Emergency Dromes

in Rabaul’s Volcano Area

From a Special Correspondent in Rabaul THE Mt. Lamington eruption has revived local discussion as to the wisdom of moving the capital of New Britain from Rabaul. Of course, in this, as in everything else locally, there are two schools of thought; and, perhaps, a little stronger than the others are those who are of the opinion that as it is not known where the next blow will come, one might as well stay put.

With some justification, they say why rush away from a place where there is a safety vent and where one eruption has proved there was no loss of life. A move to another place might put one right on top of the next eruption.

So far so good—but if nothing is to be done about moving, what about a few

precautions?

If any of the Rabaul craters blew up right now there would be little chance of a speedy evacuation or help by air.

The Rabaul airport is right under Matupi.

Vunakanua, which is the nearest emergency drome, is all rough surface growth, although it would not take much to put it in order. Kerevat, Gasmata and Jacquinot Bay dromes are not in order, and the nearest in the other direction is Torokina on Bougainville.

During an eruption Rabaul Harbour is an unknown quantity, and we could not depend upon getting away in that fashion.

There is much taik of what “they” should do about emergency dromes; but, as usual, we have not heard of anyone taking the big step to start the job.

The Governor Designate of America Samoa, the Hon. Phelps Phelps, with the Attorney General of American Samoa, Mr. Fred Simon, and Dr. Gordon Mac gregor of the United States Department of the Interior, were the guests of the Governor of Fiji at Government House when they passed through Suva on their way to Pago Pago in February.