New Guinea Bridge
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
Battle
Is On Again
THE battle of the Markham Bridge is still on. Various interests, in which Mr. M. J. Leahy, of Zenag, is prominent, have been pressing Canberra to re-examine the whole situation before making a final decision; but the Australian Minister for Works, Mr. Kent Hughes, an nounced early in June that the plan to build the bridge at Markham Point will proceed.
The Morobe goldfield road, from Wau to the mouth of the Markham (thence by vehicular ferry to Lae) was built hurriedly by the Army, and it is not believed that it will provide an economical means of transport for the new Bulolo timber industry. The worst part of the route is the 30-40 miles stretch along the south bank of the Markham, where it follows badly broken, un suitable mountain and jungle country.
If it could cross the Markham 30 miles or more from its mouth, it could complete the route to Lae over the good level country of the Mark ham Valley.
The Australian Department of Works proposes to put a bridge over the river at Markham Point, some 7 miles from the mouth. This site is almost unanimously condemned by old residents, who wish to see the main road from Lae go up the broad Markham Valley (north bank of the river); and then, from near the top of the Valley, the road to divide—
one branch to go into the Watut and Bul o 1 o Valleys, and the other to cross the Mark ham-Ramu Divide on to the famous Highland country.
The engineers insist that the only suitable place for a bridge in the whole Markham Valley is Markham Point. The “old hands” ignore the local technical difficulties, and argue that the future of the
country (which is deeply concerned with the Highlands) must be the chief consideration. They ask that real experts view the situation, before a final decision is taken.
Appeals to Ministers Hasluck and Kent Hughes have failed; so the opponents of the Markham Bridge plan are now planning an appeal to press and Parliament.
Notable Fiji Policeman Dead
Levani Tamanirukurukuiovalauj first Fijian policeman to become As sistant Superintendent in Fiji, died in Suva Memorial Hospital on June 12, aged 50. Joining the Force in 1932, he went to New Zealand fon a special advanced police course in 1949. He claimed to have the longest name in the world.
Rough plan of Lae-Bulolo-Highlands area, showing dis puted site of Mark ham bridge.