New Zealanders In Wilds Of New Guinea Establishing Plant On Goldfields.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18785, 14 June 1929, Page 3

New Zealanders In Wilds Of New Guinea Establishing Plant On Goldfields.

NATIVES, VERY SHY OF WHITE MEN, RUN AT THE SIGHT OF A CAMERA

(Special to the “Star.”) OAMARU, June 13. News received in Oamaru from Mr Ivan Paterson, formerly of Oamaru, but now in charge of a big undertaking in New Guinea on behalf of a Melbourne syndicate, gives definite information in regard to the development of the goldfields there. The enormous undertakings which are under way there indicate the unbounded confidence shown in the wealth of the country. Mr Paterson, on his return to the Upper Watut goldfields, some months ago, was accompanied by Mr Ken Macdonald, also of Oamaru, and their letters vividly portray their adventures on the fringe of the unexplored hinterland of New Guinea, which is inhabited by natives who are credited with being addicted to cannibalism. These natives are very shy of white men, and are extremely difficult to photograph, the sight of a camera or a gramophone sending them helter-skelter for the bush. They, however, are becoming, accustomed to calling at the camps of prospectors and bartering foodstuffs for trinkets and knives, etc. The two Oamaru men are enjoying good health in their camp on the Upper W T atut, and write enthusiastically about the fine climate experienced on the high tablelands in inland New Guinea, one describing it as “ the finest in the world,” a striking contrast to that found on the fever-stricken coast lines of the islands. Mr Paterson, who had some years' experience on the Shotover, in Otago Central, also contrasts working conditions with those ruling there. In New Guinea, says Mr Paterson, there are no restrictions as to a shortage of water or as to freezing, such as are experienced on the Shotover. On the Upper Watut, too, they have a cultivation patch on the river bank, in which pineapples,

banana palms, breadfruit trees and all manner of vegetables flourish fruitfully. The claims on the Upper Watut are alluvial, and Mr Paterson is engaged in establishing a hydraulic plant. A plentiful supply of water is obtained from a race constructed through the jungle by native boys, and materials are conveyed from Salamoa, on the coast, to the goldfields by aeroplane. This venture, now well established, is under the control of the New Guinea Airways Company, the headquarters being at Wau aerodrome, 3400 feei above sea level, two Junkers and a Moth machine being used for the conveyance of passengers and supplies inland.

According to reports received from other sources, the development of this part of New Guinea is being rapidly pushed ahead. The claims on Edie Creek have all been bought up, and the amalgamation of two large interests has resulted in the formation of a company with a nominal capital of £4,500,000. This company will operate on alluvial deposits and quartz reefs, the tests of the alluvial deposits, showing wonderful results, being confirmed by actual working returns. The reefs have also been carefully prospected, and disclose remarkable richness, the values, it is stated, averaging £ll 10s per ton over a reef ten feet in width The outcrop is 7000 feet above sea level. In addition, the company holds concessions over the timber in the locality, which is reputed to be of immense value. In order to develop these resources to the utmost, a railway has been surveyed from the coast to Wau, a distance of sixty miles inland, and at the terminus a town site has been surveyed. Work in this connection is being proceeded with, and motor roads and a light railway are now being surveyed to the top of the Edie plateau, 7000 feet above sea level.