Wau Notes

From Our Own Correspondent.

WAU, July 2.

THE amazing growth of this part of the world in two years literally takes one’s breath away. By the last Montoro five new motor cars arrived for the following: Mr. Tommy Thompson, a new Ford sedan; Mr. Bill Kennedy, an Erskine sedan; the Manager of N.G. Goldfields Ltd., a Ford tourer; Fred Deckert, another sedan (making his fleet two trucks and two closed cars); and the medical officer at Wau also has a new sedan.

Now that the new road to the Creek is open, week-end excursions to Edie are a delight.

Whereas a few months ago it took two to three hours by car from Wau to Edie, now, if you care to flirt with Death and Deckert, you can get there and back in a little over an hour.

A syndicate of influential men has been formed here with a view to holding whippet races, now that the horse racing fever has died down.

After five years of more or less a “free go,” the police in Morobe, like the police down South, started raiding the hotels, with the result that the Hotel Bulolo was recently fined £25 and the new Wau Hotel £10, for selling liquor after the prescribed hours.

Guinea Airways planes have been working over time carrying in passengers to Wau. About 37 new residents for the goldfields arrived by the last Montoro. All recent boats for New Guinea, especi ally for the goldfields, have been filled to capacity.

The new District Office at Wau is almost com pleted. The building comprises new Post Office and Warden’s Office, both of which were badly needed.

Mr. T. G. V. Blakey, General Manager of Day Dawn (New Guinea) Ltd., had the misfortune to break his leg on King’s Birthday.

The Bachelors’ Ball held recently was a huge success, over 200 dancers being on the floor.

A popular resident of Wau, Mr. J. Hoile, has written a song entitled “Farewell New Guinea,’’ and set it to music himself. It is rather good.

Quite a lot here would like to say “Farewell New Guinea,’’ but no matter how long they stay, once they leave they are all eager to return.

Mr. N. P. H. Neal, M.L.C. and local director of Day Dawn (New Guinea) Ltd., paid a hurried visit to the goldfields during the first week in June.

Mr. E. Hitchcock returned by the Montoro to his mining interests on the Watut. At one time he was W.O. at Edie Creek; now he is one of New Guinea’s mining magnates.

Mr. Bob Anstey arrived from Sydney by the last Montoro to assist Fred Deckert to keep the flag of the Wau Carrying Co. flying.

Dr. V. W. T. McGusty, Fiji Government Inspecting Medical Officer, left Suva with his wife by the Niagara on June 28, for furlough in England.