BULOLO GOLDFIELDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19969, 10 December 1926, Page 11

BULOLO GOLDFIELDS

TROUBLE OYER LEASES. MINERS’ GREAT PRIVATIONS. TASK WELL-NIGH HOPELESS. (Frew Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY. December 9. (Received Doc. 9, at 5.5 p.m.) After a delay of several weeKs caused by a breakdown of the wireless plant at Aiorobe, the Daily Guardian publishes a radio message from the Bulolo goldfields in New Guinea stating that as tne result of an official proclamation that prospectors were not allowed to seek gold on the leases held by the syndicate known as the “Big Four,” about 70 miners,’ or 90 per cent, of those left on the field, invaded the leases and washed for' gold. At their request the police watched the proceedings and took the men’s names. The gold was afterwards lodged at the Warden’s office, and the miners requested Mr Bruce to hold an official inquiry regarding the leases which they invaded. The message also states that there is great privation on the field. Much sickness exists among both the whites and the natives. Two whites died en route and others have died on the field. The jumping of claims is rife while the owners are absent in search of food and labour. Native labour is scarce, and exorbitant figures are paid to secure the natives required for transport work. The miners also sent a message by wireless to the intending gold-seekers that the chances of those leaving the coast for the field are now almost hopeless. They added that they will hang on till the “grub stakes” are exhausted, and then they must go or be carried out broken financially and in health.