PIR patrols meet Kukukuku tribes DPR/TV/747

Three Australian Army patrols are currently moving through a large area of the Morobe district of Papua-New Guinea to gain the goodwill of the Kukukuku tribes, once regarded as the most feared people in the territory. One of the patrols is being led by a National Serviceman, Second-Lieutenant Dick McEvoy of Wyong, NSW. Assisted by a guide, Second-Lieutenant McEvoy and the members of his patrol from the 1st Battalion, Pacific Islands Regiment arrived last week at Aseki village in the heart of the Kukukuku country. Now friendly, the small but fierce-looking Kukukuku warriors still distrust strangers in their lands. Until recent years, these tribes made frequent bloody raids on other tribal areas, their name alone being enough to strike fear in the hearts of other Papuans and New Guineans. A large number of villagers gathered to watch the patrol arrive and the Australian Government patrol officers stationed in the village were quick to extend a welcoming hand. Sweets from the patrol ration packs won the friendship of the village children. The show of generosity speedily overcame the wariness of the adult members of the tribe and they soon mixed freely with the soldiers. The tribesmen showed a keen interest in the soldiers' rifles, comparing them with their own weapons. From Aseki, the patrol will move on to Wau where they will complete their task on December 17. (Also identified: Patrol Officers Max Heggen of Kerang, Vic; Peter Smith of Crib Point, Vic)