Pan-Pipe Music

Primitive Papuan Orchestra

IN a broadcast address through Sydney radio stations on August 22, Mr. Jack Hides, assistant resident magistrate in the Papuan Administration, referred to the charming music he heard from Pan pipes played by natives inhabiting a val ley through which he passed on his long patrol recently. Their instruments, he said, were made from a combination of

short and long reeds from the river banks.

The. expedition enlisted the services of friendly natives as guides for the journey through the river-basin, stated Mr. Hides, and whenever a halt was called for rest ing purposes, the natives played delightful tunes on the pipes. He once heard a band of 200 natives playing in unison and he would never forget the beauty and rhythm of the music. The harmony was perfect.

The notes from one or a few pipes were difficult to catch except at close quarters, but the great orchestra of 200 kept him and his party enthralled until the last note died away.