31701-0017-0001

15 Battn Detach.,
Port Moresby,
Papua.
19th Oct '40

Nancy Darling
I have just arrived again in camp, having already mailed your letter. I raced down to the canteen to get your parcel. Honey, it's really swell of you, and a camera's so useful up here. The first film I use will be of myself and the beauty spots. Within the next few days another three boats are expected. You probably missed your boat by a day. Really,
Nance it's been well worth waiting for.

I must tell you about our last few hours at Porebada. It was most dramatic, yet touching. Now I feel that that primitive village & it's people has entered my blood.

Soon after dinner on Friday afternoon, groups of young people arrived at the hilltop in front of our campsite. Each wore some tasteful decoration, whether a blossom, gum tips, or beads, and some brought dance spears & tom-toms. The boys arrived by custom first, the girls later. Upon our fireplace, wood was piled high for a huge bonfire. At the setting of the sun the revelry began. Men sat to one side, women to the other, while we ourselves, sat on a form. The wallaby corroboree was perfect. The dancers acting surprised us all, it was so full of gracefulness, and meaning. The night was dark only when a heavy cloud
passed overheard, is the moonlight made magic. How I wished