Readers' comments on Masked Eden
Robert O'Neill, formerly Chichelle Professor of the History of War, All Souls
College, Oxford, England.
[I] found it both extremely interesting and very enjoyable. Well done! What a
lot of work it must have taken.
It was good that you set your story in its wider historical context. The origins
of Wahlenburg/Maron House give a nice feeling of continuity to the adventure of
establishing plantations in New Britain and sustaining them in the face of all
the storms, political, economic and military that blew in over the following
years. It is also satisfying to have the full story of your parents' life in New
Britain and after. Tough times they, and you, all went through! How good that
you were eventually able to see Matala again, in the company of Rombin.
The photographs are particularly good and show how well the indigenous
inhabitants and the incoming Australians and other settlers could work together.
Hank Nelson, Professor, Australian National University.
Anne --- was born in Rabaul, and she tells the story of her parents with
skill and sympathy. Through her research she provides much context to her
accounts of pre-war ex-servicemen on plantations, the evacuation of women and
children, and the impact of World War II on black and white civilians.
Particularly valuable are her accounts of Rombin who had worked for the
McCoskers in the Witu Islands and then at Matala. Rombin was a resourceful agent
rescuing Allied airmen and obtaining intelligence.
Antony Flew, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Reading,
England.
Anne McCosker was born in and loved this country [New Guinea], and her
parents lived and worked there both before and after the Japanese occupation….
It all makes a fascinating 'human interest' story. But what gives her book a
difference and a wider significance is the fact and reasons for the fact that it
seems to have received almost no media attention in Australia….
….. Such persons do not want themselves to read or to encourage others to read
Anne McCosker's story of the shambolic ineptitude displayed by the authorities
in that Australian Mandated Territory throughout the entire critical period. [of
the fall of Rabaul]….
The result was that the loss of Rabaul cost Australia more than twice as many
men as did the whole Vietnam war…. Significantly there has never been any
official enquiry in Australia into the shameful circumstances of the loss of
Rabaul.
The other reason for not giving due attention to Anne McCosker's work is that
she is unwilling to present a politically correct, albeit historically
incorrect, picture of Australians in pre-WWII New Guinea as institutionally and
individually racist and sexist.
REVIEW, RSL Magazine, 1998.
Acute and unsparing appraisal of New Guinea life….
The author questions the reliability of the official version of the deaths of so
many Rabaul civilians in the sinking of the 'Montevideo Maru'….
The book---holds the reader's attention and it is a good read.
Kutan Oli, Librarian, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, Papua
New Guinea.
Anne really captures the real bond, intentions and motives, between the
genuine Papua New Guinean who really wants to befriend another person outside
their culture, and in this case, the Australian. The book takes one through the
everyday or simple lifestyle, normal life, and sometimes in Pidgin. She uses
normal conversation type language, and it is easy to follow through. Anne is
truly a native of Rabaul, loves Rabaul, and I can say that Rabaul is her home.
It is a well researched book, adding dimension to the history of Rabaul and
Papua New Guinea, and of course, the War time period.
"Mick" Smith, a Lieutenant in 2/22 battalion, Rabaul 1942. He escaped to
Australia after the Japanese invasion.
I write to congratulate you on your book Masked Eden and say how I marvel at
your patience gathering material for same….
Over the years I've managed to compile quite a number of books written about
Rabaul and am surprised at the number of errors passed on from a writer of one
particular book to [the writer of the next book]…..
Almost every book I have read (yours excepted) about Rabaul etc. contains
glaring errors….
You certainly describe the love and life of New Guinea especially well….
I have suggested to several people they purchase your book.
Margaret Henderson, a beforer. Her father, a missionary, executed Kavieng
by the Japanese during WWII. Margaret is author of 'Yours sincerely Tom', Editor
of 'Talatala' by Rodger Brown.
I am in the middle of reading your book 'Masked Eden'. I have never been
moved by a book as much as your book----
I finished [Masked Eden] this week. I've learnt so much from your book, it is
brilliantly researched and written.
It is such a mine of information that nobody with an interest in PNG should be
without it!! It was so vivid that I could smell the frangipani.
Alf Uechtritz, a beforer. Grandson of Phoebe and Richard Parkinson, the
pioneer settlers of New Britain, New Guinea.
I have just finished reading your book, Masked Eden and am ever so glad you
have brought to light the whole horrid mess of the cover up of the Rabaul
[debacle] by the Australian Government and some elements of the army and
Administration….
Now that I have read your book, I am more than convinced all those B4's
[pre-WWII civilian population] were murdered by the Japs.
Alf and Mary Lou Uechtritz
Probably the two most comprehensive and accurate and worth studying - would
be 'Hell and High Fever' by David Selby and 'Masked Eden' by Anne McCosker.
Partly based on extensive notes and recording of events by Anne's father Stan
McCosker of Matala Plantation (E.N.B.) and backed up by extensive research by
this Honours Graduate of London University (including archives, cablegrams, sent
to and from Canberra at the time etc-) the book is not only a treasure trove of
accurate facts but also a fascinating insight into the life and personalities of
both expatriates ( many very well known ) and New Guineans of that era. The book
includes 35 pages of invaluable factual 'notes'. ------
Many 'old timers' spoke highly of Stan though he was a forthright man who spoke
his opinions and went straight to the point. Stan was a great writer and was
always writing or reading and recording events. -----
It is little puzzling that in [Ian Down's book] his extensive bibliography does
not include 'Masked Eden' which has been published well ahead of his own book
Had he read it he would doubtless have been able to use material from it ----.
For instance the letter to G.S.O.1 (I) Base headquarters, Northern Command pages
202- 207, [ see 'Fall of Rabaul' and 'Retreat' web-pages] would have been
relevant.
For those who haven't yet read 'Masked Eden' I strongly recommend that you do
so. I feel sure that you will find it hard to put down as I did.
Cynthia Schmidt, a beforer. Her father, Director of Native Education, NGVR. probably executed in Rabaul by the Japanese during WWII. Cynthia has
organized the petition asking the Australian Government to investigate the fate
of Rabaul civilians and military garrison.
Masked Eden is a really wonderful book ----
I am telling everyone who contacts me to read it. The truth has to be told and
the more people who read your book the more questions will be asked.
Rae Smith, a beforer. Her father, a planter, NGVR, executed by the
Japanese, Rabaul 1942. Rae was evacuated from Rabaul 1941, never returned.
My God I could smell the place and hear the sounds.
To that comment George Farrow, a long time resident of PNG wrote:
What an
accolade for a writer.
"Masked Eden" not only deals with the shameful wartime Disaster of
Rabaul…..but of the Rabaul of "before",.....of the lives of the people….& of
their manner of living. No one knew more about pre-war Rabaul than the author's
father, Stan McCosker, & another of her sources was John Gilmore, plantation
neighbour & family friend, who was in & around Rabaul, before, during (Military)
& immediately after the shooting stopped at the war's end. Rather impeccable
sources!
Anyone purporting to supply information on Rabaul, 1942…..& not acknowledging
"Masked Eden" is dishonest……is biased & a bit twisted…….for it gives a
view……which future enquirers are entitled to consider.
To exclude "Masked Eden"……a serious account of Rabaul, in that period……is to
encourage a nazi type censorship……& wasn't the 2/22 against that sort of thing?
Albert Speer, long time resident of PNG.
May I congratulate you on your work. I had a great read of it & constantly go
back to read parts again to aid my recall of times past of our beautiful Rabaul.
You have done well ----
I am disgusted with our so called research historians efforts but that is a long
story----.
Jim Ridges, long time resident of PNG. Lives now in Kavieng. Key organizer of the Kavieng Memorial, dedicated in 2002.
Your book is excellent and gives such a picture of pre-war, well 'tween
wars really, plantation and Rabaul life. Appreciated by those who knew it
and seemingly lost forever except in books such as yours.
Jenny Evans, nee Render. Her father, a soldier of the military garrison in Rabaul,
was lost during WWII. Has a web site dealing with the Fall of Rabaul.
Why should any one with a grain of democratic sense want to put obstacles in
your way? You are not preaching revolution! ----.
Most grateful thanks for your generosity in giving us a copy of your
book. ['Masked Eden']. I am already very impressed with the amount of family and
historical detail you convey, and the warmth and love of your enterprise. And I
admit to a jealous twinge or two while reading your descriptions of Rabaul----.
Your poem 'Namanula Hill' [see ' Fall of Rabaul' web-page], is a wonderful
insight into the whole sorry mess and if you take my suggestion don't waste your
creative energies arguing with inferior people but keep writing such perceptive
words. ---
Yes I too looked for 'Masked Eden' on the table [during an ABC interview, see
'Montevideo Maru' web-page] as an authoritative reference up there with 'A Very
Long War' and the Japs' Navy ships book. Bastards!
[See Choco Jack: Believing the
Bulldust,
http://www.jje.info/lostlives/exhib/chocojack/]
[Since Jenny died, her daughter Joanna is continuing to publish her web-site].
Mary Lou Uechritz [see also above]
I have taken every opportunity to recommend the book - especially to people
who could be instrumental in spreading the word.....it is an excellent book.
Gillian Nikakis, nee Spensley. Her father, a
beforer, was a plantation manager in New Britain. He was lost during WWII.
Author, 'He's Not Coming Home'.
I really enjoyed your book..... I had heard from Bill Harry that you did not
believe the men were on the MVM. Congratulations on a rich wonderful book,
full of history. I pick it up at intervals to read another chapter again.
I wish I had read it before I finished my book as it is a wonderful resource.
Janet Dykgraaff, nee Ross. Her father worked at
Burns Philp, Rabaul. Her grandfather, Ted Hawnt was the Rabaul post
master. They were beforers, and were both lost during
WWII.
I got a lot of historical knowledge from a book now out of print
unfortunately…...Masked Eden by Anne McCosker.....(I’m sure she will appreciate
any support to have her invaluable early research reprinted).
"Mick" Smith [see also above]
What a wonderful surprise! Witch Doctor and a meaningful letter. I fully understand your comments regarding the Japanese invasion of Rabaul, and agree with everything you have to say......Sister Berenice [at the Vunapope R.C. Mission throughout the Japanese occupation], would support some views in your letter, in particular in her very own expression, "the true story of Rabaul has not and never will be told".
Andrea Williams, editor of Una Voce, PNGAA magazine.
Granddaughter of Philip Coote, manager of Burns Philp. Great niece of Hugh
Moore Scott, a plantation manager. Both beforers. Both were
lost during WWII.
We need to respect the evidence and your material greatly assists with this……
I assure you that there is no side-lining of Anne as far as I am concerned……
I think Anne has a wonderful web-site and her book Masked Eden is excellent.
Both are wonderful and important tributes to PNG……
Judy Davis, nee Washington. Both her father and
grandfather were beforers who owned Kabira Plantation near Rabaul.
Her grandfather was lost during WWII.
You have done a lot by writing Masked Eden…..I’m sorry for the way you’ve be
treated by everyone [work deliberately ignored in public]. It isn’t fair
as I know how much integrity you have.
James Oglethorpe 3rd squadron RAAF Association, Sydney
Congratulations again on Masked Eden. It's an amazing book of many
parts, and, as anybody who looks into History knows, truth is indeed stranger
than fiction!
Bob Curtis long time resident of PNG
I must congratulate you on an obvious scholarly work…..I can only say that
your critics and detractors are motivated by jealousy and ignorance.
Three remarks in connection with the making of Schindler’s (television)
documentary on the Montevideo Maru, 2009.
Janet Dykgraaff [See also above]
I must say that in personally trying to find out what happened to Dad up
there, I found Anne’s book to be a comprehensive history and very enlightening
in my research for facts from that time.
James Oglethorpe
[See also above]
Of course I agree that Schindler should read ME if he wants to be fully
appraised of the various opinions about the situation on the ground in Rabaul in
1942….. Maybe you could try sending him a few of the distinctive (unique in
fact) quotes from the book so that his eyes are opened.
Gillian Nukakis [See also above]
There are very few primary sources left to interview and Anne's material is
excellent and quite unique. I am not sure who John Schindler is or what the
project is. Who is funding it.? Any film on the Fall of Rabaul and the
Montevideo Maru should use "Masked Eden" as part of their background research.
I have just given Anne's name to a documentary film maker as one of the best
sources of pre war Rabaul and the events around the fall of Rabaul. She is
fascinated with the lives of women in pre war PNG. She is only beginning her
reading so its early days yet. I have given her the website.
Please feel free to use my comments.
As far as Anne knows, Schindler did not even look at Masked Eden. He
refused all her attempts to get him interested in the book.
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