"By Aeroplane to Pygmyland" Accounts of the 1926 Smithsonian-Dutch Expedition to New Guinea

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Journal of Stanley Hedberg
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August 31, 1926 : Rouffaer River ; Motor Camp


Tuesday
August 31
1926

Nothing of especially [sic, = special] interest today except that the Papuans did not return. The motorist has been working on the motor {F3.61} boat and it is almost repaired. It rained during most of the afternoon. It was just a light drizzle and not the usual New Guinea rain which generally falls in torrents. Another day closed without the appearance of the transport from Head Camp. They are now three days late and it is possible Captain Posthumus is using them in the mountains to cut the path for it is a huge task according to Matt. The sergeant here is an efficient individual and is getting some good work done around the camp. At present he is having the Dyaks and soldiers build a bath float and the convicts have been engaged most of the day clearing up the camp so it presents an excellent appearance and also helps eliminate some of the mosquitoes when the dead brush is cleared away. We felt in the need of reading so Dick and I spent an afternoon and most of the night reading. Today was the Queen of Holland’s birthday and the sergeant informed us. Dick developed the remainder of his pictures and they turned out very well.




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