NEW GUINEA GOLDFIELDS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 65, 10 December 1926, Page 11

NEW GUINEA GOLDFIELDS

REQUEST FOR INQUIRY INTO LEASES PRIVATIONS SUFFERED BY MINERS Sydney, December 9. After a delay of several weeks, caused by a break-down in the wireless plant at Morpbe, the “Daily Guardian” publishes a radio message from the Bulolo goldfields in New Guinea, stating that, as a result of an official proclamation, they were not allowed to seek gold on. the leases held by a syndicate known as the Big Four.. About . seventy miners, or 90 per cent, of those left on the field, invaded the leases and washed a quantity of gold. At their request the police watched the proceedings and took the men’s names. The gold was afterwards lodged at the Warden’s office, and the miners requested that the Prime Minister (Mr. S. M. Bruce) hold an official inquiry regarding the leases they invaded. The message also states that great privation is being suffered on the field. There is much sickness among both whites and natives. Two whites died en route, and others on the field. The jumping of claims is rife while the owners are absent in search of food and labour. Native labour is scarce, and exorbitant figures are paid to secure the natives required for transport work.

The miners also sent a radio message to intending gold-seekers_ stating that the chances of those leaving the coast for the field are now almost hopeless. They add that they will hang on till the “grub stakes” are exhausted, and then they must go ot be carried out, broken financially and in health