Brief History and Geography

CMAN/R3000-1

The history of the Territory, post-1945, can be epitomised. Under an agreement with the United Nations Organisation in 1946, Australia became Administrator of the Territory of New Guinea. In 1949, the Australian Government passed a Bill that combined New Guinea and Papua, thus creating the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.

The Territory of Papua and New Guinea, and the 15 Administration Districts into which it was sub-divided, circa 1954, are shown on the accompanying map. In summary, the Territory covered the geographical area between the equator and latitude 12°S, extending eastward from its border with then Dutch New Guinea (primarily longitude 141°E) to around longitude 156°E. Its main landmass comprised the eastern half of the large island of New Guinea. It also included the major islands of New Britain and New Ireland, and many smaller islands and atolls to as far east as Buka Island and larger Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands chain.

With the major exceptions of the delta country at the head of the Gulf of Papua and swamp areas of the Sepik River (and of similar smaller areas on other rivers), New Guinea, and the other larger islands of the Territory are primarily mountainous. Two peaks on the mainland ascend to 14 300 and 15 400 feet. Some of the smaller islands and, of course, atolls are, however, comparatively flat. The terrain contributes significantly to the Territory's generally high rainfalls and mainly swiftly flowing rivers; but Port Moresby, an exception, is in a relatively dry area.

Bureau of Meteorology