"Ernie" Dover Dead

Pioneer of Morobe Goldfields

From Our Own Correspondent WAU, Feb. 1.

ERNEST Dover, a very well-known identity of the Goldfields, died from Japanese River fever on Sunday, Janu ary 28, at the Wau Hospital.

“Ernie”, born in London, was among the very first pioneers of the Morobe Goldfields, being associated with “Shark- Eye” Park. Nettleton and others, in 1924.

When the rush from the Kulolo to Ka indi occurred in 1926, Ernest Dover was. among the first to reach the new Eldo rado, with Bill Royal.

Knowing Dover’s slight physique, one wonders at his hardihood in those wild days. For a long time he travelled the formidable road, from the coast to Ku lolo, with supplies.

Ernest Dover served during the last war, but one seldom, if ever, heard him speak of his war services. He had not an enemy in the world, was always charitable and courteous, and he is missed by the many who had known him for long years on the Goldfields.

Mr. Dover originally came to New Guinea with the A.N. & M.E.F. and transferred to the Department of Agri culture. He saw service with this de partment in the Kokopo and Kavieng districts, ultimately resigning and join ing up with the Expropriation Board.

Finally, about 1924, he went prospect ing for gold. He always missed for tune “by a whisker”, as he said himself.

At one time he owned the rich Kor anga claim, which he sold to Messrs.

Pryke and Joubert.

Mrs. T. and Miss E. Warburton, well known residents of Ba. Fiji, where Mr.

Warburton is manager of the B.P. (S.S.) branch, are at present on furlough in Sydney. They arrived in Australia several weeks ago, and proceeded to Brisbane where they spent some time before re turning to Sydney by the “Macdhui”, early in February.