NEW GUINEA GOLD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 203, 28 August 1935, Page 5

NEW GUINEA GOLD.

Figures contained in the latest report to the council of the League of Nations by the Minister of External Affairs, Sir George Pearce, show that the mandated territory of New Guinea is now a greater gold producer than any Australian State, excepting West Australia. The report shows that in the year ending June 30, 1934, 275,5110z of gold, valued at £1,367,013, were exported from New Guinea—an increase of G0,6880z and of £433,670 in value over the gold production for the previous year. Interesting details regarding the development of the mandated territory are contained in the report. The enumerated population is shown at 420,329, exclusive of indentured labourers absent from their villages numbering 30,59."). This is an increase of 55,795 above the population recorded in the previous report for 1932-33. About 57,000 native children are attending schools in New Guinea. Economic crops under cultivation include castor oil, tumeric, chillies, cinnamon, hemp, arrowroot, artichokes and derris roots, used in Australia for destroying ticks. Customs revenue for the year was £157,343 —£3818 greater than the amount collected during the previous year. Imports were £924,310 and exports £1,706,198. showing an' excess of exports of £841,882 compared with a favourable balance of £008,907 for the previous year.