Fiji’S Gold

Issuing New Licenses

IT is reported in Sydney that practically all of the numerous Australian com panies which are operating or hold leases on the goldfield on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji, have been granted a renewal of their prospecting licenses.

The Fiji Mining Board has been busy since June 1, considering the reissue of prospecting permits to the various appli cants.

The licenses entitle holders to prospect for gold in defined areas for a period of two years, which should give them ample time to prove the values of their proper ties. If payable gold is discovered license holders must take out a proper lease be fore actual gold recovery is commenced.

Recent developments in Fiji include the following; Tavua Gold Developments Ltd., of Syd ney, has been granted licenses over five different areas.

Mineral Developments (Fiji) Ltd., of Sydney, has been granted licenses over 14 areas.

Aloha Alluvials, N.L., has abandoned the area in which it was interested on the upper part of the Waimanu River.

There have been reports that the Em peror mine—Mr. Theodore’s property where gold is now being produced —would amalgamate with Loloma and Koroere.

But as that plan would involve consider able rearrangement of companies and capital, the report is not seriously re garded.

It is reported that Sir Charles Marr, a director of Tavua Gold Options Ltd. and Mineral Developments Ltd., is activtly pursuing his inquiries with a view to pro moting a hydro-electric scheme to cover the whole of Viti Levu.