Archive S-February 1945

Landing-craft, Groceries

The London “Daily Telegraph”

recently suggested an interesting post war conversion of a wartime invention -

landing-craft. Landing-craft which put

down men, guns and heavy equipment on open beaches will, it believes, revolu tionise transport in areas (particularly the Pacific) which lack port facilities.

One Australian shipping firm is reported to have already offered to buy from the British Admiralty, as soon as the war is over, a number of tank-landing ships and small craft.

It intends to use them for its Pacific Islands service. Cargoes can be picked up or set down with equal facility on hitherto unapproachable beaches.

Stripped of their military gear a craft capable of carrying several hundred tons of cargo could be run for about l/-per mile.

Mount Kasi Mines

Some interest has been created by the fact that Mount Kasi Mines, Ltd., have recommenced operations on their mining area at Yanawai, Vanua Levu.

The company was forced to cease mining and milling operations towards the end of 1943, owing to their inability to obtain essential plant and materials.

Actually the company has not recom menced mining operations, but is engaged on a churn drilling exploratory

programme, recently approved by a spe

cial meeting of shareholders.

Amendments To

Regulations Covering New

Guinea

Australian National Security Regulations, as they apply to the New Guinea Territories, were amended on January 10.

They provide: - For the transfer of the powers for merly conferred by the Regulations upon the General Officer Commanding, New Guinea Force, to the General Officer of the Australian Military Forces. - That companies whose articles of association require that meetings of shareholders or directors shall be held in Papua or New Guinea, may now hold such meetings in Australia. - That owners of properties as well as lessees, are brought within the provisions of Part IV of the Regulations relating to the wartime control of industries. ■