To Encourage

Gold Search

In The Territories

(From Our Own Correspondent)

P. Moresby, Feb. 25.

WAYS of assisting and stimulat ing the mining industry were considered by the Special Min ing Panel set up by the Admin istrator at its second and final meet ing on February 23.

Miners agreed with the Panel that a financial advance to prospec tors, possibly on a “pound for pound” basis, would encourage in dividuals to continue working on promising areas. Alternatively, it was suggested that perhaps up to 80% of the money already spent by the prospector on opening up an area could be advanced to continue work on the field. Advances would be made after the “show” had been inspected by a geologist and an engineer and recommended as be ing worth further development.

Experienced miners said there were good areas in Papua worth in vestigation and more prospecting effort; but mostly the total ex penditure needed was beyond in dividuals’ resources. They needed a cash advance after they had put in a considerable amount of their own money.

Another suggestion was that the Administration should acquire two portable drills—one for Papua and another for New Guinea—which could be loaned or hired out to prospectors.

An Assay office in the Mines De partment, and a display of ore samples, would be of value.

The desirability of exclusive prospecting rights being granted to individuals for a limited period on fixed areas was discussed.

Mr. O. P. Blanden (chairman of the Panel and Mining Warden for the Morobe District) urged the for mation of a Miners’ Association to act on behalf of miners and prospec tors in much the same way as the Planters’ Associations act for plant ation owners.

Recommendations will go in a re port by the Panel to the Adminis trator.