Looking at things simplistically, you could judge it so, but bear in mind, the white man (read mining company), had set up there and exploitation was the order of the day. The company was the thief.

Sometimes you have to visit another time, when you are a little older and wiser, to realize all that had transpired. We took from them. We looked as if we were rich. Compared to them we were. So, why not steal a pair of shoes, umbrellas, or whatever took your fancy? As far as they were concerned we could easily replace things.

As far as taking from them, we REALLY robbed them, we being the big mining company. But that belongs in another reflection.

I did actually name the island...Bougainville...still naturally lovely, as are its people. Most of them belong to the the Rorovana tribe, a very handsome blue/black race, tall and statuesque, originally from the Soloman Islands nearby.