Random Notes From

Finschhafen Perhaps It May Become The "Capital"

From a Special Correspondent FNSCHHAFEN is a busy Administra tion centre these days and will be busier still if the Capital comes here.

Eric Howitt is flat out with a staff of men, keeping the Administration vessels in seagoing condition.

They seem a happy family at Finsch hafen, and perhaps the local folk would not like to see the capital there, with “silver-tails” dashing hither and thither seeing whether such and such an Ordi nance were being violated or not.

But, seriously, why not Finschhafen as the capital? It has everything, and it is the only place on the mainland where big ships can come right in for water. We have miles of coranus roads (built by the Americans), delightful surroundings, and a climate that puts Rabaul, Lae. Port Moresby and other places in the shade.

Harbour facilities are unsurpassed otherwise, why is the Navy here! It is a real tourist resort; and a good jeep road takes one right to Sattleberg, at a •00-feet elevation, where over-taxed Administration officers can relax in cool, majestic surroundings.

That is what we want in the Territory —a capital with a nearby healthy spot where one can recuperate without the expense of going “South” and you have It at Finsch.

Now, can I sell you a block of land?

DR. and Mrs. T. G. Braun, of the Luth eran Mission, are doing excellent work with their staff of technicians,

and natives receive the very best attention that medical science can give them.

“Doc.” and his charming wife are very popular. They stuck to their post when the Japs landed at Madang, and the gruelling time they had as prisoners took months of recovery.

Staffed with “old-timers”, and a big sprinkling of fresh blood from the United States, many of whom are skilled in the professions and trades, the Lutheran Mission, with its progressive ideas, tends to be an influential force throughout New Guinea. Their medical work deserves special commendation.

Mr. “Ambrose” Palmer, Admin.,

departed South recently—he will bring back a bride, BIRTHS—To Mrs Frank Kai and Mrs.

Sam Moessncr, daughters. The “Stork” is expected to pay another visit to Fin schhafen before long.

Mrs. Turner, mother of Mrs. Eric Howitt, has been staying at Finschhafen, and Mrs.

Phyllis Keenan has had her mother and father with her for the second time in a few months. When people make a second trip up here from South there must be something attractive about the place. Wait till we get our avenue of trees!

World famous collector Shaw Mayer spent a long time at Finsch.. waiting for a vessel to Sydney. He had about 38 birds, mostly Birds-of-Paradise, for Tar onga Park Zoo. He’d been around the Wareo district, where he said bird life was prolific.

HMAS “TARANGAU” still runs an almost 6-nights-a-week picture show, which is greatly appreciated by the civilian population.

On Anzac Day, passengers from the “Montoro” placed a wreath on the mem

orial at the American war cemetery at Finschhafen. Eleven thousand American heroes lie buried here in peaceful, beauti ful surroundings. One hundred and fifty Filipinos will shortly arrive to disinter the bodies and take them to Manila, and then, perhaps to the States, if desired by rela tives.

An unfortunate incident occurred when the “Kanimbla” berthed—a young native

was killed when a case of beer fell on him from a ship’s sling. There was a full naval inquiry. The “Kanimbla” was taking occupational troops to Japan.

“Nude Bathing Prohibited” is a con spicuous sign right alongside that de lightful rock pool on Butaweng Creek.

It’s a real beauty spot. Now, do be care ful, you Navy boys!

The Yanks still get their beer—and the Navy are on three bottles a week.

MRS. “NOBBY” CLARKE and her two charming daughters arrived recent ly. “The old Nob” is canteen man ager on HMAS “Tarangau,” and is doing a great job.

Patrol Officer and Mrs. Jim White staged a successful party to celebrate their anniversary. It was also an opportunity to say “au revoir” to Bill South wick and young “Trev.” popular CPOs of HMAS “Tarangau.” Jim and Mrs. White were busy until daybreak, making everyone happy. All the really nice people were there. The buffet supper was sumptuous, and the cool beer was delicious. Dancing, with the moon glistening on the rippling waters, and palm trees riffling in the breeze, made the whole party romantic and delightful—especially with those at tentive Air Force officers filling up the glasses.

POPULAR ADO Jack Keenan has been in the “Never Never” delving into the mysteries of “Cargo Cult”.

Those naughty Hube boys have been kill ing pigs, burning houses, neglecting their gardens—waiting for that great day when their spiritual ancestors will bring them everything, from electric power houses to aeroplanes. They think everything that has come into the country was meant for them, and them alone, and that the “big fella master” has wrongly diverted it to his own use.

That cunning old bird who built a “Cus toms” shed in the bush was evidently expecting a good “rake off” when he dished out the “cargo”!

WI7ELCOME to Murray Phillips, who re ▼ f cently did such good work with Gov ernment Stores at Wewak!

When the RAAF clears out shortly the Department of Civil Aviation will prob ably take over.

CDC buyers come and go, but there’s little to pick up these days. Jack Ban nigan is still here with a few men. Young “Jim” Hoiie and young “Bill” Cash are browsing around, and we see Tex Mar shall only when he comes in to bank his takings.

Pinschhafen seems to like Father Wall achy—he’s looking fine.