Late News

Death Of Joe Sloane

rE oldest of the Papuan and New Guinea gold-prospecting pioneers, Mr. Joe H. Sloane, died in Brisbane Hospital on March 7.

He landed on the coast of Papua, seek ing gold, about 55 years ago, and pros pected with varying success until after World War I. Then he followed “Shark eye” Park across the mountains into the Upper Bulolo region, and he was one of the “Big Six” who discovered Edie Creek and Koranga.

Some of his remarkable adventures will te told in the April “PIM” by another Papuan old-timer. Mr. D. H. Osborne.

Army Rule To End Soon

IN a statement in Canberra on March 8, and reported only in Melbourne, the Australian Minister for Terri tories (Mr. Ward) said that: • It was hoped that Civil Administra tion would be extended into New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville in March and April. ° An agreement would be reached soon to provide an inter-island shipping service for 12 months, using Govern ment-controlled ships. ® A permanent regular service between Australia and the Territories was now receiving consideration.

Colonel Murray, Administrator of Papua-New Guinea, arrived in Canberra on March 14. (See article on p. 8, col. 3.)

Shell Wanted

WE have received an urgent inquiry for pearl shell, suitable for button making, from Bond Bros. & Co..

Inc., 310 California Street. San Francisco.

USA. They ask that “reliable suppliers” communicate immediately, by air-mail if possible; send sample shells and auote prices for shell, suitably packed for ship ment, cif San Francisco, and indicating probable monthly supplies.