From Papua

Cuthbert’S Misima Gold Mine Ltd.

Mining and treatment operations have been carried on regularly by Cuthbert’s Misima Gold Mine Ltd., Misima Island, despite fairly constant heavy rains over the past two months, reported the secretary (Mr. C. C. Brown) in a circular to shareholders on July 31.

The mill is now treating at the rate of about 19,000 tons of ore a year. Mine development is well ahead of requirements, and the assay of lode faces shows up well. Ore is being won from 17 stope floors, besides all development faces, con sequently it is being spread over a large portion of the mine. Work for the enlarged plant is going ahead satisfactorily. The road to the new timber areas has been completed. It is estimated these areas contain sufficient timber for about 10 years.

In addition the company holds other timber areas.

At an arbitration sitting in Samarai the Co.’s claim for £763 against the vendor Co. for a pro portion of the gold in the vendor Co.’s final clean-up in October was successful, whilst a claim for £llO7 against the Co. by the vendors for certain native labour was not successful. The costs of arbitration are to be paid by the vendor Co.

The interim dividend of 6d. a share, payable on August 28, together with the five per cent.

bonus distribution among the Co.’s white staff, will absorb £7875.

The following report was issued on August 8:

Louisiade Gold N.L.

The activities of Louisiade Gold N.L. at Misima Island have ceased, and the plant has been removed to Sudest, according to an interim report issued to shareholders on July 17.

The first objective of the Co. was to place a small sluicing plant on alluvial leases at Misima held by a native named Gala. A party of five sailed from Sydney in October last to erect plant, clear the ground, and build a dam. Monsoonal rains delayed operations, but work was recom menced in March. It was found that the ground to be treated contained much clay and heavy boulders and in consequence recovery was diffi cult. More machinery was sent to the property, hut results were not commensurate with the time and money spent. In May the Board decided to withdraw from Misima and concentrate on Sudest.

Because gold to the value of only £lB4 has been received in Sydney, the manager has been requested to speed up production at Sudest. A

competent mining engineer is now inspecting the property, and will return to Australia in Septem ber to make his report to the Board.

May.

June,

July.*

Ore, tons 1436 1580 1305 Bullion, oz 1877 2396 1498 Gold, fine oz 499 499 348 Silver, fine oz 1336 1843 1150 Estimated value (gold at £A8 per oz.) £4095 £4122 £2844 Value per ton 57/- 52/2 43/7 * To July 18 instead of July 23.

Low recovery due to excessive rains flooding vats and causiner loss of solution. During the period 40 inches of ram fell, which is considerably above the average.

Shipped for realisation about £75 worth of auriferous sands and £500 worth of slags and . ashes.