Solomons Gold

Is There Field in Bougainville?

Reef Reported Near Kieta

MUCH quiet interest is being taken in a reported discovery of gold in Bou gainville, in the Solomons portion of the N.G. Mandated Territory.

The discoverers are Messrs. Palmer and Comb, and the suspected goldfield is at a place called Kupei, four hours’ march from Kieta, in the mountains, behind Arawa plantation. Not much has been said about the find: it is un derstood that those interested are wait ing, without unnecessary fuss or ad vertisement, for certain official conces sions, after which there will be develop ments.

It is stated it is not an alluvial field— the gold discovered is in a reef. The natives in these districts are not dan gerous, and there is plenty of native labour available.

The district is receiving a good deal of attention from various wandering prospectors.

It is interesting to recall that Men dana, in 1568, gave the name of “Solo mon” to this group, to make his coun trymen believe that they were the mys terious source of King Solomon’s gold supply, and so induce their rapid colo nisation by the Spaniards. Rich gold prospects have been reported from various islands of the group.