NEW GUINEA EXPLORATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13673, 14 February 1908, Page 8

NEW GUINEA EXPLORATION.

Ax expedition is being organised in Sydney to explore a portion of New Guinea as yet untrodden by the white man, the north-west between the Musgrave Mountains and the Fly. River. Mr. Donald Mackay is about to lead a party there for the benefit of geographical "science. This portion lies well towards the dark heart of -the interior, and an examination of it will add greatly to the little Australia already knows of its dependency. Mr. Mackay will be accompanied by an old resident of the island, a bird collector, and a surveyor, as well as native carriers. The leader is a native of Yass, New South Wales, the historic home of explorers, and has roamed the world a good deal, beside accomplishing the hazardous feat of cycling round the Continent some years ago. when the task was rather more difficult than now. It is Mr. Mackay's intention at. present to cross this unknown country, and, if possible, strike the source of the Fly, returning down this waterway in canoes to civilisation. If tho_ head of the Fly should be found to be in Dutch territory, the geopraphical knowledge gained will repay the trespass. The expedition will start for the south coast of Papua some time in March next. Mr. Donald Mackay is a brother to Mr. Kenneth -Mack-ay, M.L.C.. of New South Wales.