Ruatoka
Encyclopedia
Ruatoka was a Protestant Christian msssionary in British New Guinea (now Papua New Guinea
). The son of Christian converts, he was born in Tamarua, Mangaia
Island, Cook Islands
and about 1868 attended Takamoa Theological College
, Rarotonga
, then under James Chalmers
. He was one of six Polynesians chosen to convert New Guinea, and with his wife, Tungane, landed at Manumanu on the coast of Papua in November 1872. In February 1873 they left due to fever. Five months later Ruatoka and three colleagues sailed for Port Moresby
, where he remained until his death. As well as being a successful evangelist, he served as a guide, interpreter and advisor to the English missionaries. He was also noted for his work as a mediator in land disputes. His name is commemorated by Ruatoka Road, Port Moresby, and Ruatoka College, Rigo, Papua, His portrait appears on a 1972 Papua New Guinea postage stamp.
,Take My Life: Ruatoka of Papua. London: Edinburgh House Press, 1947
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
). The son of Christian converts, he was born in Tamarua, Mangaia
Mangaia
Mangaia is the most southerly of the Cook Islands and the second largest, after Rarotonga.-Geography:...
Island, Cook Islands
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a self-governing parliamentary democracy in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand...
and about 1868 attended Takamoa Theological College
Takamoa Theological College
Takamoa Theological College is a Bible school located in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. It was founded by the noted Congregationalist missionary Aaron Buzacott . It offers a Diploma of Theology and a Certificate of Bible Studies. The college trains pastors for the Cook Islands Christian Church...
, Rarotonga
Rarotonga
Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, with a population of 14,153 , out of the country's total population of 19,569.The Cook Islands' Parliament buildings and international airport are on Rarotonga...
, then under James Chalmers
James Chalmers (missionary)
James Chalmers was a Scottish-born missionary, active in New Guinea.-Early life:James Chalmers was born in a small town called Ardrishaig, Argyleshire, Scotland, the only son of an Aberdonian stonemason. The family moved to Inverary when James was seven. There he went to the local school, and then...
. He was one of six Polynesians chosen to convert New Guinea, and with his wife, Tungane, landed at Manumanu on the coast of Papua in November 1872. In February 1873 they left due to fever. Five months later Ruatoka and three colleagues sailed for Port Moresby
Port Moresby
Port Moresby , or Pot Mosbi in Tok Pisin, is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea . It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papua, on the southeastern coast of the island of New Guinea, which made it a prime objective for conquest by the Imperial Japanese forces during 1942–43...
, where he remained until his death. As well as being a successful evangelist, he served as a guide, interpreter and advisor to the English missionaries. He was also noted for his work as a mediator in land disputes. His name is commemorated by Ruatoka Road, Port Moresby, and Ruatoka College, Rigo, Papua, His portrait appears on a 1972 Papua New Guinea postage stamp.
Sources and external link
Australian Dictionary of Biography: Ruatoka http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A060079b.htmBiography
Joyce ReasonJoyce Reason
Joyce Reason was a British author of missionary biographies and historical fiction for young readers.- Life and Works :Joyce Reason was born in Canning Town, London...
,Take My Life: Ruatoka of Papua. London: Edinburgh House Press, 1947