DISPUTE ON GOLDFIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 13

DISPUTE ON GOLDFIELD.

TROUBLE IN NEW GUINEA. RIGHT TO WORK CLAIMS. REFUSAL TO GRANT LEASES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. SYDNEY. Dec. 13. Regarding the dissatisfaction among miners in the New Guinea goldfield Mr. H. Clark, a mining engineer and a representative of the New Guinea Gold Compauy, who is visiting Sydney, explains that the whole trouble is over four leases at the head of Edie Creek, which are held by the discoverers. The leases embrace a considerable area. Applications were made for 21 other leases surrounding and adjoining the four. After fruitlessly waiting for months for official action the Miners' Association decided to mark off the whole area into miners' right claims, the size of the areas being 200 ft. by 100 ft.. and ballot for them. After the ballot those who obtained the claims proceeded to work, but an official wireless message was received stating that the 21 claims had been refused and the four original leases granted. Consequently the men who had drawn the claims in the, ballot were compelled to cease work or risk a heavy fine or imprisonment. The holders are left stranded until the warden arrives and adjusts matters. The position of the unsuccessful claim holders is serious. Mr. Clark states that the whole disputed area is suitable for working as miners' rights with box and dish. The field itself is cold, but it will be healthy when good communication is established. Mr. Clark expects important developments. He is satisfied that alluvial gold will be found within a radius of 2DO to 300 miles of Edie Creek.