Goldfields, N.G.

November Report for Morobe Goldfields, N.G.

THE Warden of the Morobe goldfields reported to the New Guinea Administration the fol lowing activity on the field for November, 1935: The gold and silver exported during November was 18,630 ounces, valued at £A107,607.

Early in the month W. B. Babbington reported payable gold on Wongombungor Creek, in the Wampit Valley. A rush set in, and almost the whole creek was pegged, while dredging claims were marked off from the junction of the Won gombungor and Wampit to the Markham. Results were disappointing, and most of the men left after testing. Testing of the dredging claims has not yet been carried out. The find was visited by the Acting-Warden on the 18th, after a pre vious attempt had failed owing to bad flying weather.

Bulolo Gold Deposits Ltd.: Sluicing operations on Flat Creek were carried on during daylight hours, with two nozzles. One set of 72ft. sluice boxes were in use. The water was turned off on November 25 at the intake of the main race at Big Wau Creek to allow repairs to be continued.

Until the end of the month, stone-walling of race and flume repairs were being carried out. On November 23 work was commenced on dismantling the main 22in. diameter pipe line, and shifting same to a new route further up Flat Creek. Six natives were continually pit-sawing pine logs for timber for general purposes. Four Europeans and a line of 69 natives were employed, and all were in good health.

Sunshine Gold Development Ltd.: Consolidated Watut Claims: Ten Europeans and 208 natives were engaged on the Baiune water race construc tion, and on the rivetting of the inverted syphon pipe line. Transport of all sluicing plant and pipes is completed. The sawmill was cutting tim ber for use on various sections of the water race construction. Total number of Europeans engaged was 14, natives 225. Testing was in progress on the Sunshine leases, and the drilling plants moved downstream from the junction of the Snake and Watut Rivers.

Bulolo Gold Dredging Ltd.: 84 trips were made by the co.’s aeroplanes from the coast, 242 tons of cargo being delivered at the Bulwa and Bulolo aerodromes. All dredges operated satisfactorily. 811,000 cubic yards were mined, which yielded 14,087 unrefined ounces of gold. On November 29, the No. 2 dredge was closed down for the in stallation of jigs and modern gold saving equip ment, larger pontoons, lengthening of digging and stacking ladders, etc., which will make the dredge suitable to dig somewhat deeper. The hydraulic elevator and boxing operations at the upper end of the property handled 6977 cubic yards, which yielded 494 unrefined ounces of gold. Three power drills are operating at the southern end of the property, two on double shifts. Another power drill is testing on the Minerals Exploration Syndi cate leases near Wau. where hand pits are also being sunk.

N.G. Goldfields Ltd.: Edie lode No. 1. No. 1 shaft. No. 4 level plat, advanced 6ft. to a total of 7ft. Karuka vein. Haulage crosscut advanced a further 45ft. to a total of 1120 ft. Shaft sunk an additional lift, to a total of 142 ft. Diamond drill hole No. 3 deepened a further 103 ft. to 595 ft. A strike of engine drivers during the period ad versely affected all mining progress.