N.Z. EXPEDITION TO WEST NEW GUINEA
[Specially written for "The Press” by PHILIP TEMPLEI
[Part ll.] Over the last few days expedition plans for approach to the Carstensz group of mountains in Central Dutch New Guinea have undergone a radical change. The advanced airstrip at 7000 ft, landing at which would have put us within a few days of the peaks, has been closed. Jungle travel is now almost a certainty and the pinpointing of a safe yet direct route is our main preoccupation. The best alternative to the original route would give fast travel across a fairly open plateau drained by the great Baliem river. The chief disadvantage in using this route are the natives whose “fad is to kill any strangers,” to quote a correspondent in Hollandia. Apart from the technical and physical problems, therefore, local whims and fancies have to be catered for. Although the advanced airstrip is out of com-mission, our reliance on air transport will not be greatly diminished. Travelling for a greater distance on foot will mean a corresponding increase in the number of airdrops for supplies. The expedition cannot place much reliance on large native carrier parties, and aircraft have become the centre piece in our jigsaw puzzle of plans. Pygmies and Papuans The expedition is still in doubt as to the nature of the native peoples likely to be encountered on the way in. There is such a huge variety of tribes under the general title of “Papuans” that any type could be met from pygmies to headhunters or from cannibals to thirdgeneration Christians. There is not a single positive element of civilisation, no distinguishing trait or skill, no custom or tool common to all Papuans inhabiting the country. The area of our activity is still unadministered by the Dutch Government, and virtually all education and civilising influences have come from the missions. It is unnecessary to describe here their great fortitude and perseverance, but we must be thankful that the hard ground of communication with the natives has been broken for us. Even so. some tribes have never seen a white man. Language difficulties will always exist in this country where two tribes living within 10 miles of each other can speak an entirely different language—apart from diverse dialects. Pidgin English will be of little use. and it appears as if sign language will have to be our Esperanto Gifts will be taken to smooth the way. and Ain e»«n could be our most, valuable trade item. In contrast to the uncertainty in route finding and native contacts the equipping of the expedition haa progressed smoothly, with most of the freight reaching Sydney on April 26 all present and correct. Equipping was not without incident, nevertheless. Our medical officer, after assiduously practising his hypodermic technique on oranges, moved co to more live materials. The sight will always be recalled in Moerewa (North Auckland) of* a pig’s wild career across country, a hypodermic needle swaying from its rump Expedition members are faced with a further Down Jackets ■ C3pthing and equipment have been chosen and made with an eye to New Guinea conditions. Much equipment has been obtained from the New Zealand Alpine Club’s expedition pool, and the Meade alpine tents and Himalayan down jackets are expected to give sterling service. The mention of Himalayan down jackets is not as puzzling as it sounds. Temperatures average 90 derrees at sea level, but at 16.000 ft the average Is below freezine These and such clothing as string vests and woollen shirts are not out of place To deflect at least a proportion of the torrential rain expected, special nylon overoarkas or ponchos have been made. They are designed to cover the pack and head as
well as the’ shoulders and upper body. Knee-high gaiters have also been made for protection against snakes and leeches and sleeping bag covers suitable for emergency bivouacs in swampy country. Packs to be used by expedition members are the standard “Mountain Mule." Food has been ordered on a basis of experience in the Southern Alps and New Zealand bush. One of the chief problems in ordering expedition food was to achieve a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins on a parallel as far as possible with that obtainable under fresh food conditions. A high calorific value had to be maintained at the same time, and careful research was necessary before a satisfactory food list was arrived at. Items such as tinned butter were exhaustively tested under extremes of temperature and humidity to find their point of deterioration. With the use of airdrops luxuries can be afforded, and there is a plentiful supply of tinned fruit and fruit juice. All food has been hermetically sealed in tins holding a 10 man-day supply, that is, enough food for one man for 10 days or five for two days. Distribution and allocation are thus Simplified. Wild Life The expedition’s main natural enemies (apart from natives) are not. as might be expected, hostile tigers and gorillas but snakes and crocodiles. There are 50 known species of snakes in NewGuinea apart from fresh water and sea snakes. About one-third are venomous Their nocturnal habits are a form of protection, and snake bite is not common. However, the expedition is taking no chances, and all members will be well versed in suitable protective measures. As in. New Zealand and Australia a great variety of bird life makes up for the lack of mammals. Fifteen hundred species and subspecies of birds have been discovered. the widest known being the famous birds of paradise—the king of their family being the firebird. The Pyramid still rises before us, the keystone in our complex of plans and problems. Out of the jungle of Papuans artd snakes, airdrops, and swamps it remains our target, our constant challenge. (To Be Continued)
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Press, Volume C, Issue 29503, 3 May 1961, Page 9
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970N.Z. EXPEDITION TO WEST NEW GUINEA Press, Volume C, Issue 29503, 3 May 1961, Page 9
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