UNKNOWN PEOPLE

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LVII, Issue 23, 27 March 1936, Page 8

UNKNOWN PEOPLE

CENTRAL NEW GUINEA.

VAST POPULATION REVEALED

An -important surVey flight was made last month over unexplored central New Guinea, and reports now sent to Sydney from Port Moresby show that the data gathered have much scientific value.

The primary purpose of the flight was to confirm the geographical features of that country, supplied by Mr Jack Hides last year, after his notable exploratory patrol. The Papuan Government has arranged that another expedition, led by Mr Ivan Champion, shall leave immediately, and try to get through the unexplored region, from the Turama river on the Gulf of Papua, to the upper waters of the Strickland river, which is a tributary of the Fly.

The course to be followed by Mr Champion in this expedition will take him along the southern edge of the remarkable river system traversed by Mr Hides and described by him as the Papuan "wonderland."

The men in the aeroplane could see many unexplored valleys, running south and south-east, stretching far away into the distance, and apparently carrying a very large population. Referring to a wide valley, 40 miles east and west by about 30 miles across, and enclosed by rugged mountains, one observer said:

"The floor of this great valley was flat, broken only by deep creek-beds and smooth undulations. It was like a vast park. Great stretches of open grass were interrupted by innumerable cultivated areas, copses of casuarina and the close-set ornamental trees that marked the ceremonial dancing grounds.

"There were no villages—the innumerable houses of the people were scattered in loose groups, half hidden among the trees and sugar cane, and each placed conveniently near its cultivation patch. The population of these valleys, from Mount Hagen right down to the Fari Furoro, was astonishing. Not only were the valley floors densely inhabited, but columns of smoke could be seen far up on the mountain slopes, showing further habitation.

"It was an amazing experience to gaze down on so great a number of people, unknown to the world for so long, who seemed to be even in excess of the estimates given by Hides and O'Malley."