EXPLORING NEW GUINEA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16583, 16 November 1921, Page 7

EXPLORING NEW GUINEA.

AUSTRALIAN EXPEDITION RETURNS. By T&iegrapli-Press ABaociation-Copjright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 16, 9.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, November 16. The Commonwealth expedition under the leadership of l>r Campbell Brown ha? returned after spending nearly a year exploring the natural resources of the mandated territory in New Guinea. Dr Brown will submit a report to the Government. The expedition secured much valuable information and met with numerous adventures, particularly among the primitive tribes, some of whom are cannibals, alqng the Ramu River. Many had never seen a white man. All were armed, but readily responded to friendly advances. Some splendid were seen, but, taken as a whole, tlie most striking thing was their diseased condition. Tropical ulcers. frambsesia, cataract, and diseases resembling leprosy were frightfully prevalent. There is a pressing need for a medical mission. No missionaries have penetrated the region. Enormous numbers of birds of paradise were seen. There was an extensive series of volcanoes, mostly extinct, and thermal springs and geysers were examined. EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 16, 10.25 a.m.) MELBOURNE, November 16. Rumours aro current in Federal circle® that a number of charges of embezzlement have been made against people at Rabaul (New Guinea) and that some have been, arr.ested. It is understood that Mr Hughes is making a definite statement confirming or scouting the disquieting rumours respecting the assets of Germans in th© mandated territory.