1960 Papua New Guinean general election

General elections were held in Papua and New Guinea on 27 August 1960.[1]

Electoral system

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The 29-member Legislative Council consisted of the Administrator, 16 civil servants, nine members appointed by the Administrator (three representatives of the indigenous population, three representing European settlers and three representing missionaries) and three elected Europeans.[2][3] The Chinese community were also given the right to vote alongside Europeans.[4]

The three elected members were elected from three single-member constituencies, New Guinea Islands, New Guinea Mainland and Papua by preferential voting.[5]

Campaign

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Two of the three seats were uncontested, with Craig Kirke, a Port Moresby solicitor and anti-income tax activist running unopposed in Papua and former MLC Don Barrett, a planter, the sole candidate in New Guinea Islands.[6] The New Guinea Mainland seat was contested by former MLC Sydney Barker (a dentist and miner from Wau), Paul Hymna (an accountant from Lae), Lloyd Hurrell (a farmer in Wau) and Keith Watkins (a trader from Lae).

Results

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In the sole contested constituency, voter turnout was around 38%.[1]

Constituency Candidate Votes % Notes
New Guinea Islands Don Barrett Unopposed Elected
New Guinea Mainland Lloyd Hurrell 304 Elected
Paul Hyman 109
Sydney Barker
Keith Watkins
Papua Craig Kirke Unopposed Elected
Invalid/blank votes
Total
Registered voters/turnout 1,313
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

Appointed members

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Reuben Taureka was appointed as an official member, replacing the Director of Native Affairs, becoming the first official indigenous member.[7]

Position Member
Representatives of Europeans Robert Bunting
Basil Fairfax-Ross
John Hohnen
Representatives of Natives Mahuru Rarua-Rarua
Pita Simogun
John Vuia
Representatives of Missionaries James Dwyer
Philip Strong
David Eric Ure

References

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  1. ^ a b Mr Lloyd Hurrell Wins Morobe Seat Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1960, pp144–145
  2. ^ Local voice in Papua-N. Guinea administration: Legislative Council Taking Shape After Long Delay Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1951, p9
  3. ^ Five Hours And It Was All Over Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1960, pp21–22
  4. ^ Future of Chinese Communities In The Pacific Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1953, p40
  5. ^ P-NG Legislative Council: Election of Three Members Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1951, p11
  6. ^ Candidates for P-NG Elections Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1960, p18
  7. ^ Dr. Reuben Taureka – Appointment to Legislative Council Government of Australia, 4 October 1960