Solomon Is. Gold

From Our Own Correspondent TULAGI, March 10.

CONFIDENT of success, Mr. A. J. Ault, and Mr. Thebon, of the Pioneer Gold Company, are continuing their gold seek ing activities on Guadalcanal.

Their main effort is on the Chuva area, about 50ft. above sea level, and some 10 miles inland from the coast. A motor car and trailer carry in their gear and sup plies over the recently constructed road.

While drilling operations were proceed ing at Chuva, Mr. Ault went to the top area, at Jarivunga, seeking to discover where the gold came from, but he could not locate its source. Mr. Ault has now returned to the camp at the coast, where he has been laid up with illness.

The Pioneer Company has another area, the Suta, which is more difficult of access.

Not much work has been done there, and it is believed that the Co. will not operate there until its two other properties have been definitely proved payable.

It is reported that Pacific Islands Gold Development Co, have abandoned inves tigations in the group; at any rate, they are disposing of their gear. They have put a £lOO reserve on the drill.

Solomon Islands residents are sceptical about gold prospects on Guadalcanal out side of the “Big Six” claims.