Dismantling Of Bsi
pp. 41-43 · Read in the full issue
Airfields
And Communications Problems
A DESCRIPTION of the ways of the politicians and the bureau ;rats almost baffles the pen of this vriter. Consider the position of the lirfields on Guadalcanal, in the Brit sh Solomons.
Look at the map. In relation to iviation services in the South Pacific, juadalcanal occupies a key position.
J lanes flying long distances in the Southwest Pacific, north to south, or last to west, must have a place of uelling or refuge in the vicinity of he Solomons.
During World War 11, the Ameri ans put down three great airfields in Guadalcanal—Koli, Carney and lenderson. The strips and equip aent, capable of taking the biggest Janes, cost incalculable millions of bllars.
After the war, the Americans of ered the equipment to Britain, at argain prices. Britain was not in erested. The Americans removed 11 movable stuff, and abandoned the trips. Those great strips were all overed with rust resistant master latting, over which was a thick skin f packed coral—there could be no ner surface, good for many years.
For several years, there was little all for these big air-strips. But one Henderson) has been maintained, ar the use of planes servicing the tSIP Administration. It will not ike large planes.
In the past year or so, there have een two important developments.
PHE Western Pacific High Com mission has been separated from iji. The new High Commissioner roposes to have his headquarters i Honiara (Guadalcanal) from hich he will govern Solomons, Gil ert and Ellice, and New Hebrides British share). His chief problem communications—it is most diffi ilt to get around those areas with dsting services.
Qantas, the big Australian Co., as been urged to consider an air irvice, Lae (New Guinea)-Honiara BSIP)-Nauru-Tarawa (Gilbert and llice). Three or four flights, on larter, have been made by Qantas, • test this route. The result was not >od. Civil aviation authorities have ated that, before a regular run will j permitted, much better facilities ust be provided at Guadalcanal id Nauru.
MEANWHILE, the international situation grows uglier. The Reds, steadily over-running Asia, now menace the peace and security of the South Pacific. United States, Aus tralia and New Zealand have signed a Pact to protect the South Pacific; they have just set up, in Honolulu, a Defence Council to look after the South Pacific.
An essential part of such a defence organisation is provided by planes.
Two main points in such an organis ation in the South Pacific are New Guinea and Fiji. Big planes should be able to fly between those points.
For that purpose, there should be a
first-class airfield in the Solomons.
Just at this time, when there is a call from two directions for a service
able airfield for big planes in the Solomons, the British Government has sold, by tender, those great metal
mats which the Americans put down on the wartime airfield in Guadal canal. The first of them, it is re-
ported, is in process of being shipped to Sweden.
Comments seem to be superfluous.
The facts speak for themselves.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Barker of Wau, New Guinea, in August. Mr. Barker has a dental practice in the town.
The customary good relations that exist ctween the French and British com innities in the Condominium of the New lebrides are reflected in this snapshot, aken at a dinner held in Port Vila,
during the French National Day cele brations. On the left: M. P. Anthonioz, French Resident Commissioner. On the left: Mr. H. J. M. Flaxman, British Commissioner.