The Forestry Labour Force

forestry. The completed survey was shown on the map produced by the Department of Forests entitled Bulolo-Wau Valley, Area of Forestry Interest, C390, 10-1-64. The establishment of the trig stations allowed the detailed surveying required for roading and plantation establishment to tie in with the overall survey network. These surveys continued as required into the future.

In Wau the available land suitable for plantation establishment in the Kauli Creek area, and initially named Anderson’s Logging Area, was planted up over a period of four years commencing in 1956-57 and completed in 1959-60. On the map C390, this area was called Kauli Creek Territory Forest. Forest Ranger Mike Kazakoff supervised this area of plantations establishment. The senior foreman was Bai from Kaiapit Village in the Markham River Valley.

In 1960 supervision of Wau forestry was passed to Des Harries.

On Edie Creek Road. June Harries and friends botanising, 1960. Photo Credit

Des Harries.

In 1960 the Kauli base was abandoned, and a permanent Forest Station established on the Northern side of the Bulolo River. This was to be accessed via the Pine Creek Road, and a new concrete bridge was constructed crossing the Bulolo River. However, before the bridge could be used, floods washed out the temporary road approaches. For several months access was limited to vehicles capable of fording the river or by walking.

Flood damage at new Bulolo River Bridge site, 1960. Photo Credit Des Harries.

The Forestry Labour Force

In the post-war period the workforce at Wau was provided almost solely through the system of indentured labour organized by the Administration. The source of this labour force was the Eastern Highlands, commonly from Kainantu.

The so-called ‘lines’ of thirty young men were recruited for two-year periods. Usually they selected their own ‘boss boi,’ who thereby gave his name to the ‘line.’