Progress on the New Guinea Goldfields

From a Special Correspondent.

WAU, Feb. 6.

Yl/A.U is now a well ordered township, * * neat and compact, with well laid out streets. The houses lie in gardens gay with flowers —rcses, dahlias, balsams and marigolds—and in the centre, and around which the township is built, lies the aerodrome. This is the heart of the com munity, and upon which Wau relies for communication by ’plane. Without the aeroplane, the township and the mining community that surrounds it would hardly be in existence to-day.

Wau is a remarkable little township, where apparently everyone is doing well.

It has an air of bright cheerfulness, which is not usually encountered in a tropical centre, and the reason, of course, is gold, and plenty of it.

The township seems to have all the facilities of a modern metropolis. It even boasts of a beauty parlor where “perms” and, perhaps, even face lifting can be obtained!

Road To Bulolo

The road to Bulolo is progressing.

Each week that passes one sees a further extension of this indispensable roadway, linking up two important centres, with all the conveniences that motor service can bring. Already cars can drive more than three-quarters of the way down. It is understood that the road will be com pleted very shortly.

Club House At Wau

Very remarkable to newcomers is the Club House at Wau, which has only re cently been opened. It is a mixed club, and is used freely by visitors from distant settlements on their visits here, as well as by residents who find it of inestimable value.

The principal room is large and square shaped, with a very well furnished veran dah. Screens of coloured glass shut off the glare, and a billiard room lies along side.

New Hotel At Lae

Mr. Tom Flower, well-known to resi dents in Papua and New Guinea, recently completed a very fine hotel at Lae, a contract to the order of Mrs. Stewart, of Wau. Particular interest is attached to this hotel because the whole of the wood work was cut at' Wau and taken down by ’plane.

It is a well constructed, modern building, with a comfortable sitting room on the ground floor, and has plenty of bathrooms with running water. The commodious bar and billiards room are up-to-date, and the kitchen is remark able for its size and conveniences. The bedrooms are large and airy. A verandah runs around the top floor, well shaded and made comfortable by lounge chairs and small tables.

The hotel, it is understood, is under lease to Mrs. Baldie, formerly a resident of Papua.

Guinea Airways’ Efficiency

The activities of Guinea Airways Ltd. astound the new arrival, who is amazed at the efficiency, enterprise, and manage ment of the colossal undertakings ex tending throughout the Morobe goldfield and far into the interior of Papua and New Guinea, which include carrying passengers and freights, and maintaining regular communication.

At times 20 or more ’planes can be seen landing at Wau, within short intervals of one another, on their way to and from the mining camps that lie scattered far

away in the distant ranges. Like a flock of birds they alight and fly off to all points of the compass, making for the 30 or more aerodromes that form the nucleus of each settlement.

At Lae, the chief aviation centre, over 100 skilled Europeans are employed in the workshops and hangars, which house besides other ’planes three huge Junkers (3 engined and capable of lifting 3 tons), seven small Junkers, two 12-seater Fords and a small Moth, all ready for any emergency.

Recently the Administration opened a new District Office at Lae in charge of Mr. A. Roberts, A.D.O. This innovation is of great assistance to the authorities, as well as settlers in the district.

Sunshine Gold Development Co.

Sunshine Gold Development Co. are con structing large and extensive water races for their new hydro-electric plant. The undertaking, made of cement, entails an enormous amount of work. These races lead over steep mountain slopes, whose sides have to be excavated to suit the needs of the undertaking. The work is being vigorously carried out and a large

number of native labourers are employed with a view to commencing production at an early date.

Mr. Dan Leahy’S Camp

Mr. Dan Leahy’s mining claim on the slopes of Mt. Hagen, five miles from the landing ground is said to be working well, though reports suggest that within nine months it is likely to be worked out. The mining camp in this remote area is re markable for its comfort and efficiency.

The well equipped house is fitted out with electric light and other comforts which are rather surprising for a dwelling in an “uncontrolled” area of New Guinea.