Bgd Party Explores

The Sepik

Gold and Timber is the Quest

ON August 2, a party of three Bulolo Gold Dredging Company’s men (in cluding Mr. Wells, a mining engineer, and a botanist) left the gov ernment station at Angoram, Sepik River, New Guinea, by boat to explore the upper reaches of the muddy Sepik, for gold and timber.

As most of the expedition is in un controlled territory, Mr. E. D. Robinson, who was ADO at Marienberg, lower down the river, in its head-hunting days, was declared their leader. Better known as “Sepik Robbie,” he has had many ad ventures on the river, either alone, or with the late Father Kirschbaum. There is no one better qualified to control primi tive natives.

By the beginning of September it was expected that the expedition would have moved right up into the headwaters of the Sepik, near Green River, finishing the last stages by canoe.

This is the second post-war attempt by BGD to find payable gold in this area. About two years ago, Mr. H. Horn did what was described as some “serious work” for the company high up the Kurasimeri. The venture was later abandoned—but BGD never did say any thing concerning prospects "there,, olne way or another. Double canoes with a powerful outboard-motor took care of transport on that occasion.

To attempt to turn the mud of the Sepik into gold is no new venture. Not unsuccessful attempts have been made in the past in the Karowori district, Tamo River, around Mt. Garamambu, etc.

Schmidt, of unhappy memory, Beckett, Eichhorn, senior and junior, and Bill MacGregor are some of the best-known forerunners of the present BGD move.

A new aspect this time is the double survey—for timber as well as gold.

Whether successful or not, the ex pedition is bound to bring about some sort of gold-rush—no doubt many will suddenly feel drawn by the magnetic charm of the otherwise detested mos quito-infested Sepik.—PAT.