Misima's Gold

New Mines and Better Communications

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, Jan. 20

IVITSIMA Island —so far, the only min ing field in Papua, within the last decade, to show anything resembling prosperity—has recently installed a tele phone service, which not only connects the Government offices and the two main stores, but extends towards the principal mining concerns in the hills—Cuthbert’s Misima Goldmine, and Gold Mines of Papua.

The installation already has had an appreciable effect on business on the

Upper: A view of Umuna, (Cuthbert’s Mine).

Lower: A snapshot of some of the buildings at Kulumalia (Major Love’s Mine). These pictures give an idea of the heavy forests with which the mines are surrounded. island. Communication previously was maintained under serious disadvantages owing to the difficult nature of the coun try and the excessive rainfall, which persists throughout both periods of the year—the so-called “Wet” and “Rainy” seasons.

Following upon this innovation, A.W.A. on December 21 established a wireless station, under a local manager, and con stant communication by radio is being maintained with Samarai and Port Moresby.

The European population, owing to the rapid expansion of mining concerns, is increasing each month, and it is feared that the Matoma , which maintains com munications with Samarai, will not have sufficient accommodation for the growing passenger-list and the large amount of cargo to be handled in the future. There are hopes that some means will be found shortly to improve the port facilities on the island.