Papua’S Gold.

Rich Discovery Reported.

REPORTS of another rich gold discov ery in Papua were brought to Syd ney by Mr. H. M. Cutlack and Mr.

E. A. Baker, who arrived by the “Mon toro” on January 5.

Acting on rumours of gold in Eastern Papua. Messr. Cutlack and Baker led an expedition into the interior of the main land about 120 miles from Samarai. After an arduous journey through country in which they crossed mountainous ranges and traversed jungles they made the strike.

Mr. Cutlack considers that the dis covery is even more important than that at Edie Creek. The gold is associated with platinum and, while an accurate as say has not jet been made, Mr. Baker, who is a practical miner, believes it to be 90 per cent, pure and grading about 22 carat.

The interests represented by the ex pedition are prepared to start work al most immediately, a large area having been pegged out.

From the account of the prospecting party, much development work will be necessary before the field is in produc tion, as it is completely shut in by rough country. The party met hostile natives but Mr. Cutlack, who has a knowledge of medicine, was able to win their confi dence by treating two sick natives. One of the bearers died of pneumonia on the journey.

Nothing yet has been made public to show the exact location of the new field.