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RETIREMENT OF LONGEST SERVING POLICEMAN IN PAPUA -AND HEW GUINEA

Statement by the Minister for Territories, . the Hon. C.E. Barnes M.P. -

The Minister for Territories, Mr C.E. Barnes, has sent a personal letter of congratulations and appreciation to a member of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary who retires tomorrow after 50 years' police service in the Territory. · The policeman, Sergeant Major First Class Bagita, aged 71, is the longest serving policeman in the Territory. He has served continuously sy.ce 1st June, 1916, and was the 26th man to join the Police Force. He is married with five children. He will retire tomorrow during a passing-out parade of 14 police cadets at the Bomana Police Training Centre when he will receive the British Empire Medal awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours this year. Sergeant Bagita also holds the 1939-45 Star, the Pacific Star, the Defence Medal, the Australian General Service Medal and the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He also· has five long service stars. In his letter to Sergeant Bagita, Mr Barnes said - "On your retirement from the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary I would like to extend to you my congratulations and thanks for your long and continuous service in the Territory Administration, since 1916. I am pleased that your long.and continuous service has been recognised by the award of the.British Empire Medal, ""and the Long Service and Good Conduct Police Medal. Your loyalty over the years will serve as an inspiration to the young men who are about to embark on careers in the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary, · I would like to join with-your many friends in the Territory in wishing you. a long and pleasant retirement."

CANBERRA, A .C .T .

PORT MORESBY, T.P.N.G.

26th August, 1966.