New Wewak Field
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
About 220 Men There Now
INFORMATION received to-day (May *• 20) is that there are at least 220 Europeans at work on the new Wewak goldfield, New Guinea.
The goldfield (which has not been pro claimed) extends westward of Wewak, along a narrow strip of country between the Torricelli mountains and the sea. The miners are scattered among the short valleys, between the mountains and the coast.
Steamers are discharging cargo for the field at Worn, near Matapau, about 30 miles west of Wewak. and aeroplanes are assisting in transporting it to the chief centre of the field, where they use an aerodrome called Marprik (“three days’
march inland”).
An interesting development occurred recently, when a solidly-backed London company, Far East Alluvials Ltd., bought from Mr. J. Pollard an option over three areas pegged by him —2000 acres behind Sawom (near Matapau), 2000 acres on the Amuk River, and 1000 acres on the Lower Screw River. The two last-named are on the southern (inland) side of the Torricellis. The Co. also has taken an option from Mr. J. Williamson over 2000 acres on the Sauein River, west of Mata pau; and Mr. Norman White, in April, arrived with drills, to make a test of both the Sawom and Sauein areas, in the hope that they may be proved as dredging areas.
In June, 1936, there were only six men on the Wewak field (Messrs. Dick Glas son, J. Thurston, J. Pollard, H. Tudor, senior and junior, and M. Dwyer). By November there were over 60. To-day, there are at least 220. —R.