During the 1950s and 1960s the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was investigating resources in Papua New Guinea on a broad scale using both air photography and checking “ground truth”. As a Botanist with the CSIRO Division of Land Research and Regional Survey, carrying out scientific and terrain exploration in many areas PNG, Mr Pullen wrote regular letters to his wife which are detailed, observant and witty. Mr Pullen’s letters clearly conveys his impressions of the country and the people as well as giving a clear account of his botanical survey practices.

Mr Pullen’s letters document the following expeditions:
1956 Eastern Highlands – Western Highlands
1957 Western Highlands
1958 Ramu – Atitau
1959 Wewak – Lower Sepik
1961 Southern Highlands (Wabag–Tari)
1962 Port Moresby – Kairuku
1963 Kubor Range
1964 Managalase; Finisterre Range (with British Museum)
1966 Gulf District
1967 Port Moresby
1967 Fly River, Western Province
1969 Popondetta - Mt Lamington
1970 Port Moresby, ANZAAS Conference and excursions only
1972 Mt Suckling
<b>See Finding aids for details.</b>