New Guinea

New Co. For Dutch

Plans For Far-Reaching Development

THE determination of Holland to develop her own tropical terri tories, and so to forestall the Japanese in their insistent argument that they are entitled to enter undeveloped territories in the South Seas, is seen in the recent creation of the Netherlands New Guinea Company. It has been formed with far reaching, long-range plans for the deve lopment of Dutch New Guinea and the neighbouring districts in Papua, and some fifteen leading Dutch concerns in the East Indies, and probably British interests, are expected to take part.

The initial capital of 2,000,000 gulden (equal to £220,000 sterling) is being provided, and the company will have a governing body in Holland and a board of directors in Batavia, where Mr. E.

V, Van Dunne will be Managing Direc tor.

Full Government co-operation is as sured. The first task is exploration. A research company will exploit natural products of land and sea, and study the question of agriculture, testing out the cultivation of various staples.

Combating malaria and other diseases is regarded as most important. The possibility of white settlement in the upland areas is not being overlooked, though any decision will not be rushed.

Settlement of Javanese on any large scale is not expected for at least ten or 20 years. On the other hand, every ef fort will be made to develop the capa cities of the Papuans, though it is re cognised that steady constant work is strange to them.

Exploration of oil and gold possi bilities will be continued by the New Guinea Petroleum Co. and the Billiton Mining Co.