Big Amphibian Flies from Bris

bane to Daru

Mr. Richard Archbold’S Fair

child Amphibian, the latest type of single-engined aanphibian ’plane, and the largest machine of this type in the world, left Brisbane in March, carrying mem bers of the American Museum of Natural History, en route to Daru, Papua, whence expeditions will be made to explore the upper reaches of the Fly River.

The ’plane’s take-off with a gross weight of nearly 12,0001 b. from the Bris bane River, was easily accomplished.

Seven and a half hours later it had com pleted a non-stop flight to Cairns, a dis tance of 1,100 miles, at an average speed of 146 miles per hour.

The following morning the ’plane took off from the harbour at Cairns and flew direct across the ocean to Daru Island, Papua, which will be the expedition’s base.

The ’plane has a carrying capacity of ten persons and luggage, and for the pur pose of the expedition is equipped with sleeping accommodation for two persons.

Four adjustable chairs provide the utmost comfort for the personnel. Two-way radio is installed, by means of which the ’plane can keep in touch with land parties.

Mr. E. W. Oakley, District Officer at Wewak, in the Sepik Area, New Guinea, arrived in Sydney on leave by the Van Rees on March 17. He was accompanied by his wife.