AFRICA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 25, 23 June 1909, Page 8

AFRICA.

West African Diamonds. Fresh finds of diamonds in Spencer Bay, north of Luderitz Bay, German South West Africa, have led to a sensational rise in the shares of German Colonial companies trading in the district. Alluding to the diamond discoveries, Herr Dernburg, German Colonial Director, who recently visited the district, said a great sensation had been caused by the finding of diamonds near Buderitz Bay. They are fairly perfect octahedrons of good water. The strip of country, winding itself in crescent form around Duderitz Bay begins south below Elizabeth Bay, and extends north as far as the sea to the vicinity of Anichab. Only after an exact survey has been made will it be possible to form an idea Of the general extent of the diamond field. At present one can only speak of a very considerable deposit. The output did not begin with any regularity until the month of September, prior to which not more than 2720 earats had been produced. Since September the output had risen as follows: September, 6644 carats; October, 8621; November, 10,288; December, 11,549 —total 39,762 carats, or 40,000 carats odd, representing a selling value of about 1,100,000 marks (£55,000).