Same Same - But Different: Chinese in Rabaul, 1945-1975

by Peter Cahill

This book builds on Needed – but not Chinese in Rabaul 1884-1960, published in 2012, and covers Chinese experiences 1945-1975. Together with Australians, Papua New Guineans and mixed-raced residents, Chinese rebuilt their lives after the Japanese occupation and destruction of Malupi Farm Chinatown, and helped restore order and security to Rabaul after war-time chaos. At the same time the sought to resolve their citizenship status. It is a story of courage and determination of all races which soon coalesced into a society anxious to return Rabaul to its pre-war position as a major trading and commercial centre of Papua New Guinea. With the option to apply for Australian citizenship, and the achievement of the country’s independence in September 1975, all residents looked forward to a bright and prosperous future.

145 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017