Army activities in PNG DPR/TV/424 & 428

The town of Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands of New-Guinea, has a new landmark - a Cross of Remembrance. Built by local members of the RSL, the cross stands in a commanding position on a hill overlooking the town. The president of the Kainantu RSL sub-branch, Mr A.J. Schindler, and the Commanding Officer of the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles, Lieutenant- Colonel M.A. Bishop, inspected a guard formed for the ceremony. Hundreds of local residents, schoolchildren and RSL members watched as the prayers of dedication were read by Army Chaplains R. Quirk and E. Reidel. The guard was piped to and from the ceremony by two pipers from the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Pacific Islands Regiment. A drummer-bugler from the Battalion sounded the Last Post and Reveille. From Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands to the Army's Papua-New Guinea Training Depot at Goldie River, near Port Moresby, where recruits at the Depot have built their own chapel. The chapel, although only temporary, seats 120. It was opened this week by the Administrator of Papua New Guinea, Sir Donald Cleland, who is also Honorary Colonel of the Pacific Islands Regiment. Welcomed by the Commander, Papua New Guinea Command, Brigadier I.M. Hunter, Sir Donald addressed a parade of recruits and staff before unveiling a commemorative plaque at the chapel entrance. Designed by the Depot's Sergeant-Major, the chapel's heavy timbers were cut from the jungle and the lighter timbers are teak seedlings provided by a nearby agricultural station. The walls were woven from bamboo and rushes, and the roof is of sac sac brought 30 miles from a coastal village. The chapel will be used by all demoninations until a permanent one is built at the depot.