Gavin Frederic Carter joined the Department of Native Affairs, TPNG, as a Cadet Patrol Officer in 1958. After completing courses in ASOPA and Port Moresby he was posted to Goroka, EHD, where in October 1958 he went on his first patrol (solo) lasting 75 days on road location in the Unggai Census Division. Carter was transferred to Kainantu, EHD, in 1959, where he was posted to Okapa and Gumine, and was promoted to Patrol Officer Gr.1 in 1960. He was transferred to Kundiawa in 1962 and then in 1963, having been promoted to Patrol Officer Gr.2, to Simbai Patrol Post in the Madang District. In 1965 he acted as Public Relations officer for the Madang District headquarters. He was posted to Saidor later in 1965, as Acting Assistant District Commissioner, and transferred to ASOPA in 1966 where he obtained the Certificate of Pacific Administration. When Carter returned to Madang in 1967 he was appointed advisor to the local Government Council at Ambenob, Madang District, and in 1969 was appointed Madang District Officer (Lands). He resigned from the TPNG Administration in April 1971.

Photographs taken at the Simbai Patrol Post, 1963-1964; Yambunglin Village Register, 1960-1969; Eastern Highlands District, Chimbu Sub-District, Patrol Reports, Watabung, Bomai, Wikauma, Salt and Nomane Census Divisions, 1959-1961; File of documents, 1958-1968, including career summary, list of equipment required for patrolling and Patrol Report 6/59-60, Tairora Census Division, Kainantu Sub-District, EHD; Field Officer’s Journal, Simbai, 1962-1969. <b>See Finding aids for details.</b>