The Silence of Berande.
p. 20 · Read in the full issue
B.S.I. Gold.
THERE is a singular absence of authentic news about the result of the investigation of gold prospects on the north coast of Guadalcanal, near Berande.
It will be remembered that a botanist, searching in the remoter ranges, in that part of the Solomons, found startling indications of rich gold. A syndicate of Solomons Islands planters and traders was formed; the well-known Pratten interests in Sydney were approached; an engineer of high repute, Mr. Pen man, took an expedition to Guadalcanal, to investigate; and thereafter a black silence descended.
It has been variously reported that "the show was a washout”; that rich dredging-ground was found along the lower valleys; and that “there is some thing doing, but it is being kept very quiet.” The absence of any develop mental operation suggests either a complete disappointment, or something very rich. Moderate values would mean prompt activity, so as to take early advantage of the present extraordinary value of gold (about £7/8/- per ounce in Australian currency) which may not hold indefinitely.