Kala Meia - Oral History interview recorded on 7 July 2014 at Karakadabu/Depo, Central Province, PNG
Description
Mr Kala Meia tells the story of his father Kariki Ada who worked as a carrier for the Australians during the War.
Language
Interview
Warning: This site contains stories of war. Some of these interviews may include detailed and graphic descriptions of events and experiences that may be disturbing for some individuals.
I'm going to talk about my father; Kariki Ada.
My father was at 17 mile that is when he was recruited as a war carrier. They used horses and donkeys to transport cargoes to Ilolo and from there they would carry all the way to the Imita Gap. And from there they used to carry the wounded back.
They used to escort the soldiers up to Ilolo: from there they used to carry from Port Moresby to Imita Gap. It was a fearful experience for my father. They used to hide behind rocks and mountains all the way to places like Naoro on the Kokoda Track. They were recruited by the whites and were used a spies for the Australia and American soldiers.
My last word is that:
Gaukara – Kava, wok nating- pay lasi. lau moale, though no benefit I'm happy you came here to conduct this interview. This is the first time people like you came here to record such stories after war came here. It is a long time story.
My father was at 17 mile that is when he was recruited as a war carrier. They used horses and donkeys to transport cargoes to Ilolo and from there they would carry all the way to the Imita Gap. And from there they used to carry the wounded back.
They used to escort the soldiers up to Ilolo: from there they used to carry from Port Moresby to Imita Gap. It was a fearful experience for my father. They used to hide behind rocks and mountains all the way to places like Naoro on the Kokoda Track. They were recruited by the whites and were used a spies for the Australia and American soldiers.
My last word is that:
Gaukara – Kava, wok nating- pay lasi. lau moale, though no benefit I'm happy you came here to conduct this interview. This is the first time people like you came here to record such stories after war came here. It is a long time story.
Interview Topics
Wartime Locations
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Family Relationships
Interviewee
Kala Meia
Interviewee Gender
Interviewers
Interview Date
7/07/2014
Interview Duration
00:06:44:95
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Rights Holder
© Deakin University
Files
Collection
Citation
“Kala Meia - Oral History interview recorded on 7 July 2014 at Karakadabu/Depo, Central Province, PNG,” Voices from the War, accessed October 16, 2024, https://pngvoices.deakin.edu.au/items/show/262.