New Wealth in Dutch N.G.

The great peninsula at the north-west end of Dutch New Guinea. Vogelkop Scheirieland, has just been leased by the Netherlands Indies Government, for 75 years, to the Standard Oil Company of New York, the Shell Company, and the New Jersey Company. The three com panies, who hold respectively 40 per cent., 40 per cent., and 20 per cent, interest in the enterprise, will commence an inten sive scientific oil search immediately.

The Government will receive substantial benefits from any oil developments.

Promise of similar concessions has been given to the Billiton Tin Company and Erdman S. Sielcken (whose engineer is Mr. Jansen) if they can find in the large area of Western Dutch New Guinea they are now exploring. This area lies just across the border between Dutch New Guinea and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. It is proposed to use aeroplanes freely in the explora tory work connected with both enter prises.