Salamaua ’Drome

New Stone Runway Near Completion

DURING the last 18 months, a stone runway 1200 feet long, and from 50 to 100 feet wide has been built on the aerodrome at Salamaua, New Guinea. It always will be a swampy aerodrome, on account of its low position between the Francisco River and the head of the bay; but gradually, by the liberal building of drains, and the use of stone, it is being converted into an “all-weather landing ground.”

The new work has been done under the supervision of Mr. C. Hendrick. The Public Works Department sent, from Rabaul, the old Rapindik narrow-gauge

railways; a Model T Ford engine was used as a locomotive; eight trucks were supplied; and a supply of stone was found about a mile away in the jungle.

The work commenced in December, 1935. A layer of heavy stones was put down; then smaller stones; then a bind ing of broken stone. The runway is cam bered, and drains alongside carry off tljie surface-water. The planes have been using the runway since it was 50 feet wide, and it allowed the planes to run regularly in the goldfields and Port Moresby services during the whole of the last wet season.

It is intended to complete the runway to 100 feet over its entire length, and give it a top-dressing of tar. The little railway will provide about 84 truck-loads of stone per day, for new construction or maintenance.

Plane taking off along the new stone runway at Salamaua. Note the railway at the side, by which the stone was brought in.

The dust raised by the plane, as shown in picture, will be avoided when the surface is tarred. (Photo by courtesy of C. Hendrick)