The Hard Way

Dutch Governor Tries NG Flying

But He Learned The Hard Way

From a Special Writer

• Netherlands New Guinea Gov ernor, Dr. P. J. Plateel, got a first hand experience of the democracy and discomforts of Papua-New Guinea air travel when he flew from Port Moresby to Wau and Goroka during his recent brief Territory tour.

HIS trip could not have been more typical if it had been planned for him.

The DCS normally leaves Moresby about mid-day to beat the mounting afternoon weather; but because of the official party, its take-off was set for 12.40, which is, anyway, the time shown on the time-table.

However, the plane was late and the official party and other pas sengers waited for an hour in the heat of Jackson’s airport while vegetables and Highland labourers were unloaded.

Honeymoon Couple

Finally, the passengers climbed aboard. There were Dr. and Mrs.

Plateel; Mrs. D. M. Cleland, wife of the P-NG Administrator; Mr.

Keith McCarthy, acting as official guide for the tour; Dutch Aide, Lieutenant van Dop, an odd native passenger, a honeymoon couple, another couple complete with four months-old baby in bassinette; Magistrate Andy O’Driscoll on transfer to Goroka, and Mr. O’Dris coll’s house-boi.

The whole forward part of the

cabin was taken up with Mr.

O’Driscoll’s furniture, and in a huge crate behind the only four airline-type seats (put in specially for the official party) reposed his dog and cat, also on transfer.

This crate it was later Droved effectively Mockedthedoor the nfpni’s toilet kd 1 d planes toilet.

As soon as the first cylinder fired, up started the dog. And, at the dog’s howling, the baby began to cry.

The baby was soon quietened, but the dog kept it up in painful spasms all the way to Goroka, in spite of attempts by all, including Mrs. Cleland and Mrs. Plateel and

the harassed owner, to quieten him.

And. as his crate was right be hind the ladies’ seats, there was a strong incentive for the two ladies to try peace-making efforts.

Governor Plateel soon gave up trying to look politely amused, and lapsed into a harried-looking sleep; Mrs. Plateel wished she had brought a powder for her headache, and winced at every bark behind her; and Mr. McCarthy pulled out a book for distraction, but dozed too.

Mrs. Cleland alone remained in command of her humour; was the only one of the dejected group who saw the photo taken.

Searched for a Hole

To round out the experience, the pilot found the Wau gap closed in; spent a quarter of an hour string ing everyone’s nerves up by flying around in the clouds searching for a hole; finally had to fly the “back” way in, over Kukukuku land, and up the Bulolo valley.

Time from Moresby to Wau —exactly two hours, instead of the normal 60 minutes.

Dr. Plateel was too much a diplo mat and a gentleman to comment on his trip, when he did get to Goroka. However, no doubt he was glad of the free night on his itinerary to get over his travel ex periences.

There is nothing like showing our visitors what we have to offer in problems and privations. But, per haps, in future, Papua-New Guinea could do a little better than lumber its vice-Regal guests off in the freight cars of its transport system.

OH, OH, OH, MY HEAD! That's Dr. Plateel, Governor of Netherlands New Guinea, looking so un happy. Mrs. D. M. Cleland, wife of the P-NG Administrator, is at rear left, next to Mrs. Plateel, with Mr. J. K. McCarthy attempting to get some reading done in the front.