Bright Outlook In

Papua

Cinderella Among Pacific Islands May Yet Be Richest of Them All

From Our Own Correspondent.

Pt. Moresby, Apr. 19

THE economic outlook here is exceed ingly bright at the moment, and there is good reason for saying that Papua, so long the Cinderella among Pacific terri tories, may yet be the richest of them all.

The steady influx of experienced men from all over the world to join the staffs of the big companies engaged in the search for oil has already caused a boom in the distributing and transport busi nesses. Everyone confidently expects an important oil discovery soon, but the “old hands” are discouraging any specu lative fever.

The big concerns seeking oil appear to be very much in earnest. Papuan Oil Development Ltd. (otherwise The Shell Company) have over 30 Europeans, with huge equipment, and a large native staff on the job. Additional experts are con stantly arriving to assist in the Co.’s activities. Other companies have small staffs, but these also are being increased.

The Vacuum Oil organisation (Island Explorations Pty. Ltd.) appear to be giv ing attention to the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, as well as Papua. It is reported that they are especially inter ested in an area near Madang.

Copra and rubber prices in Papua are good, and new rubber lands are being planted. The Lieutenant-Governor (Sir Hubert Murray), who has just returned from a tour of the South-eastern Division, is favourably impressed with the possi bilities of the goldfield at Misima Island.

Rev. D. Spier, of the Lutheran Mission, Narer, Madang, died in New Guinea on March 20.