Grandfather and Grandmother
Whatever may be the faults of the Papuan, neglect of the old folks is
not one of them. The grandmother or grandfather is always sure of kind
treatment and a full share of all the good things that may come to the
larder. There is no chimney-corner for him to sit and doze in, but he has
the comfortable corner of the verandah, and spends his time there looking
after his grandchildren and occasionally making or mending the fishing
nets.
To deal with him needs a very short chapter indeed. His active part in
the work of life is over, and one is glad to be able to tell of how well
he is looked after in his old age. A long talk with some of these old
men brings home how great has been the change in the life of the native
during the last forty years. They talk proudly of their deeds when they
were strong young men, and cause the rising generation to envy them, but
white grandfathers have been known to do the same, and we think none the
worse of them.