SEARCH FOR GOLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22318, 16 January 1936, Page 9

SEARCH FOR GOLD

PACIFIC ISLAND JOSEPH CONRAD'S TRIP OUTLINE OF PLANS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received January 15, 9.45 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 15 In outlining the plan for a search for gold in the Pacific, in which the sailing ship Joseph Conrad is to be used, the owner and master of the vessel, Mr. A. J. Villiers, said he was taking a party of five. His job was to land the geologists and engineers on an island where they would make tests for gold. The Joseph Conrad then would continue her voyage to London, via Cape Horn and New York. Mr. Villiers said he was taking a good sized auxiliary boat to land the party who, after making tests, would be able to sail in it to an adjoining island where they would pick'np a steamer and return to Australia.

A cablegram from Melbourne on January 13, stated: Carrying a party of scientists and botanists, the Joseph Conrad, tho only British full-rigged sailing ship afloat, which arrived at Melbourne last week from Sydney after sailing round the world on the route of Captain Cook's Endeavour, will leave at the end of this week on a mysterious Pacific cruise. Mr. A. J. Villiers, the owner and master of the little vessel, said to-day that he was sailing under sealed orders and would not know liis destination until he was at sea. It is believed the cruise includes Auckland and also that the intention is to seek gold on certain Pacific islands.