NEW GUINEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 11, 10 December 1926, Page 7

NEW GUINEA.

CONDITIONS ON GOLDFIELDS. Dec. 9. After a delay of several weeks, caused by the breakdown of the wireless plant at Morobe, the Daily Guardian publishes a radio message from the Bulolo goldfields, New Guinea, stating that, as a result of the official proclamation that they are 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 gold. At their request the police watched the proceedings and took the men’s names. The gold was afterwords lodged at the warden’s office and the miners requested Mr Bruce to hold an official inquiry regarding the leases they had invaded. The message also states that great privation exists on the field. There is much sickness among both the whites and the natives. Two whites) died en route and others 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 radioed a message to intending gold-seekers stating that the chances of those leaving the coast Jfor tjfio field are now almost hopeless, adding that they will hang on till their grub stakes are exhausted and then must go on or be carried out broken financially and in health.— Press Association.