Morobe Population.

THE Committee prepared a strong case for the selection of Wau, and made the following points:— The town is well laid out, with good roads and plenty of room for expansion.

Wau already has electric light and power, a telephone service, and large public departments.

The European population of the dis trict already is:—Wau, 824; Bulolo and Bulwa, 365; Watut, 54; Salamaua, 163; Lae, 148; Finschafen, 46; total, 1,600.

Indentured native labourers total 12,794.

Wau, at 3,400 feet, has an equable, sub-tropical climate, and the nights are cool. There is very little malaria and, with closer control, it could be elimin ated.

Owing to the cool climate, and the great fertility of the soil, there is an abundant supply of fresh vegetables and certain necessary fruits. English po tatoes grow prolifically.

Gold produced in the Morobe district last year was worth £1,915,502, and the royalty thereon was nearly £lOO,OOO. In addition, the Government obtains revenue on Customs charges, mining rents, sur vey fees, etc.