Drilling in Papuan jungle About

to Commence

JN less than a year after Australasian A Petroleum Co. Pty. Ltd. selected a site for drilling, in the dense jungle near the Vailala River, some 75 miles inland from the Gulf of Papua, drilling will commence. The site was selected in April, 1940, and drilling is expected to operate next month, in oil-mapping the territory, selecting the site, clearing the jungle, transporting £200,000 worth of machinery, constructing a drilling rig 130 feet high, and housing and caring for a large staff, the Company has spent £700,000 and established a new Papuan township, which has been named Kariava.

Now, everyone concerned will await with the keenest interest the result of the drilling. The drill can go down to 10,000 feet, and on its verdict depends whether Australia is to have an independent oil supply. .. , Mrs. Bignold, wife of the Crown Law Officer of Papua, Mr. E. B. Bignold, ar rived in Australia by plane in January, to undergo treatment in con nection with her sight.