Origin Of Mining

Machinery

Letter to the Editor IN answer to your correspondent’s query about the origin of the old mining machinery now lying alongside the Buna-Kokoda Road, I can supply some particulars. I was there when it came.

I think it was in 1911—I’m rather vague about the date now.

It was intended to work a dredging proposition on the Yodda field, promoted by Mr. Ernie Oates, one-time manager of Whitten’s store in Buna. The late “Hoppy” Clark was manager; and I re call that Stuart (Jack) Mac Lean, after wards a planter in the Mandated Terri tory, and Ted Evans, who had the Moresby Bakery later on (I think he’s still there) were employed by them. The plant was railed to where it now is on a portable train-line; but it took so long to get that far, and the difficulties ahead were so formidable, that the enterprise was ab andoned. A sawmill which was part of the equipment, was operated by Evans for some time, about where the machinery lies now.

The names Buna (correct pronuncia tion, 800-na) and Sanananda, are from the Binanderri dialect, I have heard.

But I have forgotten the origin of “Eud aiadere”—l fancy he was an early visitor to those parts.

I am, etc,,

R. Shaw Moody.

Sydney, 22/3/47.

Letter to the Editor rE machinery lying beside the Buna road is probably all that remains of one of the ventures of the late W. H. (“Hoppy”) Clark. The destination of the machinery was The Yodda. and it was planned to transport it for 70 miles with one mile of tramway rails —which were to be picked up and laid down ahead, as the machinery was moved forward.

Mr, Jack McLean was in charge. The machinery had been transported some distance, and the rails were raised for another span, when news arrived of World War I. Mr. McLean, who had had military service, heard the call, and he crossed the Owen Stanley Range on foot,

to enlist with the AIF. That was the end of the venture. I think the three names inquired about are all of native origin.

I am, etc.,

D. H. Osborne.

Brisbane, 23/3/47.