P-Ng Pearl Shell Expedition
p. 77 · Read in the full issue
AN attempt to find pearl-shell groundvS in Papua-New Guinea waters, believed to have been fished by the Japanese pre-war will be made soon by Torres Strait pearl-sheller John Nolan.
Nolan expected to take the Crystal Star to P-NG from Townsville late in February.
The vessel, which has just completed two successful seasons working from Thurs day Island, is diesel-powered, 65 ft. long and fitted out with latest diving gear and plant.
It is intended to survev the coast of P-NG from east to west and, although details have been gathered regarding the posible location of shell beds, it is hoped that local people will be able to assist with more accurate information.
The members of the crew are Captain Rae Fisk, Chief Engineer Joseph Schinkel, George Minns as Mate, and Sebasio Wallis and John Anderson. Nolan, the owner, will act as diver.
Some native seamen will be recruited in the Territory and if the survey is successful, natives will be trained as divers and divers’ tenders.
Mr. w. V. Banting, Accountant-General, Fiji, has been appointed Deputy Accoun tant-General, Northern Rhodesia.