Port Moresby Arrival

THE CARONIA is due to arrive at Port Moresby at about 11.00am and will lie at anchor. A race by native-built Vanagi canoes is scheduled to take place as the ship enters the harbour.

After the clearance of the ship by the port authorities, at about 11.30am, passengers will go ashore by the ship's launches. A transfer service will be maintained throughout the afternoon at regular intervals between the Customs Wharf and the CARONIA.

Departure

5pm sharp. The last launch will leave the landing place at 4.30pm for the CARONIA.

Notes on Port Moresby

PORT MORESBY is the capital of Australian New Guinea and the largest town on the huge island. The focal point of a strong objective, the Japanese came within 25 miles of attacking it during their heyday in the war.

MT. LAMINGTON is approximately 90 miles North-East from Port Moresby. After a harmless eruption on Thursday 18 Jan 1951, Mt. Lamington exploded with colossal fury 3 days later, on Sun. 21 Jan. It devastated an area of about 8 by 15 miles, destroying the Government Station at Higaturu and many native villages and plantations, killing more than 4,000 people.

The Administration took over the organisation of relief of the distress of the survivors, who are being evacuated to Wairope, and plans have already been made for the re-establishment of the natives in new areas out of the danger zone. Meanwhile, the area surrounding Mt. Lamington has been closed on the advice of the Government Vulcanologist.

The outward effects of the eruption at Port Moresby are little. Pumice dust is still prevalent, though not in the quantities deposited immediately after the first eruption, but sufficient to impair visibility of distant points of interest and shroud the town in a dullish atmosphere.

News of the disaster had a profound effect on the native population. Mt. Lamington figures prominently in many of their legends, and a curious fact is that a number of the natives foretold these latest and largest eruptions and left the danger zone before they began.

Currency and Mail

Australian currency and postage stamps are used in Port Moresby. There is only an infrequent airmail service to the United States and that by way of Sydney.

Party “A”

Upon arrival at the Customs Wharf this group will proceed on the drive to Hanuabada, returning to the town about 1pm for a buffet luncheon at the Papua Hotel.

Party “B”

Members of this group will first have luncheon at the Hotel, which is close by the Wharf, at about 12 noon, then take the drive to Hanuabada.

Both Parties will attend the Tribal Dances at the Recreation Oval, about two blocks from the Papua Hotel, at 2.30pm.

The Cassawary Dance

The tribal dances to be given at the Recreation Oval at 2.30pm will include the native Cassawary Dance. The younger men with the best physical development, wearing elaborate headgear made from the feathers of the Bird of Paradise, lead the dance.

Only those who have killed a man may use the Cassawary Feather in their headgear for the execution of the dance. Those wearing the Cassawary Feather form a block in the centre and do a rhythmic movement of the head and the long Feather.

Young native aspirants for feather honours dance and hop around the outer edge of the block. Other savage dances of New Guinea will also be given.

Port Moresby Departure

The CARONIA will sail from Port Moresby at 5pm sharp for Singapore. All passengers are asked to report their return on board to their Bedroom Stewards.