DETAILS OF THE JOURNEY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 67, 20 March 1911, Page 5

DETAILS OF THE JOURNEY.

(Received March. 18, 5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, March 18. Mr Stanisforth Smith's message to Mr Batchelor states that in the early part of the journey they crossed a hio-h mountain range and pushed down expecting to reach the alluvial country drained by the Tumari Mamu Rivers: On January 24th they reached what was believed be the upper waters of the Strickland River The party had walked 254 miles over exceedingly rough jungle scrub, through which they had to cut their way. They found the river impassable, with rapids winning through the gorges 1200 feet high. It was impossible to cross. Proceeding along the banks they made a raft and started down the river. The rapids became worse and the raft was dashed to pieces. Some of the carriers were killed, and they lost their food supplies, tents, and baggie. After five days the expedition who were scattered on bota. sides of the river, got together. After that they were foodless, and decided to travel the river bank until the rapids ceased. They continued the journey, and travelled 120 miles in 84 clays. Frequent stoppages were necessary, as the supplies of sago ■ were very precarious. They then made rafts and reached the coast, finding the river was the Kikori, which was followed 300 miles. Owing to .privations they could not have got through without the splendid co-operation of Messrs Bell and Pratt.