That Goddam Boy!

Orme Denny, Qantas chief in Papua-New Guinea, was lunching with some old Territorians in Syd ney the other day; and they began to entertain the famous ex-pilot with stories of flying experiences in the ’Thirties. This was one of the best.

Happy-go-lucky Ray Parer was transporting mining engineer Ward Williams from some interior valley to Moresby, when suddenly the engine of the little plane began to splutter and miss.

Ward Williams did not like it, and said so. “What’s the matter, Ray?” he yelled, while beads of moisture gathered on the furrowed brow.

“You know, I think that goddam boy forgot to fill the tank,” said Ray, very mildly.

The boy had. They spent the night on a remote beach. No bones broken; but skins well punctured by coastal mosquitoes.