Growth Of Edie

Creek

From Our Own Correspondem.

Edie Creek, July 30.

THE transition of Edie Creek from a scattered alluvial mining settlement to a township has never been so marked as during the last month or two.

The closing of the Day Dawn Mine, closely followed by Developments Mine (E.C.G.M.N.D.), and the marked decrease in tributors and independent miners, whilst N.G.G. are increasing their staff and activities, has caused the centre of the settlement to shift from Kiendi, where the Hotel, Edie Store, Native Hospital and Soldiers Hall are situated, upstream to Central Camp.

So rapidly are the “small men” disap pearing that shortly one will no longer hear: “So-and-So picked up a bonzer slug,” or “I believe Jack Johnson has got onto a jeweller’s shop in the Merri.”

The latest movements are: Dawn Day has reduced its staff from four to two: Messrs. Ashcroft and Campbell. “De velopments” paid off its staff, retaining Mr. McKenzie as caretaker. Both these mines are endeavouring to raise more capital South. The famous “El Dorado”

Lease from which the late Harry Darby and later the late David Lyall and his son won fortunes is up for tender. “The Cleopatra Lease,” pegged by Mr. Chas.

Booth for Mr. Hector Wales in 1926, and from which he has won thousands of ounces, is now under option to N.G.G.

The three tributors of N.G.G. who are working on the main stream, Edie Creek —Messrs. Russ Wild, H. L. (Bill) Stower and R. G. Courtney—have received a months’ notice. All old-timers, they have been winning very good gold for the last year. It is now N.G.G.’s intention to work this ground themselves, and Mr. Gordon Wild has been engaged to carry on the job.

Headquarters Creek, until recently worked on tribute by Mr. Caulfield-Kelly, is also being worked by “wages men.”

Mr. Kelly, who was recently very ill, has gone on a health trip.

Messrs. Peter Pianti and W. W. Clarke have finished up on the Merri, and have gone Southward, thus reducing the popu lation of this stream to seven.

Joe Taylor, one of the pioneers, who recently was working on the Watut, has “set-in” on the Wattle Lease, which was last worked by “Big” Jim Ryan. There are now nine leases and claims being worked on the mainstream, Upper Edie Creek—Wainright, on the “Queen of Sheba”; Schrater and Shoppee on the Re serve; Silburne on the “D. & W.”; Cyril Eldred and Hadley Bros, on the “Tucker”; Alex. Dickson and Bill Cameron on the “Boomerang”; and Joe Taylor on the “Wattle.”

Slate Creek and its tributaries support Messrs. Fitzsimmons and Bieri.

Mrs. Vic. Florance of Wau is at present staying with Mr. and Mrs. Bieri.

Mrs. Bowring has closed down her Mess at Kiendi and is trying her luck on Kabiak Creek.

Ern. Bowden of the “Boomerang,” who recently recovered from pneumonia, is at present holidaying South.

We were glad to see Mrs. Jack Crampton back after her very serious illness.

Mr. an d Mrs. Stower, who have both been in ill-health for some time, have gone South for treatment.

Mr H Kingsbury, the world-famous geologist, who has been engaged at Edie Creek undertaking a geological survey of the field, for the Mining trust (consulting engineers for the N.G.G.) dur ing the last six years, and has acted as Mines Supt. at Edie . Creek since Major Harrison’s de

parture for London, is now leaving us for U.S.A. via the Far East and London. Forty-five friends gave Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury a surprise farewell party on July 13, when presentations were made to this very popular couple and Mrs. Gillis. Mr.

Ken. Spinks expressed the residents’ regret at their departure. During Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury’s stay at Edie Creek they have laid out what is without doubt one of the finest gardens in New Guinea.

Mr. Chas. Marshall, who recently returned from South with a bride, is to take over the office of Mine Supt. on Mr. Kingsbury’s departure.

The erection of Hoile’s Picture Theatre at Kiendi is nearing completion.

Miss Leslie, of Wau, is now hostess at our local hostelry.

Mr. Ivan Clarke has taken charge of the native hospital. We are pleased to see such an ex perienced man in this position.

Mr. Brian Lane, who finished up at Day Dawn, is taking a long promised holiday in Australia.

Mr. George Hoffman, Government Road Master, has completed the new Wau-Edie Creek Road and is now going to Sydney for a well deserved

holiday. Standard-wheel-base lorries and cars can now go right through to Central Camp, Upper Edie Creek.

Mr. Harold Strong, of the P.W.D., who has been in charge of the road construction in the Wau township, is now engaged on the making of the difficult Merri Creek crossing.

Mr. Frank Doulton, who was working the “Glasson Lease” for N.G.G. has now left the company.

Mr. J. H. Curie, the famous author of travel books, has just explored our mountain. No doubt, Mr. Curie, with his extensive and penetrating knowledge of men and mines, will have much to say about T.N.G. and its inhabitants in his next book.

Mr. McCullock, chairman of Directors of N.G.G.

Ltd., has been inspecting the workings of that company.

Mrs. L. Shoppee, nee Sister Joseph, who was recently married at Salamaua, has now taken up her residence at the Reserve, Edie Creek.

Mrs. S. Fitzgerald has joined Mr. Fitzgerald at their home near N.G.G. Sawmill.

Mrs. A. H. Cresswell is away holidaying in Salamaua for a week or so.

The white staff of Day Dawn South Mine, at Bartlett’s Creek, has been reduced to one miner, who is carrying on development work.

Hidden Valley, which is a tributary of the Upper Watut River, and is almost due South of Edie Creek, and draws its supplies from here, still supports about four miners. There was a big rush to this area in 1929.