31 over-crooked or of poor quality. Makassars shifted to go-down the remainder of the cargo except benzine and gal- vvanized iron: got in timber for kitchen, firewood, etc. A further examination of the proposed ramp site showed that it is anything but good. There is a good hard beach wi[h a slippe to low water mark of 1 in 10 but beyond that it is practically flat, ending in a nasty coral reef about 200 yards off shore and obstructed by a sandbank about half way out. There is barely enough water to float the aeroplane at high tide and a long ramp will be necessary. Hired a native canoe to inspect other parts of the shore in the morning and had th use of the Bantam's motor launch to examine the north arm of the bay in the after- oon. Was satisfied on these inspections that the only possible site is the original spot near the pier at the township. Will make a detailed survey of this tomorrow. Engaged an Ambonese named Marcus as mandoer over the Papuans at £30 per month and a food allowance of 40 cents a day. April 26th. Showers began during night and did not finally clear until mid-morning. A few Papuans turned up for work but, under the leadership of one Amus, stuck out for higher pay. In the afternoon however, several came along and offered to work tomorrow at 30 cents. This seems a miserable wage to me but it is evidently the ruling rate. The labor supply being uncertain here, Mr. Hoogland sent to Sentani today for 40 men. He will also send out for sago to feed these people. Ramm, Richardson and myself spent the day sounding and markingout a site for the aeroplane ramp. The site chosen, the only possible place in Hollandia Bay has some serious disadvantages which the following radio sent to Rand at Batavia ex- plains--"Particulars only ramp site available Hollandia Bay 190 feet top beach to high tide depth four feet stop Forty yards beyond ramp a firm sandbank 40 yards wide and shallowing to 3 1/2 feet beyond which 5 to 6 feet of water to fronting