Seeking Timber in New

Guinea Series of New Enterprises

INHERE is marked and increasing inter . est in the timber resources of New Guinea A man from the United States (Mr. R. M. Neely) was there in July, carefully investigating the possibili ties of an export trade between New Guinea and America.

It is known that important timber in terests in Australia have their eyes upon the stands of pine and cedar in and around the Bulolo Valley, and that prob ably they will seek concessions as soon as some decision is reached in relation to a road between Wau and the coast. It was ascertained in August that the fol lowing were interested in New Guinea timbers: — New Guinea Forests, Ltd., understood to be a subsidiary of Bretts, of Brisbane, is registered in Rabaul and has interests on the north coast of New Britain.

New Britain Timbers, Ltd., believed to be a subsidiary of Messrs. Gibbs Bright and Co., Ltd., are registered in New Guinea, and have interests in the Kerawat and Bainings district, at the eastern end of New Britain. They have a sawmill there and are shipping to the southern markets.

Messrs. J. Ryan and Sons, of Melbourne, have interests in the Kerawat district (New Britain). They are producing tim ber for local use, and are exporting wal nut logs.

Mr. Charles Boles, a local man, has a sawmill at Waterfall Bay, on the south ern coast of New Britain.

The New Guinea Trading Co., Ltd., registered in Rabaul, is operating on the south coast of New Britain, 80 miles from Rabaul. Plant is being installed, and shipments of lumber for south should commence shortly.

The Pacific Lumber Company, whose operations were based on Pukpuk, and whose establishment cost over £30,000, sent away a lot of lumber—B2s,ooo super feet in one shipment—but met a great deal of trouble. A large portion of their exports was condemned, and it was stated in Rabaul in August that, although plant, tramlines, etc., were all there, in good condition, active operations had ceased.

Mr. McKinnon, pioneer of Port Romilly sawmills, in Papua, was in Rabaul in August, examining the timber situation.

Timber men are keenly interested in New Guinea walnut, or lope, of which there is a fair quantity, widely scattered.

It is regarded as an excellent substitute for Queensland walnut. It is said that lope can be landed in Sydney for about 20 A per hundred feet, and can be sold there for £3 per hundred feet. The North Queensland walnut costs- twice that sum.

Mr. P. j. Hepburn has completed his term at Apia as Auditor,to the Western Samoan Administration. He has been succeeded by Mr. Martin, who arrived from New Zealand recently by the “Maui Pomare”.