This series of blog posts is part of the A to Z 2019 Blogging Challenge in which I will write snapshot memories of my early married life in the then Territory of Papua New Guinea.
Misis Kwin I kam long Goroka
Na sindaun na lukluk nabaut[i]
Visitors come to Goroka to see one another
Tribal and royal
Queen Elizabeth II, Mr Bernie Borok (Associate District Commissioner), Prince Philip.
Misis Kwin na man bilong en, Prince Philip
Princess Anne and Mark Phillips
Lord Louis Mountbatten.
A small town means
Minimal security
Despite spears and arrows.
We see the royals up close
At the airport, in town
And at the tribal gathering.
Paparazza Pauleen
Wields her camera.
The tribes gather en masse
Their feathered finery impresses
As they provide an honour guard
A little different from the bearskins
Of the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace.
We wonder –
Were both groups bemused
One by a woman as boss?
The other by the primitive sights?
Tok Pisin
Pidgin doesn’t have words which begin with Q.
Queen – Misis Kwin
[i] The Queen came to Goroka and stopped to look around.
Family history across the seas 
Paparazza Pauleen did a great job with her camera 🙂
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Thanks Anne 🙂
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I love “ Misis Kwin, na man belong en, Prince Phillip.”
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Cute isn’t it?
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Fans of the Queen wiould be so jealous of how close you got for the photos. I found the dresses interesting. Today’s dresses the Queen wears are typically one colour and more formal / tailored not floral, soft and a less formal style.
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I guess the change of style echoes modern trends. Yes we were super close…and I’ve never been a royalist…go figure.
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Awesome photos again thanks. My uncle who is still living to this day actually was the chauffeur – the designated driver for her majesty Queen Elizabeth II during that visit. Unfortunately he has no photo’s to show of him driving the Queen around though he proudly shares this stories with all his children and grand children to this day. I was around 3 years old when she visited Goroka. I have checked some of the photo’s you have shared hoping to catch my uncle but nothing so far. Despite all am proud of my uncle.. am sure there may be a photo of him somewhere with the Queen.
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Wow!! What a great story Bob! I will keep an eye out to see if I have any more photos which might include him. I have some outside the Goroka Hotel where she was staying, but where are they.. ?
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My great grand mother was one of the first woman to represent her people to become a show committee and was awarded a silver jubilee Medal and Certificate from Queen Elizabeth ii on the first opening of Goroka show. I have no idea of how she looks but wish to see photos of her if there are some out there. Her name is Yuwaina Gonimo.
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hi Fiona, wouldn’t it be remarkable to find a photo of her…you never know it might turn up if someone sees this link. Pauleen
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Great photos, thank you, I never knew Queen visited Goroka up till now!
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You’re welcome Phil. It was a long time ago. 😊
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My grade grand, Mother MRS,YUWAINA GONIMO, was awarded the medel and certificates with reference from Mr.JIM TAYLOR.K.Mr.MADERSEN A.B.Mr, BLACK H.P.I.Queen Representatives.on the 6 Day of February 1952.leased my Natives Land to Goroka Show Ground.Now in possession of the National Sports Institute.but the Governor General did not regonise us…why..I hold on the medel and certificates to day please can you assist me… to high commission.please with do your respect…
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Sorry Harry, I don’t have any way to help with this.
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Am still holding on to my Great Grand mother late Mrs YUWAINA GONIMO… Imperial Medal with the certificates… please can anyone help me…or assist me to return it…or Show all the Original Portraits… please Am in PNG.. Goroka District Eastern Highlands Province..Kama Clean, Zagomazuha Community/Monotuka Village… contact me on my phone number.Dawa Harry… Last Legacy Inheritance Portraits from my great grandmother…#72241178.Digicel For your information Fell Free to contact me and Speakings to me… above address… GOD BLESS…
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Sorry I can’t help you with this but if the medal and certificates were given to your great-grandmother they are allowed to stay with your family. They are special family “treasures” to keep for years to come.
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Harry,
This is a blog. Someone here is writing her memories of Goroka and Papua New Guinea.
The Lands Department here in Goroka are right people to help with your queries.
Thank you
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I’m hidden in the back of that photo somewhere. I was one of the cub scouts that formed the honour guard at the airport. I was only a few feet away from the Queen as she said hello. I also had a conversation with Capt Mark Phillips while Princess Anne looked on. Later I opened the door for Mrs Whitlam.
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That would have been so exciting for you as a young lad.
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