30 or so youths, armed with all kinds of weapons including a gun, pointed it at Mr Vanua and asked for
valuables to be handed over.
Mr Vanua said he refused and raised his arms to surrender. Sir George instead didn’t want to give in to the thugs and was hit
over the right side of his head with a heavy object.
The looting started and then the youths fled.
Mr Vanua tried to stop cars for assistance but none came. Harry Yaman, a 14-year-old youth who happened to be passing by came
to their rescue and helped Vanua take Sir George to the St John Ambulance office at Rainbow Estate before coming to Pacific
International Hospital.
“When I went to assist him he was choking on his own blood. I cleaned the blood, held him and was talking to him when we went
to Rainbow. Blood was coming out of his ears, nose and mouth,” Mr Vanua said.
Hebou workers were already at the PIH when the news of Sir George’s death reached them.
Sir George’s body was later taken to the Funeral Home.
The police hierarchy and other business partners and associates who heard of his death expressed shock.
Prime suspects whose names were given to police and called out yesterday for the benefit of their relatives to “come good”,
included the son of a pastor.
Mr Yakasa said: “This kind of man and other senior corporate citizens like this should not die in this manner after so many
years of giving their lives to building this nation.”
Mr Bawa said: “This place has never for once co-operated with police. His blood has spilt here at Tete. If you cannot respect a
life, why should we respect yours. By this time tomorrow this place will be like this ground,” rubbing the earth beneath him
with his foot and pointing at them saying.
“Do you understand what is expected of you.”
The crowd responded with nods and yeses and even clapped to show that they understood their night assignments.
Police said last night one man was arrested and was in custody for questioning.
Farewell George and I had a few Singha's while recalling the many times I flew you over the gap to/from Popondetta and Girua since 1970. What wonderful days, sadly gone for ever as tinpis says.
Looie.
News
Wednesday 17th December, 2008
Thugs kill Knight
SIR George Constantinou, 75, founder of the Hebou group of companies, was attacked and suffered fatal injuries in a gang ambush
at Gerehu yesterday.
He was waylaid by up to 30 youths as he checked timber for his company’s work at a timber yard near controversial Tete
settlement.
Sir George, who spent much of his life starting and running a business empire in construction, road building and hotels in
Papua New Guinea, was pronounced dead at Pacific International Hospital emergency room at around 4pm yesterday, about two hours
after the attack.
There were unconfirmed reports he was also stabbed and shot. It was reported that a suspect was arrested by police last night.
Police yesterday afternoon took over the Tete settlement.
Metropolitan Superintendent Fred Yakasa and operations superintendent Anderson Bawa gave settlers 24 hours notice to hand in
the 30 or so suspects or be evicted by 4.06pm today.
Mr Yakasa and Mr Bawa, who were clearly upset, reiterated that Tete settlement was on state land and as of yesterday the police
“has taken this land back and there will be no room for negotiations”.
According to a company spokesman who wanted to go by the name of “Mitch”, an official statement will be released today by
Hebou Constructions. His empire included the Oasis apartments. Earlier in his career, he was also involved in the Airways and
Lamana hotels.
Archie Vanua, the man who was with Sir George, witnessed the mobbing, looting of a two-way radio and Sir George’s handgun. He
suffered minor injuries after the vehicle they were in slipped into a ditch when trying to avoid a roadblock set up by about 20
youths as they left a timber yard next to the settlement.
The two men had gone to the yard to inspect timber. Mr Vanua said as they were trying to drive out, the youths stopped them.
Sir George, realising the situation, sped past the mob. The youths scattered but regrouped after another group on the side of a
hill turned on the vehicle after it crashed into the drain not far from the block.
According to Mr Vanua as told to our cameraman, Sir George was trying to speed but did not negotiate the bend and hit the
ditch.
THIS was when the 30 or so youths, armed with all kinds of weapons including a gun, pointed it at Mr Vanua and asked for
valuables to be handed over.
Mr Vanua said he refused and raised his arms to surrender. Sir George instead didn’t want to give in to the thugs and was hit
over the right side of his head with a heavy object.
The looting started and then the youths fled.
Mr Vanua tried to stop cars for assistance but none came. Harry Yaman, a 14-year-old youth who happened to be passing by came
to their rescue and helped Vanua take Sir George to the St John Ambulance office at Rainbow Estate before coming to Pacific
International Hospital.
“When I went to assist him he was choking on his own blood. I cleaned the blood, held him and was talking to him when we went
to Rainbow. Blood was coming out of his ears, nose and mouth,” Mr Vanua said.
Hebou workers were already at the PIH when the news of Sir George’s death reached them.
Sir George’s body was later taken to the Funeral Home.
The police hierarchy and other business partners and associates who heard of his death expressed shock.
Prime suspects whose names were given to police and called out yesterday for the benefit of their relatives to “come good”,
included the son of a pastor.
Mr Yakasa said: “This kind of man and other senior corporate citizens like this should not die in this manner after so many
years of giving their lives to building this nation.”
Mr Bawa said: “This place has never for once co-operated with police. His blood has spilt here at Tete. If you cannot respect a
life, why should we respect yours. By this time tomorrow this place will be like this ground,” rubbing the earth beneath him
with his foot and pointing at them saying.
“Do you understand what is expected of you.”
The crowd responded with nods and yeses and even clapped to show that they understood their night assignments.
Police said last night one man was arrested and was in custody for questioning.
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
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sometimes you have to wonder why a large contingent of men armed with automatic firearms dont make an example of these criminals. I'm sure if it happened to one of my family, bugger the law and watch out criminals. 
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The authorities threatening tactics must have worked somewhat, in that there are a number of suspects in custody now.
Payback, while barbaric, is often the only language some of these people understand. It's unfortunate that it's a never-ending cycle.
On that note, it's interesting that the raskol that was in 'haus kalabus' for Heather's murder (raped & beheaded in Lae as she tried to sell her car before returning home) in the 80's died in jail at about the same time that a certain helicopter pilot 'went finish'.
There are so many things that are needed to start to rectify the state of affairs in PNG it is frightening. While in high school at PMIHS in 1983 we had a bomb scare, & were all ushered on to the oval. The local constabulary were notified and they advised that they couldn't attend because there were no vehicles available. Yes, that was 25 years ago, but some things don't change.
Payback, while barbaric, is often the only language some of these people understand. It's unfortunate that it's a never-ending cycle.
On that note, it's interesting that the raskol that was in 'haus kalabus' for Heather's murder (raped & beheaded in Lae as she tried to sell her car before returning home) in the 80's died in jail at about the same time that a certain helicopter pilot 'went finish'.
There are so many things that are needed to start to rectify the state of affairs in PNG it is frightening. While in high school at PMIHS in 1983 we had a bomb scare, & were all ushered on to the oval. The local constabulary were notified and they advised that they couldn't attend because there were no vehicles available. Yes, that was 25 years ago, but some things don't change.
Last edited by kingtoad; 18th Dec 2008 at 05:18. Reason: pah - spelling
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Looking forward to returning to Japan soon but in the meantime continuing the never ending search for a bad bottle of Red!
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There are so many things that are needed to start to rectify the state of affairs in PNG it is frightening
The useless mob of money and time wasters known as the United Nations and assorted lefties here in Oz would never permit it.
