Western Papua Notes

From Our Own Correspondent T ttt _, DARU, March 31.

HE first screening of films (16 mm.) in the Western Division of Papua was made in February to a large audience comprising Europeans and natives.

This was a programme supplied by the Education Department. Regular screen ings of films will be made in future. The venture is being conducted by Mr. T A.

Wyborn at Daru.

Two modern houses, *pre-fabricated, were landed recently for the Administra tion. It is understood that a carpenter will be sent from Port Moresbv to super vise erection.

Local residents are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the projected coastal service by Catalina. Visions of freezer goods arriving regularly are entertained.

Before the war, freezer cargo was car ried by the vessel, “Lakatoi.” The present regular vessel, the “Doma,” does not carry freezer cargo—she is equipped with a freezer, but it is out of action.

Mr. K. C. Atkinson, the new ADO, arrived on March 26, accompanied by his wife and two children. Mrs. G. Radford and child arrived on the same vessel. Mr.

Radford, who is in charge of the Native Hospital, has been preparing for their arrival for some time and they will have the use of a new house.

The District Officer, Mr. W. H. H.

Thompson, has just returned from an in spection of the Administration station at Lake Murray, far inland.