Description
While the legal firm Ashurst in England has a history of two hundred years, its presence in Papua New Guinea is a fraction of that, just twelve years so far. From Allan McLennan in the 1920s to Ashurst now, the firm has gone through nine changes of name. But like the axe that’s had its handle replaced three times and its head twice, it has kept its identity. The overlap of personnel means there has always been continuity. Whatever the changes of name, each succeeding lawyer has absorbed something of the firm’s character and values and tradition, and many have contributed to them. The history of Ashurst and its predecessors in PNG deserves to be recorded.
As Papua New Guinea is unique, so is its legal history. There are few places where the law reports deal with cannibalism, tribal wars or offences against the Sorcery Act. Or where, within living memory, a man could get into trouble for walking down the street carrying a human skull in his bag. (It was his father’s and he said he felt comforted by having it with him.)
About the author: Michael Challinger still practises as a criminal barrister at the Melbourne Bar. He spent eight years as a lawyer in Papua New Guinea and also practised in London. He’s a music lover and keen traveller, having visited more than 120 countries. He lives in Melbourne.
