History of Moro

History and Origins

The past of the small town of Moro, located in the West New Britain province, is inextricably linked to the rich history of the settlement of this region. Although the exact date of the foundation of the modern settlement is not recorded in mass historical documents, it is known that the island of New Britain was inhabited by Melanesian tribes long before the arrival of Europeans — archaeological finds indicate the presence of people here tens of thousands of years ago.

The formation of settlements in this part of Papua New Guinea was influenced by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Proximity to fertile volcanic soils and access to the sea facilitated the development of agriculture and fishing, which became the foundation for the sedentary life of local communities.
• Colonial Influence: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region fell within the sphere of interest of European powers (first Germany, then Australia), which stimulated the creation of missions and plantations, around which settlements often expanded.
• Agriculture: The development of the town and its surroundings owes much to the expansion of agricultural activities, particularly the cultivation of oil palm, which is a vital part of the province's economy.

The early economy and culture of the region were based on a traditional way of life. Local residents engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture, growing taro and yams, and maintained active trade with neighbouring tribes. Complex social structures and rituals remained an important element of cultural identity, which, despite the influence of modernity, retain their significance in the lives of the local population today.

Key Historical Milestones

• Around 40,000 BC – First migrations of people to the island of New Britain, settling the territories where Moro is located today.
• 1700 – British explorer William Dampier explores and maps the coast of the island, giving it its modern name.
• November 1884 – The region officially becomes part of the colonial possessions of the German Empire.
• September 1914 – During World War I, administration of the territory passes to Australian authorities.
• January 1942 – Beginning of the Japanese occupation of the island during World War II, affecting all settlements in the region.
• March 1944 – Liberation of the central part of New Britain by Allied forces, restoration of peaceful life.
• 1966 – Formation of the separate West New Britain province, giving impetus to the development of local self-government.
• 1967 – Launch of a large-scale programme to develop the oil palm industry, which became the economic backbone of the district.
• 16 September 1975 – Papua New Guinea gains full independence from Australia.
• August 2002 – Major eruption of the Pago volcano in the region, impacting the ecology and infrastructure of the surrounding areas.
• 2010s – Implementation of projects to improve road connections linking inland settlements with the coast and the administrative centre.

Key Stages of the City's Formation

The modern appearance and way of life of the town of Moro have been shaped by several powerful factors: from the natural features of the region to global economic processes. The development of this settlement is a vivid example of how the agrarian industry can transform a small settlement into an important logistical and production hub.

The main milestones that defined the fate of the town include:

• Launch of the oil palm industry. This event was a turning point in the region's economy. The creation of plantations and processing facilities turned the settlement into a centre of attraction for labour and investment, ensuring stable employment for the local population.
• Construction of the airfield. The appearance of its own airport radically changed transport accessibility. The air harbour linked the isolated district with the outside world, simplifying the delivery of cargo and the movement of specialists, which is critically important for the island nation of Papua New Guinea.
• Administrative reform of 1966. separating West New Britain into a distinct province allowed budget funds to be focused on developing local infrastructure, including roads and utility networks, which directly affected Moro.
• Creation of corporate infrastructure. A significant part of the housing stock, schools, and medical points was built with the support of large agro-industrial companies. This urban planning decision ensured employees had the necessary conditions for living in a remote area.
• Adaptation to volcanic activity. Proximity to active volcanoes required the development of special approaches to construction and evacuation plans. Recovery after eruptions hardened the character of the town and led to the modernization of engineering systems.
• Development of the road network. Improvement of highways connecting the town with the provincial capital, Kimbe, strengthened trade exchange and allowed local farmers to deliver produce to markets and the port more quickly.

Architectural Appearance and City Development

Unlike ancient cities with centuries of history, Moro cannot boast of Gothic cathedrals or Baroque palaces. It is a strictly pragmatic, working settlement, whose architectural appearance is entirely dictated by the humid tropical climate and the needs of the agro-industrial complex. The urban structure here is subordinate to the logic of functionalism: residential quarters, administrative buildings, and industrial zones are located to ensure maximum efficiency in the operation of plantations and processing enterprises.

The town's development is predominantly low-rise and dispersed, allowing buildings to blend harmoniously into the surrounding jungle landscape. Streets are planned taking into account the natural relief, and the abundance of greenery between houses creates natural shade and coolness.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the appearance of the settlement and its surroundings, two main directions can be distinguished that coexist in parallel, reflecting the cultural dualism of the region:

• Traditional Melanesian Architecture (Vernacular Style). In the villages surrounding the urban centre, traditional construction methods are still preserved. Huts are erected from local organic materials: a wooden frame, walls of woven mats, and roofs made of sago palm leaves. Such structures "breathe," ensuring comfort in the heat, and are easily restored after tropical storms.
• Tropical Functionalism (Plantation Style). The bulk of the modern residential and administrative stock is built in a style characteristic of the colonial and post-colonial era in Papua New Guinea. This direction took shape in the second half of the 20th century.

Iconic Building Features

The look of the town is formed not by individual monuments, but by typical architectural solutions that have become the hallmark of the region:

• High-set houses (Stilt houses). Most residential buildings are raised 2–3 metres above the ground. This structural solution protects against flooding and pests, and also improves natural ventilation, allowing the breeze to blow around the house from all sides.
• Wide verandas and roof overhangs. An obligatory element of local architecture, protecting walls and windows from torrential tropical rains and direct sunlight.
• Louvered windows. Instead of fixed glazing, glass or wooden louvres are used everywhere, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air.
• Industrial dominants. The town's silhouette is complemented by the industrial structures of palm oil processing factories — concise constructions of steel and concrete, as well as the functional building of the Moro airport terminal, which serves as the district's main transport gateway.

Notable Figures

Since Moro is a small industrial centre that emerged around agro-industrial enterprises and a transport hub, the list of persons associated with it mainly includes state figures of a regional scale and industry leaders who defined the economic appearance of this part of Papua New Guinea.

• Sasindran Muthuvel — A prominent politician and Governor of West New Britain Province. He played a key role in modernising the region's infrastructure, including the road network linking Moro with the coast and the administrative centre.
• Harry Brock — General Manager of New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL). As the head of the town-forming enterprise, he made a significant contribution to the expansion of plantations and the town's social infrastructure, turning it into an important agrarian hub.
• Sir Lucas Waka — The first Governor of West New Britain Province. A historical figure who stood at the origins of the formation of the region's administrative independence, which facilitated the development of local settlements, including the Talasea district.
• Francis Maneke — Politician and Member of Parliament for the Talasea Open electorate, which includes the town of Moro. Known for his initiatives to improve living conditions in rural areas and support local communities.
• Nick Thompson — Former CEO of NBPOL. Under his leadership, innovative sustainable farming methods were introduced in the vicinity of the town, attracting international attention to the region.
• Bernard Bogai — The first Premier of the province (prior to the introduction of the gubernatorial system). His activities in the early years of the country's independence laid the foundations for the district's economic growth.
• Freddie Reu Kumai — Current Member of Parliament for the Talasea electorate. He actively addresses issues of education and healthcare, lobbying for projects that affect the residents of the town and surrounding villages.