On An Old Goldfield

jV/f-ft- HUMPHRIES was the warden on iTA the old LaJcekamu goldfield, Central Papua. He saw the decline of the field , and the population slowly dwindle , until only one European remained, where for merly many hundreds were busy. tTERE they walked and talked, and dreamed of finding Gold, to open a wide world’s door.

The passionate voices of a rich-find minding Whatever doubts the day’s yield bore.

Here they lived and toiled in ecstasy, grew thinner, Rarely about their hardships word was heard.

The chorus was, “The field will prove a winner!”

And now the silence here is never stirred!

The disappointment! Yes; but affirma tions, All holding promise for the unspent days, Of richer fields and startling revelations, Consoled and sent them forth by divers ways.

I hear their joking faintly, and the laughter To veil the thoughts then mirrored in their eyes; M atching them go, and lonelier ever after, I saw them big and brave men, if not wise.

Richard Humphries.