N. G. Goldfields

Road

Engineer Recommends Bitoi Route

AFTER carrying out most difficult in spections of the proposed routes for . the Salamaua-Wau road, Mr. Field (Director of Public Works in New Guinea) finally reported that there were only two routes for practical consideration: I.—The short route, via the Bitoi (about 50 miles), as recommended by the Wau community. 2.—The long route (Salamaua-along coast to Markham-up Markham to Wam pit-thence to Bulwa, Bulolo Valley and Wau). This is over 100 miles, and is ad vocated by tb 4 ose who wish the road to have permanent value in developing the Ramu hinterland.

It is understood that the estimated cost of each route is about £200,000. Be cause it provides a much shorter route for goldfields traffic, Mr. Field has re commended the Bitoi road.

It is believed that Mr. Field’s report reached Canberra about the end of Feb ruary.

Meanwhile, Mr. H. T. Allan has inform ed the Minister that the survey party sent out by the N.G. Mining Association had gathered data to prove that the road, via Bitoi, could be built for the original estimate of £150,000. Mr. Allan urges an early start on the construction of the road because: Much of the survey work already is completed.

Miners and contractors, with at least 1,000 native labourers, are available to start work now, but may be dispersed within a few weeks.

A road along the Bitoi Valley will open up new gold-bearing country for development.

Early completion of the road will allow an early start by the Bulolo Val ley timber interests, who are going to provide valuable back-loading.

It is thought in some quarters that the choice between the two routes will be referred to the Amalgamation Com mission—which, of course, will mean a long delay.