From Aitape To The

Sepik

A.D.O. Robinson’s Patrol

From a Special Correspondent.

AITAPE, August 7.

A PATROL of much interest combined with the duties of Assistant Warden was brought to a close when Mr. E. C.

Robinson, A.D.O., Sepik, reached Wewak on July 31.

Setting out on July 5 from Aitape with a number of police boys and carriers, the patrol started towards the headwaters of the Yellow River, to inspect the country which Mr. Galet was pegging in the interests of a mining syndicate. The distance was some 60 air miles over the main range.

After going over this country and finishing his work in that connection, Mr.

Robinson in company with Mr. Galet pro ceeded down the Yellow River to its con fluence with the main Sepik. This part of the country, Mr. Robinson reports, is alive with all sorts of game and native foods, such as yams, etc., are in abun dance. The district is swarming with natives who, although timid at first con tact, joined in with the patrol and often proceeded with it for many miles.

The Yellow River winds and turns like a snake for some 120 miles before reach ing the Sepik. Here they were met by by the Government Patrol Boat, “Osprey,” with A.D.O. Keogh, who came up to meet the party. A return trip of miles downstream was then begun to Ambunti (250 miles from the sea). Later on they proceeded to Timbunki, 120 miles further down the river, and commenced another three days’ trek to Wewak.

Mr. Robinson then proceeded a further 100 miles to his station at Aitape. This trip makes the fifth crossing of this sec tion of the Territory, and shows that al though the Service is sadly depleted and short of staff the officers are doing their utmost to do everything possible to open up the country. What is needed is a permanent official station in these un known areas to educate the natives to the customs of the white man, as they soon forget the patrol’s good work.