THUR. 30 APRIL 1964 Woke at 5:1a.m. Rain was teeming down on the leaves of the breadfruit tree next to the grass house - it makes a drumming sound. It was still pouring at 7:30, but finally let up at 11:00. Tobram and I, Davida, Wawaina (our first cook boy) went out to the Sago swamp to bring in our mist net. One Syconycteris dead (probably of rain exposure) in net. Also took down net across small creek. Garden trap line yesterday. Word came in this A.M. that a snake was in the roof of a native house above us. Ken shot off and was back in a few minutes with a pinkish 5 foot snake. Later our little friend with a beard was in with a 4 foot snake, possibly the same species. There was a big group of meris, picaninis, boys and counselors watching Stan, Ru + Ken taking pictures. Both snakes would rear into a coiled striking position and occasionally lunge at a boot or the snake stick. It was quite a show. Only two bats to make up today. Ron came by to introduce a number of counselors; they are here for a meeting at the council house. Some of them will help us to get carriers for our Sunday trip down the Mongi Valley. Plane in about 4:30 p.m., but no mail. Late this afternoon Stan and Davida rigged two tall bamboo poles with a monofilament between plus several lines baited with trout flies. Then a line to a small pendulum motor to jig the flies! But Ken beat the rig with a pole, 2 small hooks + a live moth. He took a 2nd Miniopterus! Ron + Ren Willard came to call at about 9:30 p.m. with orange juice + home-made cake. Kim had curry this noon, and a wonderful fruit bowl tonight. He has reorganized his kitchen. Ken has worked up a very fine native labour list - pay, rations, first on any expedition.