Ramu Gold.

Is a New Field Being Opened Up?

'I'HEEE are persistent rumours

that a new goldfield is being

opened up in the Ramu River-

Bismarck Ranges region of New

Guinea. This region lies generally

south-west of Madang, and north

west of the present Morobe field.

But, although prospectors are in

creasingly active, we have had no

word of any rich “strike”.

The following are two communications recently received:

Transport Organised.

Madang, Oct. 6.

The entry of the big gold-mining com panies to the Morobe field and the buy ing up of large tracts of the gold-bear ing country of Edie Creek, Bulolo and adjacent country, have forced prospec tors into new territory. Many new fields and finds have been reported from time to time and mostly all have fizzled out.

Some wonderful prospects are now be ing reported from that part of New Guinea that forms the watersheds of the Markham and Ramu Rivers —but the area being worked is on the Ramu fall.

The proposition is a dredging one.

Messrs. Rowlands and Day have been for some considerable time in the area.

They were followed by Mr. A. J. Peden who, with pack horses, brought in large quantities of food, tools and equipment.

Cattle were even driven in. Mr. Peden returned to Sydney and procured more equipment, and is now on the way to being well paid for his enterprise.

Many others have now gone into the Ramu area and taken up leases. A land ing place for aeroplanes in the Ramu has been cleared, and used by the Guinea Airways ’planes from Lae and Salamaua.

The best road into the new field, which is only a few miles longer than the Markham route, is that in from the Ma dang end.

A company, said to have sufficient capital, is now fitting out in Madang.

It will be remembered that Mr. Fitz gerald died from fever, in 1930, in this region, while trying to locate an alleged German find in the Bismarcks.

It takes money and muscle to explore this country. Everyone hopes the pros pectors will reap rich rewards.

D.O. Becomes Miner.

Madang, Oct. 2.

A growing number of prospectors are coming into the Madang district. Ar rivals by last “Macdhui” included Mr. A.

J. Hunter and Mr. Phipps.

Mr. Hunter was formerly District Of ficer here, but now, it appears, is en gaged on a much more lucrative pro position.

Also, on the same boat, was Mr.

Schmidt, junr. Mr. Schmidt has joined his father and they have again gone back on to the Ramu; and, if Dame Rumour hath it correct they will benefit to no small extent.

It is hoped they will all do well as, apart from their own pecuniary benefit, Madang will profit by their labour.

If gold is found to any extent in the Ramu, possibly the old argument— whether Madang or Salamaua should be the port for the goldfields—will be auto matically settled.