Scientific Researches in New Guinea.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 6696, 23 September 1896, Page 1

Scientific Researches in New Guinea.

Dr Loria, who seven years ago went to New Guinea to make some scientific researches, arrived in Sydney recently He is on his way to Italy, and provided with a considerable amount of data with regard to the aborigines of the island as well as of its natural historj'. Dr Loria stated to a member of the Herald staff that the principal investigations he had made were in anthropology and ethnology. He had taken measurements of skulls, the height of men, stature, etc. The only thing he was prepared to say at the present time as to the result of his studies was that there was no distinct Papuan race. The people had no distinct characteristics like other nations or divisions, and they varied in all their physical attributes. The doctor was of opinion that the Papuans were a mixture of a large number of races, but where they originally came from or who those races were he was unable to say. _lt was a question which, with the material he had gathered upon his visit, would form a subject for future study. The doctor's researches were confined to the British portion of New Guinea, but he had learned sufficient to form opinions of the whole population of the island. The customs of the population were very peculiar, although in places they were st 1) cannibals. In natural history Dr Loria considers there is a very fine field for exploration in New Guinea, The paradise birds were so called '■.. doubtless on account.of their beauty, but in this respect there were also paradise insects, which in form and colour were exceedingly beautiful. In all parts of New Guinea traces of gold are to be found, and the precious metal is no doubt there in payable quantities.