WAU

town, eastern Papua New Guinea, at the junction of Edie Creek and Bulolo River, in a mountainous region accessible by road from Lae and by air from Port Moresby. Gold was first discovered (1921) at Koranga Creek, followed by further strikes on Edie Creek flats. Wau was the scene of World War II battles (1943), especially around its hillside airstrip. The town was rebuilt after the war, but not on its former scale. Gold, although still significant, has been replaced in economic importance by coffee and timber, which are exported trhough Lae. Because of its elevation (3,300 ft ) it is promoted as a "hill station" for Europeans. Nearby is McAdam National Park. Pop. (1980 prelim.) 2,374.