PNG hosts the 1965 South Pacific Conference - ABC International Development

The 1965 South Pacific Conference was held in Lae, Papua New Guinea, and attended by 60 delegates representing member countries in the region. It was the sixth Conference since the South Pacific Commission (now known as the Pacific Community) was established in 1947.

During this story from the ABC film archives we catch glimpses of life in Lae, as conference delegates arrive and are given a special welcome to the town.

Cameras are allowed inside the conference itself, which this year addresses issues such as better education and crops, improved fishing methods and the eradication of pests and disease.

Once formalities are over, delegates join a tour to Goroko and Mount Hagen, where 200 Papua New Guinea villagers stage a sing-sing.

Some key people seen in this film include:
- Chief Fofo, the Census and Elections Commissioner of American Samoa
- Mr Zurecnuoc, a member of the Papua New Guinea House of Assembly
- Ratu Mara, the Fijian Minister for Natural Resources
- Miss Isam Sukamari of New Caledonia