Gazelle Peninsula dispute and Mataungan insurrection, 1957-74

Component identifier:

Series 7

Content Summary:

In 1950-54 a new system of native administration was introduced in the Gazelle Peninsula, an area chiefly populated by the Tolai people. Although the new form of local government sought to increase involvement of natives in economic development, it came into conflict with traditional administrative arrangements which were already divided by disputes amongst the various Tolai groupings. A number of villages including Raluana and Navuneram resisted the imposition of the administration, leading to unrest in the area extending over three decades.

A file relating to the murder of District Commissioner, E.J. Emanuel at Navuneram is located in Series 9. In addition, a short sequence of press clippings documenting the 1973 riots in the region is filed in Series 11.

Names:

Ian Downs

Contents

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