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[Page 107]
5.
Sepik River expedition. - Commander (D)'s report on.
to it, but we made shift to pour our lamp oil on the fires and thus brought up our steam and speed and it was not long before we secured alongside the boat, which proved to be a very fine [Bolinda?] cabin launch. We found here the Engineer of the expedition and about 30 or 40 boys. A large village had been built, the forest cleared on the mountain side, and gardens planted. The profesor however was further up the river in canoes, with the remainder of the police, some 25 or 30 natives.
This I considered to be the farthest possible limit for a ship of any size to get up. - The river was at it's normal highest, and even here 7 fathoms was obtained, but the current was very powerful, and the drop to normal lowest was said to be three fathoms at least. The "Nusa" could have gone up about another 20 miles when it becomes too shallow for anything but canoes. We also found here 3 big motor launches and one small engine which was used on a dug out, this latter I requisitioned, it being the property of the Engineer; one of the launches was his own property, the other two were Government property or Government chartered. These were annexed, as also were the rifles, stores, ammunition etc.
Staying the night here, I filled up with firewood next day, and embarking the German commenced my return journey. Major Martin elected to remain behind with the police boys, so I gave him one able seaman. He will bring down the professor and stores in the different motor boats, cargo barge, and canoes found there.
The return to Angorum and picking up of "Warrego" and "Parramatta" was made without incident. I remained at Angorum all night. and proceeded with a party of mixed troops, and also Lieutenant Chambers, to round up a village where it was said that Government stores had been secreted; failing to find the stores we took the head man and placed him in Calaboose until he finds his tongue. I then proceeded down the river and spent the night at sea, to rid the ship of mosquitoes etc, picked up "Yarra" on the way and proceeded to Madang.