The existence of this small lake on the ridge near Kauli Creek had always been an intriguing natural feature. It also benefitted from having a magnificent view over the Wau Valley. As part of the site cleanup, it was decided to clear and burn some surrounding regrowth and to poison the extensive kau kau (sweet potato) gardens using herbicide. An unfortunate occurrence during the burn-off was that a spot fire in the neighboring Hoop plantation not being noticed in time and about an acre of plantation was destroyed. Extensive effort was put into the establishment of ornamentals, pathways, etc. around the lake. Some planting material was even flown in from Port Moresby. The resulting efforts were quickly appreciated by Wau townspeople, who used the site for family picnics. One family even had a small sailing boat brought up to use on the lake. The McAdam Memorial In late 1960 the Department of Forests sent draftsman Laurie Edwards to Wau to develop a plan for a permanent Memorial to its first Director. The site chosen was close to Kauli Lake but on its own grassland knoll. A massive concrete slab shaped as a stylized arrowhead was designed. This imposing memorial is visible from the air. It points true north across the Wau Valley and the site of Jim McAdam’s first Forest Station, and towards the imposing mass of Mt. Missim which lies between Wau and Salamaua on the North Coast. All these areas had played a significant part in Jim McAdam’s life. We hope he would have approved of what came after.
Plaque to Jim McAdam Memorial Park 1968. Left Chris Borough and right John Smith. Photo credit John Davidson.
J B McAdam Memorial Park Wau 1968. Photo credit John Davidson.
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