Notes From Wewak

From a Special Correspondent WEWAK, April 11.

NEW arrivals in the District include Patrol Officer Jim Sims, from the ASOPA; Patrol Officer Jack Cahill, from Kianantu; Storeman Jack Crockett, from Finschhafen; and OTC Operator Mr.

Watson, from Hobart. Mrs. Rupe Haviland, wife of the ADO Maprik, passed through Wewak on her way to join her husband recently.

Visitors to Wewak were fewer but in cluded Flight-Lieutenant Northy and party in a RAAF Dokota from Port Moresby," who are using Wewak as a base of operations for the investigations of the bomb-dump at Tadji Strip, Aitape, which is expected to be exploded some time in September. This explosion, which will be the greatest yet in the Southern Hemisphere, will no doubt cause quite a stir in scientific circles as well as annoy ing some of the nearer local inhabitants.

Wewak is looking forward to the arrival of its new Native Labour Inspector. Mr.

Jack Clayton, and his wife who are being transferred from Rabaul.

On Easter Monday, the spectacle of 30 Europeans and 8,000 natives from near and far gathered together to witness the impressive ceremony of the presenting of the DCM to Ex-W/O Yauwiga by Major H. R. Niall, District Officer, Wewak, was something to be remembered by all those present.

The acquisition of a pianola by the Senik Club has given us a wider variety of music which adds greatly to festivities at club nights.

During this month Sqd.-Leader Bobby Gibbes will be taking delivery of another “Auster” which will greatly augment Tie air services within the district and will serve as a further line of communication with our port, Madang.

Mr. Tom Briggs, who was previously holidaying with Mr. and Mrs. Gibbes, re turned last week to Sydney to take de livery of the “Auster.” It is good to see a friendship, commenced during the war, cemented by Mr. Gibbes’ progressive policy. A recent addition to his staff is his cousin, Peter Howse, who hails from Orange, NSW.