The Angel of Bulolo: The Extraordinary Life of Doris Booth

In the vast and rich history of Papua New Guinea, there are figures whose stories, though lesser-known, are essential to understanding the country's past. One such figure is Doris Regina Booth, a pioneering woman whose courage, resilience, and compassion left a profound mark on the nation. Nicknamed "The Angel of Bulolo," Booth's life is a testament to the extraordinary power of individual determination in shaping history.

A Journey Begins: From Australia to Papua New Guinea

Doris Booth's story began far from the shores of Papua New Guinea. Born on October 1, 1895, in South Brisbane, Australia, she pursued a career in nursing at the Brisbane General Hospital. Little did the world know that this bright young woman would leave behind the urban landscapes of Australia for the untamed wilderness of Papua New Guinea, a country in which she would leave an indelible legacy.

Doris’s life took a dramatic turn when she met Captain Charles Booth, a World War I veteran and gold prospector. The couple married and embarked on a bold adventure together, initially managing a plantation near Kokopo. However, their shared spirit of adventure would soon draw them into one of the most significant events in Papua New Guinea's history: the 1920s gold rush.

The Gold Rush: Breaking Boundaries

In 1924, the Booths heard rumors of gold discoveries on the mainland and made their way to Salamaua, a frontier town buzzing with excitement. The gold rush, while predominantly male-dominated, did not deter Doris. She defied societal norms, taking on tasks that were unheard of for women at the time. Not only did she support her husband’s gold-prospecting efforts, but she also recruited labor and even led a treacherous five-week expedition through the wilderness to reach Bulolo Valley—becoming the first white woman to live there.

Doris’s fearlessness and determination made her a trailblazer in this rugged, remote region. But her legacy was about to take on an even more remarkable dimension.

A Nurse's Compassion: The Angel of Bulolo

Shortly after arriving in Bulolo, a dysentery epidemic ravaged the valley, threatening the lives of both indigenous people and Europeans alike. True to her nursing roots, Doris didn’t hesitate to act. She established and managed a bush hospital, providing vital care to over 130 patients between September 1926 and January 1927—a heroic feat, especially given the medical limitations of the time.

Her tireless dedication and life-saving efforts earned her the nickname “The Angel of Bulolo,” a title that reflected the deep respect and admiration she garnered from the local community. In recognition of her work, she was awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) in 1928, cementing her place as a pivotal figure in Papua New Guinea’s history.

Beyond Medicine: Doris Booth, Businesswoman and Trailblazer

While Doris was known for her compassion as a nurse, her business acumen was equally impressive. In 1927, she and her husband sold one of their mining leases to Morobe Guinea Gold Ltd., and Doris was appointed as a director of the company—an extraordinary achievement for a woman during that era.

However, her life was not without its challenges. By the late 1920s, her marriage to Charles began to unravel. In 1929, a dramatic legal battle ensued when Charles sued her for the restitution of property. This case would go on to become a landmark ruling in Papua New Guinea's legal history, as it highlighted the absence of laws protecting married women’s property rights in the Mandated Territory. In a groundbreaking decision, the court ruled in Doris’s favor, paving the way for the 1935-36 Status of Married Women Ordinance, which safeguarded the property rights of married women.

A Legacy of Service and Advocacy

Doris Booth's influence extended far beyond her work in the gold fields. From 1951 to 1957, she served as the only woman on the first and second Legislative Councils of Papua New Guinea. During her tenure, she championed critical causes such as public health, education for all races, housing loans, and the protection of indigenous women—showing her enduring commitment to improving the lives of others.

In 1955, she represented the women of Papua New Guinea at the Pan-Pacific Women’s Conference in Manila, further solidifying her role as a champion of women's rights and equality.

After a life filled with incredible accomplishments and challenges, Doris Booth retired to Brisbane in 1960. Even in retirement, she remained dedicated to serving others, volunteering with the Methodist Blue Nursing Service. Doris Booth passed away on November 4, 1970, but her legacy as a compassionate nurse, a savvy businesswoman, and a tireless advocate for women’s rights continues to inspire.

Remembering Doris Booth: A Heroine of Papua New Guinea

Doris Booth’s journey is one of resilience, bravery, and an unrelenting drive to improve the lives of those around her. From saving lives in the rugged Bulolo Valley to championing women’s rights in the halls of government, her story reminds us that one person’s determination can leave a lasting impact on history. As we look back on her life, we honor not just "The Angel of Bulolo" but a true pioneer who helped shape the future of Papua New Guinea.

Doris Booth’s contributions to Papua New Guinea should never be forgotten, for she is a shining example of how one individual’s courage and compassion can leave a lasting legacy.

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This article aims to celebrate and preserve the story of Doris Booth, a remarkable woman whose life and work played an essential role in shaping Papua New Guinea's history

 

SOURCES:

1. The Australian Dictionary of Biography - This resource contains detailed biographical information on Doris Booth, including her early life, work in Papua New Guinea, and her involvement in legal and business matters.
• Source: Australian National University. Doris Regina Booth. Australian Dictionary of Biography.
2. "Angels of Mercy: The Army Nurses of World War II" by Betty Jeffrey - Though focused on World War II, this book touches on the broader contributions of women in medical fields, including Doris Booth’s recognition for her medical work in Papua New Guinea.
• Source: Betty Jeffrey. Angels of Mercy: The Army Nurses of World War II. Penguin, 1997.
3. The Australian Women’s Register - This database includes a profile of Doris Booth and her various achievements, especially her work with women's rights and her leadership roles.
• Source: The National Foundation for Australian Women. Doris Booth - Woman Pioneer in PNG. Australian Women's Register.
4. Papua New Guinea Gold Mining History Archives - This archival collection includes documents on the early gold prospecting days, including references to Doris Booth’s involvement in the industry.
• Source: Papua New Guinea Gold Mining History. University of Queensland Press, 1989.
5. Pan-Pacific Women’s Association Conference Reports - These reports from conferences Doris Booth attended contain references to her work advocating for women’s rights and health in Papua New Guinea.
• Source: Pan-Pacific Women’s Association Conference Reports, Manila 1955.

 

Iconic Papua New Guineans

Greetings, fellow Papua New Guineans. As we enter the month of September, I want to remind everyone that this is the time we celebrate our nation's 49th year of independence. September 16, 1975, was a defining moment in our history, when Papua New Guinea emerged as a unified nation of thousands of tribes and over 800 languages.

While Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia on that day, it's important to recognize that this achievement did not come without effort. Many may believe that the transition to independence was smooth, but in reality, it was a challenging process. Our founding fathers had to convince the colonial administration that we were capable of governing ourselves and being a sovereign nation. The road to independence required perseverance and the tireless efforts of our leaders, who worked to ensure that we could stand as a free and independent state.

As we honor our independence this month, I would like to share with you the stories of several or the many significant leaders who played key roles during this historic period

 Grand chief Sir Michael Somare

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, often referred to as the "Father of the Nation," was Papua New Guinea's first Prime Minister, leading the country from its independence in 1975. Born on April 9, 1936, in Rabaul, Somare's political career spanned over four decades, during which he held the office of Prime Minister multiple times (1975–1980, 1982–1985, and 2002–2011). He was a founding member of the Pangu Party, a key player in PNG's journey to self-governance.

Somare's leadership was instrumental in uniting the diverse cultural groups of PNG as the country transitioned from being an Australian-administered territory to an independent nation. His dedication to nation-building extended beyond politics, as he also worked to foster economic development, education, and diplomacy. Somare passed away on February 26, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a statesman and a key architect of modern Papua New Guinea.

 Sir John Guise

Sir John Guise was the first Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, serving from 1975 to 1977, following the country's independence. An important figure in PNG's political history, Guise played an incredible  role in the independence movement and was instrumental in shaping the early governance structures of the newly independent nation.

Before becoming Governor-General, Sir John Guise made his mark as the first Speaker of the Papua New Guinea House of Assembly, a position he held from 1968 to 1972. He used this platform to advocate for the rights and self-determination of Papua New Guineans. Guise’s leadership and his dedication to seeing PNG gain independence made him a national hero. He was also known for his stance on maintaining the unity of the country during its early years of sovereignty.

After stepping down as Governor-General, Guise continued to be a respected figure in PNG’s political landscape. His legacy as a leader, statesman, and a key proponent of independence remains an integral part of PNG's history

Did you know?

Sir John Guise supported a presidential system for Papua New Guinea to promote political stability and stronger national leadership. He believed it would prevent frequent leadership changes, better unify the country, and avoid the fragmentation risks of a parliamentary system, given PNG's ethnic and regional diversity. Though PNG ultimately chose a Westminster-style system, Guise saw a presidential model as better suited to ensuring stable governance in the newly independent nation.

Sir Julius Chan

 Sir Julius Chan is a very significant figure in Papua New Guinea’s political history, having played a key role in the country’s transition to independence. He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Sir Michael Somare and later became Prime Minister twice, from 1980 to 1982 and again from 1994 to 1997. During this period, Chan was deeply involved in shaping the administration and governance of the newly independent nation.

Known as the "last man standing" among his associates, many of whom have passed away, Sir Julius Chan remains an influential leader. He is currently the Governor of New Ireland Province, a role he has held since 2007. His leadership in New Ireland focuses on economic development, infrastructure, and autonomy for the province. Throughout his career, Chan has been recognized for his resilience, political acumen, and enduring commitment to PNG’s development.

Did you know?

Sir Julius Chan has been knighted twice for his service to Papua New Guinea. He was first knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 and then received the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu in 2005, one of PNG’s highest honors.

   Sir Albert Maori Kiki

Albert Maori Kiki was one of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea and a key political figure during the country's independence movement. As a senior member of the Pangu Pati, which spearheaded the push for independence, Kiki played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of PNG in its formative years.

In addition to his role as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kiki was a passionate advocate for national unity and self-determination. His influence extended beyond politics—he was also known as a writer, documenting PNG’s journey to independence. His autobiography, "Ten Thousand Years in a Lifetime", published in 1968, became an influential work, offering a rare and personal glimpse into the traditional and modern life of Papua New Guineans during a time of rapid change.

Kiki's legacy is remembered not just for his political achievements, but also for his dedication to preserving PNG’s cultural identity while navigating the complexities of independence and modernization. His contribution to diplomacy and governance helped lay the foundation for PNG's position on the global stage in the early years of its nationhood.

 Sir Peter Lus

Sir Peter Lus was a prominent figure in Papua New Guinea's political landscape during the independence era and a dedicated member of the Pangu Pati, the party that played a central role in the push for independence. Lus was actively involved in the political movements that helped shape the future of PNG as it transitioned from an Australian-administered territory to an independent nation in 1975.

Throughout his political career, Sir Peter Lus held various ministerial positions in the government, contributing to the development of the country's governance and policies in its early years of independence. He was known for his strong leadership and commitment to empowering local communities and fostering national unity during a period of significant change.

Lus's political influence extended beyond his ministerial roles, as he was also deeply engaged in grassroots politics, advocating for the rights and welfare of ordinary Papua New Guineans. He earned a reputation as a vocal leader with a deep connection to his constituents, and his contributions helped lay the groundwork for PNG's governance and political systems. Sir Peter Lus is remembered as one of the key figures who helped lead PNG into its new chapter as an independent nation

  Sir Paul Lapun

He was a significant leader from Bougainville, playing a crucial role in the independence movement. Sir Paul Lapun was involved in negotiations with Australia for PNG's self-government and independence.

In 1964 Lapun was elected to the first House of Assembly of Papua and New Guinea for the South Bougainville seat, and was made undersecretary for Forests. He was an outspoken critic of the colonial government's policies and faced considerable opposition from the administration

Sir Iambakey Okuk

Sir Iambakey Okuk was a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of PNG. He was an influential leader who represented the highlands region, and his political activism helped raise awareness about the need for independence. He was a founding member of the United Party, which was one of the key political parties during the push for independence.

Sir Iambakey served as Deputy Prime Minister, the nation's first Minister for Agriculture & Fisheries, and repeatedly in the capacity of Minister of Transport, Minister of Primary Industries and Opposition Leader.

Sir Bernard Narokobi

Sir Bernard Narokobi was a key figure during Papua New Guinea's (PNG) independence period, playing a vital role in shaping the country's political and cultural identity. He was an influential lawyer, philosopher, and politician, known for his advocacy for Melanesian values and his contributions to the country's constitution-making process.

Narokobi was part of the Constitutional Planning Committee, which was responsible for drafting the constitution of Papua New Guinea as the country transitioned to independence in 1975. He strongly promoted the idea that the constitution should reflect Melanesian customs and values, emphasizing a blend of traditional and modern governance.

    Melanesian Philosophy: He was a proponent of the concept of the "Melanesian Way," a philosophy that highlighted the importance of PNG’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Narokobi believed that Melanesian identity and communal values should guide the nation’s development, rather than relying solely on Western models of governance and society.

Political Leadership: After independence, Narokobi held several important political roles, including serving as the Speaker of the National Parliament and as a government minister. His leadership extended beyond politics, as he was also a strong advocate for human rights, democracy, and justice throughout his career.

Narokobi’ s influence during PNG's independence period was crucial in fostering a sense of national identity and ensuring that the country's legal framework respected and incorporated indigenous values.l advocate for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of PNG. He was an influential leader who represented the highlands region, and his political activism helped raise awareness about the need for independence. He was a founding member of the United Party, which was one of the key political parties during the push for independence.

To conclude and as we celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 49th year of independence, it is essential to honor and remember the remarkable leaders who shaped the course of our nation's history. Figures like Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir John Guise, Sir Julius Chan, and many others played instrumental roles in the hard-fought journey to sovereignty. Their vision, determination, and commitment to national unity and self-governance laid the foundation for the independent Papua New Guinea we cherish today. As we move forward, let us continue to draw inspiration from their legacy, fostering unity, development, and pride in our diverse cultural heritage. Our independence is a testament to the resilience and strength of our people, and as we reflect on the achievements of the past, we are reminded of the responsibility we all share in shaping the future of our great nation. Happy Independence, Papua New Guinea. 

Yours in History 

History With Dave

 

Paul Chue (Kumul No.1) Kumuls first Captain

History with Dave presents you another epic story based on one of the greats of PNG Rugby League scene that many may have not heard about or have forgotten. He is non other than Paul Chue, Papua New Guinea Kumuls first ever captain.

Chue was born in Papua New Guinea and took up rugby union in his school years at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill in Sydney. He was the first boy of Asian heritage to make that school's rugby first XV when selected in 1963. Following school he studied commerce at the University of New South Wales.

Back in New Guinea Chue took to rugby league and in 1973 captained a Rabaul representative side. He made his sole national representative appearance for the Kumuls in their debut international match against England in Port Moresby in 1975. That match was played to celebrate the new nation's independence.
Chue's business career was with the PNG soft drink firm Pacific Industries Ltd founded by his father Gabriel Achun Chue. Paul Chue ran that business from 1968 and was later succeeded by his son Everett.....

Source: Various sources, including Wikipedia.

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