FILMS, PRESS, AND RADIO ON THE EXPEDITION 



289 



would occasionally go to the studios to perform with scientists in drama- 

 tic reconstructions of fishing at 10 kilometres. 



And when the whole invasion of Press, radio, and film people was 

 safely off the ship it would be strange not to find a loitering representa- 

 tive of the leading local paper wanting a scoop. Experience soon taught 

 us to have a reward up our sleeves for such enterprise. 



That evening and the next morning we could reap the fruits of our 

 labour in column-long articles and reports on front pages and series of 

 pictures on the back page, though there would never be time to read 

 them till we were once more at sea. 



There would be a great variety of jobs to be done. The Governor would 

 give a reception. The local naval authorities or the local Danish society 

 would give us all a wonderful excursion with an al fresco lunch. A camera- 

 man would be wanted to photograph the proceedings. Word would 

 come from the Consulate that a few hundred kilometres inland a native 

 tribe was holding some ritual feast, and of course a photographer had to 

 go. The tea harvest was in progress in the valleys and we needed some 

 shots of it to complete our film about tea-growing. 



There were six hours for filming in. Before ten and after four the light 

 was too red for colour work. And from twelve to two nobody would go 

 out in the sun. Six times four gave 24 working hours when the rain did 

 not pour down, as in many places it did while we were in the middle of 

 the work. Yet we succeeded in making between 25 and 30 films all told. 

 Naturally we had a high percentage of wasted film, but we believed in 

 getting something, even though conditions were not of the best. 



Preparing for the great 

 sacrificial festival 

 in the village of Kabiufa, 

 in the central heights 

 of New Guinea. 



