Bair

 Bair has three meanings.  The first is a stick or piece of iron rod used to husk dry coconut (lama) or fresh coconut (kulau). The second meaning is to plough soil in preparation for planting food crop. The third meaning is given in the following story titled 'Uva ra Bair'.


'Uva ra Bair'.


One Saturday, during my high school days, we were cutting grass at Topu, Vunagamata village, located along the North Coast Road of East New Britain. We did a very good job, using bush knives. We cleared the bush because there were young cocoa trees growing and about to begin bearing. 

We took a break before returning home. As we were resting, Uncle ToBata arrived and inspected our work. In a satisfied and happy mood he thanked us for a good job. He shared betelnut (buai) and mustard (daka) with us and we chewed.

ToBata began talking about cocoa harvesting and the need for a good vehicle to transport harvested cocoa to fermentery and sale. 

One of us responded in support and said something like, " That is good. We get a vehicle like ToLimut's (not his real name) Nissan.

The Nissan owned by ToLimut was an old bomb vehicle and at times was started by push-start.  ToBata knew that very well and his response was,

"Uva ra bair".

He did not like a vehicle in poor condition with engine troubles.  

Photo shows late Uncle ToBata. (Ismael K. Isikel 9th September 2026)



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