32 Tuesday Jan. 27: A hot, steamy morning after yesterday's rains. Scarcely a stir in the air even on the great wide verandah on which my room opens, and from which one looks through coconut palms and shady trees to the sea. The big trees are figs and rain trees (Pithecelobium). Saw a big flying fox, apparently a scout, exploring the fig trees last night. Called on Group Captain Pierce, Air Officer Commanding North-eastern Area. His area takes in eastern New Guinea as well as the eastern part of Cape York Peninsula. Quite an office staff. Was disappointed to find that Iron Range field has been completely abandonedby the RAAF and all buildings sold and re- moved from the area. At Jacky-Jacky only a caretaker is stationed, looking after some buildings that remain. I thought we might find buildings to camp in at Iron Range, and perhaps get some assistance in transport in the Jacky-Jacky area. Pierce offers transport in the event any of our party have to be evacu- ated through illness, if we should be stranded without supplies anywhere, etc. Nice chap. Townsville has more the atmosphere and appearance of an inland pastoral town than of a coast town, although it is a port of considerable importance. Looks as if some business men took over a bit of coast, put up some buildings and wharves as a depot for their outback sheep and cattle properties, and left it at that. An ugly town. Little has been done to develop the natural ad- vantages of the place, less to make it attractive or convenient for a stranger. For example, there are no street signs, and no names on public buildings. You have to inquire your way around in Townsville, or, if you are lucky enough to find one, hire a taxe. Taxi drivers seem to feel that their job is somewhat beneath them. Perhaps as balm to their pride, they levy a stiff toll on their fares, to wit 2/6 minimum, or 50 cents at par. Left Townsville 12:15 PM and arrived Cairns airport 1:25. Bad weather and saw little of the country. Our DC3 flew in cloud much of the time. Got a broken view of Palm Island (Patches of light rain forest in the prevailing savanna), and as we approached Cairns, a glimpse of the dark high peaks of the Bellenden Ker Range sticking out above the clouds and, below us through the overcast, rain drenched sugar fields on rain forest land along the Tully River. Cairns airport, built on a reclaimed mangrove flat, was almost awash with rainwater and an exceptionally high tide backed up by southeast winds. Air terminal nicely kept, with green lawn, gay shrubs, tree ferns, and tropical orchids. It's too bad that the ANA pick-up bus was such a wreck. Its roof kept the sun out but not the rain. Water dripped down on every seat. The 3-ply lining was swollen and buckled, and leaving the walls. Found upon my arrival that part of my baggage was left behind in Townsville by mistake or inefficiency. A black box containing all my film. The palne was only half loaded. Dupain of Burns Philip sent a man to meet me, and had a room reserved at Hides Hotel (managed by Mr. Henderson, owned by Burns Philip). For a big corner room with bath, but no toilet, the rate is 22/6 per day of 6/5/- per week, including meals. The hotel is very well kept, has a fine dining room, good lounge, and the food is excellent. Dupain ill with fever, Main Roads man (Mr. Gallop) who was going to call at the hotel did not turn up, so got no business done in afternoon. Was visit- ed at hotel by Capt. E. Smith, owner and master of the M.V. Lochiel (Smith formerly cartographic officer of the survey ship H.M.A.S. Moreesy). Offers his vessel for charter at L. 120 per week all found, including fuel, provi- sions,xxx crew and insurance. Also willing to carry us and cargo at ruling