Dr Margaret Spencer, OAM, graduated MSc in Entomology in 1939 and lectured in Biology at the New England University College, 1940 to 1945. She then tutored in Zoology at the University of Sydney. Her association with PNG extended for 25 years from 1953. In 1954 she was appointed as entomologist-instructor at the Malaria Control School at Minj in the Western Highlands of New Guinea. During the next two years she and her husband, Dr Terrence Spencer, documented the epidemiology of Highlands malaria, and published the first record of a Highlands malaria epidemic. From 1956 she carried out a detailed study into anopheline fauna of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands and, as part of a Malaria Control Assessment Team, extended that study over a wide range of PNG islands, working closely with her husband in epidemiological studies. She was awarded a WHO research grant to study enlargement of the ovarioles and development of eggs in PNG anopheline. A further special investigation was her study of the malaria potential for the work force of the Bougainville Copper Project and make recommendations for its control. In addition to published scientific papers and unpublished reports Dr Spencer has written a history of malaria control in the south west Pacific region, a book on the Australian experience of malaria, and three books describing experiences on field patrol and on outstations in PNG. In 1998 she graduated PhD in the Tropical Health Program of the University of Queensland. Her thesis described the development of health services in PNG from 1870 till the outbreak of World War II.

Minj diaries, 1954-55; correspondence, 1953-1968; Dept of Health circulars, 1954-55; correspondence with S H Christian, 1955-1970; Malaria Control Section, Public Health Dept, Mapamoiwa, patrol records, 1957-1960; press cuttings, 1958-1962; Subject files, 1952-1980; photographs, 1954-1961. <P><B>See reel list for further details</B>