HIDDEN WEALTH.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17607, 9 November 1922, Page 4

HIDDEN WEALTH.

EXPEDITION TO PAPUA. (from ottr own correspondent.) SYDNEY, November I. Details have been received in Sydney of the British Pacific Scientific Expedition, a party of explorers which has been organised in London recently to survey the extensive and hitherto un~ penetrated areas of Papua, and ascertain their economic value. The expedition has been organised by two Australian geologists—Mr Neal McNeill and Mr Lucas O'B. Connolly—and the committee' of control is being founded by the Earl of Plymouth. The programme, as now laid down, will occupy two and a half years. Although in Australia Papua is considered to be one of the richest areas in the world, very little is actually known of the country, and the only information wliich. can be had about the prospects of the territory is that which has been supplied by the few British settlers along the south-eastern coast. Many small expeditions from Australia have worked the coast of the island, and navigated many of the larger rivers, but unfortunately these expeditions have never been of complete scientific composition, and have never applied scientific investigations to the prevailing economic conditions. The expedition will comprise 32 Europeans, with their own vessel, and about 4.00 native police and carriers. An advance party is expected to leave for Australia shortly to make preliminary arrangements for the reoeption of the expedition in Australia and its programme in Papua. All branches of scienoo will be represented on the main expedition, with complete field equipment. Operations will begin qn the north coast of the mandated territory, and the area surveyed will probably consist of a strip 140 miles wide and 500 miles across from north to south. Particular attention will be paid to the areas along the Fly and Strickland Rivers, two great waterways, which will provide excellent and cheap transport. It is hoped that the expedition will solve the problem surrounding the suitability or otherwise of Papua for British settiers. At present the meagr© information available concerning fhis great island is,sufficient to tomot only the most venturesome spirits from crowded Europe.