Gold In Papua
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
History of the Fields Yield Approaching £2,000,000
From Our Own Correspondent
Port Moresby, May 2.
THE history of mining in Papua is interesting. As far back as 1884, in the first annual report, there is a mention of 375 ounces of gold be ing exported.
The next yield of gold was in 1889, when the Louisade rush occurred in the SE. Division (Misima). This and the Murua field (Wocdlark Island) rush in 1894 yielded between them over £991,000.
Later came the Gira, Milne Bay and the Yodda rushes —1898, 1899 and 1900 respectively. The Yodda was of out standing importance. The three fields were very profitable and yielded some where near £600,000.
The Keveri and Laloki (Astrolabe) came next (1904, 1906), but were of minor importance compared to the former enterprises, the results reach ing well under £36,000.
The old Lakekamu rush in 1909 was in the district of the new field of to day. which was re-opened by the Gov ernment in 1930. The Tauri and Tiveri are in its bounds.
The total yield of gold in the tre ritory since 1884 is approaching £2,000,000. It has involved the work of nearlv half a century and goodness knows of how many lives!