NEW GUINEA GOLD

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1929, Page 7

NEW GUINEA GOLD

'DEVELOPMENT OF THE GOLDFIELDS. Xu\vs received in Oamani from Air Ivan Paters m, lormeriy of Oamani, • nit now in elm rye of a big undertaking in Xuw Guinea on lielialf of a Meljcmrne gives definite inl'oruation in regard to the development or tlie gohiaelds there. Tlie enormous undertakings-which are underway there indicate tlie unbounded coniidence shown in the wealth of the country.

Mr Paterson, on his return to the Upper Watut goldfields some months ago, was accompanied by Air Ken Alacdonald, also of Oamani, and their letters vividly portray their adventures on the fringe of the unexplored hinterland of New Guinea, which is inhabited oy natives who are credited with being addicted to cannibalism. These

natives are very shy of white men, and' are extremely difficult to photograph. the sight of a camera or a gramophone sending them liolter-skel-icr for the lnisli. They, however are becoming accustomed to- calling at tlie camps of prospectors and bartering foodstuffs for trinkets and knives, etc. The two Oamaru men are. enjoying good health in their camp on the Upper Watut, and .write enthusiastically about the fine climate experienced on the high tablelands inland in New Guinea, one describing it as “the finest in the world,” —a striking contrast with that found on the feverstricken coast lines of the islands. Mr Paterson, who had some years’ experience of the Sliotover, also contrasts working conditions with those ruling there. In New Guinea, lie says, there are no restrictions as to a shortage of water or as to freezing, such as arc experienced on the Sliotover. On the Upper Watut, too, they have a cultivation patch on the river bank, in which pineapples, banana palms, bread-fruit trees and all manner of vegetables nourish fruitfully. The claims of tlie Upper Watut are alluvial, arid Air Paterson is engaged in establishing a hydraulic plant. A plentiful supply of water is obtained from a water-race constructed through the jungle by native boys, and materials are conveyed from Salamoa, on the coast, to the goldfields by aeroplane. This venture, now well established, is under the control of the New Guinea Airways Company, the headquarters being at Wan aerodrome, 3400 feet above sea level, two Junkers and a Afoth machine being used for the conveyance of passengers and supplies inland. According to reports received from other sources, the development of this part of New Guinea is being rapidly pushed ahead The claims of Edie

.reek have all been bought up and the amalgamation of two large interests has resulted in the formation of a company with a nominal capital of £4,500,000. This company will operate on alluvial deposits and quartz reef's, the tests of the alluvial deposits showing wonderful results, being confirmed by actual working returns. The reefs have also been carefully prospected, and disclose remarkable richness, the values, it. is stated, averaging £ll 10s per ton over a reef of 10 feet in width. The outcrop is 7000 , feet above sen level. In addition the company holds concessions over the timber in the locality, which is reputed to ,be of immense value. In order to develop these resources to tlie utmost, a railwav has been surveyed from the coast to Wan, a distance of 60 miles inland, and at the terminus a town connection is being proceeded with, and motor roads and a light railway are now being surveyed to the top of the Edie plateau, 7000 feet above sea level.