Piula Theological College is a Methodist Church training institution in Samoa. It was established in 1868 in Lufilufi on the north coast of Upolu island after its initial beginnings in 1859 at Satupa'itea on the south coast of Savai'i island. The Methodist Mission in Samoa purchased the land and later named the training center Piula Theological College. The name Piula is the Samoan transliteration of the biblical name Beulah which means married (to the Lord).
Piula Theological College offers a four year course leading to a Diploma in Theological Studies with the possibility of further study to complete a Bachelor of Theology (additional two year programme) or Bachelor of Divinity (additional three year programme) degree. The Bachelor of Divinity degree was introduced at Piula Theological College in 2000. Students are encouraged to appreciate and write about Samoan culture and values in relation to Methodist Theology and faith. The theses are designed as independent research work where students show their originality, creativity and contribution to theological learning.
The training prepares men for Ministry in the Samoa Methodist Church. In addition to academic life, students participate in worship, prayers, singing and sport. The extensive grounds and properties of Piula Theological College are kept in fine condition by the students. Some of the students are married and their wives and children live with them at Piula Theological College. Many of the wives undertake courses to prepare them for the role they will play as minister's wives.

The Bachelor of Divinity theses are organized in the Piula Library according to tbe Dewey classification system. They have been microfilmed in this order.

Approximately 52 theses (one in Samoan, all others in English) for the Bachelor of Divinity. Many on theological or biblical exegesis and analysis, with other theses addressing a variety of social and historical themes.

See Finding aids for details.

Journals of the Melanesian Mission from 1958 – 2009. Includes journals published in the Solomon Islands and journals published by the Melanesian Mission in the United Kingdom.

Melanesian Messenger was preceded by O Sala Ususur (see PMB Doc 215). The Melanesian Messenger (1958-1973) was published by Taroaniara, Solomon Islands. It was frequently edited by C.E. Fox and contains many articles by him. The last free issue is from Easter 1973 and contains an article on C.E. Fox leaving the Solomon Islands after 65 years of serving as a missionary.
Melanesian Mission (1962-1972) was a broadsheet printed in New Zealand for the Diocese of Melanesia. It includes 22 issues and one special issue.
Melanesia Today (1973-1976) (gaps) was published in Honiara, Solomon Islands to replace the Southern Cross Log (1896-1973).
Church of Melanesia Monthly Newsletter, first series (1975-1992) (gaps) was published by the Church of Melanesia headquarters in Honiara and distributed out to the four Solomon Islands dioceses. There are several later title name changes of this newsletter, however the numbering continues.
Church of Melanesia Newsletter (Oct 1978-Dec 1981),
Provincial Newsletter Church of Melanesia (Sep 1982-1984),
Church of Melanesia (1985-1986) (gaps),
Provincial Newsletter Church of Melanesia (Aug 1989-Jun 1990), Provincial Newsletter (Dec 1990-Apr 1991),
Provincial Newsletter Church of Melanesia (Aug 1992)
Missing many journals between 1992 and 1995.
Church of Melanesia Monthly Newsletter, second series, (Jan 1995-Aug 1995) (missing no.1),
Southern Cross: Church of Melanesia news and views, (Aug 1997 and Apr 1998),
Church of Melanesia Newsletter, (Dec 2001-Jan 2004),
Melanesian Messenger, (2004-2009).

Melanesian Newsletter, published by the Melanesian Mission (UK) (Apr 1977-Feb 2004)

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Jai Ram Reddy (born on 12 May 1937 in Lautoka, Fiji) is an Indo-Fijian statesman who has had a distinguished career in both legislative and judicial branches of the Fijian government. He was admitted to the Bar in New Zealand in 1960 and in Fiji in 1961. Between 1966 and 1970 he was Crown Counsel and Principal Legal Officer in the Attorney-General’s Office. Between 1970 and 1997 he was a senior partner of a law firm.

Reddy entered politics when he was appointed to the Senate in 1972, by the then leader of the opposition Sidiqu Koya. In 1977 he became leader of the National Federation Party (NFP). In this role he was Leader of the Opposition in the Fijian Parliament between 1977 and 1984; and again between 1992 and 1999.

Judge Reddy briefly served as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in the Bavadra Government until its overthrow in a military coup in 1987. Judge Reddy was a Member of the Constitutional Review Commission which reviewed the 1990 Constitution of Fiji and removed all discriminatory provisions against Indo-Fijians. In 1998 Judge Reddy was made a Companion of the Order of Fiji in recognition of his service to Fiji. In 2000 he was appointed President of the Fiji Court of Appeal but resigned his commission in August that year, following the overthrow of the lawfully elected government. He was re-appointed President of the Fiji Court of Appeal in January 2002, and retains his commission as Justice of Appeal (on leave).

File labelled "Prime Minister", 1978-1996.
File labelled "Governor-General", 1977-1984.
File labelled "Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, House of Reps", Apr 1987-Feb 2009.
J.R. Reddy Speeches (also speeches by other individuals).
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Pat Johnson is the daughter of Major Charles Bates, MC. Ramale, in New Britain, Papua New Guinea, was a Prisoner-of-War camp during World War II. The album covers the story of the release of Catholic priests, nuns and civilians from captivity on 14 September 1945 after internment by the Japanese. Pat’s father, Major Charles Dowson Bates, MC, was the officer-in-charge of the party that released the Ramale captives.

The Ramale album is a “scrapbook” style album created by Pat Johnson. It includes the original manuscript of a song titled “Sons of Australia” composed by Father Jos. Reischl, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart, with words by Sr Adela, when liberated from the Ramale prisoner of war camp on New Britain in 1945. The manuscript was presented by Father Jos. Reischl to Pat’s mother through Major Charles Dowson Bates in appreciation of their release. "Sons of Australia", referred to as the 'Ramale Anthem' was performed (with vocal) by the Salvation Army Melbourne Staff Band at the dedication of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru National Memorial on 1 July 2012, at the Australian War Memorial by Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC CVO, Governor General of Australia.

The album includes Sr Theodeberta’s account of her war years at Vunapope/Ramale where she refers to Psalm 46 written by Fr Reischl. Psalm 46 was also presented to Major Charles Bates and is included in this collection.

There are copied extracts of Gordon Thomas’ diary who was interned in Rabaul during World War II. The album also includes extracts from books, newspaper clippings and printouts of pictures and information from the Internet (mainly the Australian War Memorial online photographic database) that relate to the Ramale Prisoner-of-war camp.
See also: PMB 1191 MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART
OF JESUS OF HILTRUP: Reports from New Ireland and New Britain, New
Guinea, 1937-1950. 1 reel. (Available for Reference.)

The Christian Leaders’ Training College campus at Banz consists of 412 acres situated about 12 kilometres from Banz in the upper Wahgi Valley. The College was established in 1964 with support of the Unevangelized Fields Mission and other evangelical Protestant missions and churches in PNG. It has close links with the Bible College of Victoria and Laidlaw College in Auckland. The College offers courses to a Bachelor of Theology degree, a Diploma of Theology, a Diploma of Missions, and training in urban ministry. There are about 125 residential students at the CLTC and another 4,000 extension studies students. The Melanesian Journal of Theology is published from the CLTC.

99 theses submitted for the degree of Bachelor of Theology, Christian Leaders’ Training College, and other papers by staff and students of the College.
See Finding aids for details.

The Solomon Islands YWCA was established in 1975 and became operational in 1978. It is one of the oldest indigenous controlled non-government organisations in the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands YWCA is affiliated with the World YWCA. The purpose of the Solomon Islands YWCA is to develop the leadership and collective power of young women and girls around the Solomon Islands to achieve justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and sustainable environment for all people. The Solomon Islands YWCA has provided a wide range of services and programs for Solomon Islands women including the YWCA hostel, the YWCA kindy and programs for young people.
The Solomon Islands YWCA currently has a national office in Honiara and a branch in Munda, Western Province.
The Solomon Islands YWCA archive includes correspondence, the Constitution, Board and Executive meeting agendas, papers and minutes, funding and grant applications and reports, financial statements, reports and addresses by the President, annual reports and press releases.

Reel 1: 1975-1984
Reel 2: 1985-1986
Reel 3: 1987-1996
Reel 4: 1997-2009
See Finding aids for details.

See PMB 1294 Information Sheet for notes on RVO administrative history.
The Rabaul Volcanological Observatory Observatory is responsible for monitoring the activity of the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes spread along three volcanic arcs throughout Papua New Guinea and which have produced more than 140 eruptions in the last 200 years. Monitoring is carried out at RVO, 6 "outstation" observatories (Manam, Karkar, Langila, Ulawun, Esa'ala, and Lamington volcanoes) and an unmanned telemetered station (Lamington).
In addition to volcano monitoring, the functions of the Rabaul Volcano Observatory include: geologic reconnaissance and tephrastratigraphic studies (e.g. at Rabaul, Loloru, Hargy and Witori), volcanic hazard assessments (e.g. Rabaul, Manam, Karkar, Langila, Ulawun, Balbi, Bagana, Loloru, Lamington, Victory), assistance in the preparation and revision of volcano emergency plans (e.g. Rabaul, Manam, Ulawun), and applied research on the pattern of activity of the monitored volcanoes with a view to the detection of eruption precursors and provision of warnings.
From World Organisation of Volcanic Obsrvatories website: http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/wovo/southeast_asia/rabaul.html

Reels 1-2 Box files from RVO Library, including inspection reports: records of Tony Taylor, Long Island 1953-74, Langila 1965, 1970-75, Langila data 1973, Karkar 1974-1979, Bangana 1967-1975, other PNG volcanoes;
Reels 2-3 Information files compiled by Patrice de Saint Ours: RVO History, RVO Contingency Planning 1985-1991, Earthquake 1939-1973, Manam I-III 1958-1997, Langila 1974-1988, Karkar 1981-1983, Lamington 1973-1986, Rabaul and history of events, 1974-1992, Rabaul 1994 Eruption.
Reel 4 RVO Annual Reports 1960-1967, 1969, 1987; loose volcanological reports, 1953-2008;
Reel 5 Additional box files from RVO Library: Manam 1974 Data; Ulawun 1970-1978; Bagana 1959-1976. Correspondence of J.H. Latter, mainly with G.A. Taylor, 1963-1965. Further loose volcanological reports.
See also PMB 1294-1296.
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The Research School of Pacific Studies, established in 1948, was one of the four founding Research Schools of the Australian National University. The foundational departments of the School were Pacific History, Geography, Anthropology and Sociology and International Relations. Within a few years, other disciplines or sub-disciplines emerged: Linguistics, Biogeography and Geomorphology, Economics and Political and Social Change. The broad thrust was the social sciences and to a lesser extent the humanities.

The New Guinea Research Unit was created within the School in 1961. Other cross-disciplinary research carried out in the School include the Austronesian Project, the Economic History of Southeast Asia Project, the Transformation in Communist Regimes Project, Resource Management in Asia Pacific and State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Project.

Several distinguished academics have been associated with the School including W.E.H. “Bill” Stanner, Siegrfried “Fred” Nadel, Derek Freeman, A.L. “Bill” Epstein, A. L. Basham, Stephen Wurm (who later established the department of linguistics), Jack Golson, C.P. “Patrick” Fitzgerald, Wng Ling, Jim Davidson, Harry Maude, Richard “Dick” Gilson, Francis West, W.R. “Bill” Crocker, Arthur Burns, J.A. Modelski, Lord Lindsay, J.D.B. “Bruce” Miller, O.H.K. “Oskar” Spate, J.N. “Joe” Jennings, Harold Brookfield, Donald Walker, Sir John Crawford, T. Scarlett Epstein, D.M. Bensusan-Butt, W. Max Corden, Heinz Arndt, Hedley Bull, C.A. Blyth, E.K. “Fred” Fisk, David Bettison, Ron Crocombe, Marion Ward and Ron May.

In 2010 the Research School of Pacific Studies became the College of Asia and the Pacific. The College now includes the following schools:
Crawford School of Economics & Government
School of Culture, History & Language
School of International, Political & Strategic Studies
School of Regulation, Justice & Diplomacy
Australian Centre on China in the World
ANU-Indiana University Pan Asia Institute (PAI)

For more information see: The Coombs : a house of memories. editors: Brij V. Lal, Allison Ley, Canberra : Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, c2006 http://epress.anu.edu.au ,
and http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/

Division of Pacific and Asian History Annual Reports, 1952-2008.
See Finding aids for details.