Oil-Seekers In Papua 20

Years Ago

THIS interesting, old photograph taken at Vailala River, Papua, nearly 20 years ago, shows geologists of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, who then were conducting a vigorous search for oil in the Territory The A.P.O. activi ties extended over 10 years, until boring work at Popo ceased in October, 1929.

In the group are: Standing (left to right) Messrs. W. Gray and Brown, Mrs.

Mayo, Messrs. Mayo (Chief Geologist), and E. Lister-James (General Manager); sitting (left to right): Messrs. Haynes (now in Papua with the Apinaipi Petro leum Co.), de Verteuil (at present in Trinidad), J. N. Montgomery (in Papua again now as Chief Geologist of Oriomo Oil Co.), and Bouchier (killed some time ago in a motor accident in the Malay States).

Mr. Indar Singh, formerly well-known in Fiji as Seigeant-Major of Constabul ary, arrived back in the Colony recently from India, where he had been living in retirement. He has now settled per manently in Fiji.

Mr. D. A. C. Butler, newly appointed manager in Fiji for the Union Steamship Co., arrived in Suva by the last “Matua”.

Mr. A. J. Thomas sailed from Sydney for Hog Harbour, New Hebrides, by the “Morinda” on September 15. He is Brit ish Agent at Hog Harbour, and had just completed five months’ leave in Australia His Honour Chief Judge F. B. Phillips arrived In Sydney from Rabaul, New Guinea, by the “Montoro” on September 5, for several months’ holiday. He is be ing relieved by Mr. P. L. Griffiths, Solici tor-General of Tasmania.