Mr. F.A. Rochfort of Woodlark Island

John let us have access to a letter belonging to one of his relatives which relates to mining and prospecting in Kulumadau, Woodlark Island Papua.

History

The island has a long history of gold mining dating back to the late 1800’s with records showing an estimated pre World War II gold production, including alluvial sources, of about 220,000 ounces of gold.  The island has been extensively logged for ebony which has always been an important cash economy to the communities on Woodlark Island since the 1970s.  A significant part of the Project has been logged for ebony in the past, however, some ebony trees are still present.
Modern gold exploration was initiated on Woodlark Island in 1962 with the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR) undertaking surface geochemistry, limited geophysics and diamond drilling during 1962 and 1963 at Kulumadau.  Woodlark Island, has been subject to 40 years of mostly continuous modern exploration without sufficient Resources being established to warrant investment in a mining operation.
Exploration in the past concentrated around the old historical mining centres of Kulumadau, Busai and Boniavat, with the early exploration strategy being heavily dependent upon surface geochemistry, geophysics and geological mapping.

History and maps taken from:

 kulagold.com.au

Photo Taken from:

Geology of Woodlark Island 


Johns Relatives Letter transcribed from an original Supplied by John

TERRITORY OF PAPUA.

30/1932.                                                                                               Assistant Resident Magistrate’s Office,

Kulumadau, Woodlark Island,

Papua.

18^th June, 1932.

I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 15^th February last, asking for particulars of the death of your brother, Mr. F.A Rochfort.

Mr. F.A Rochfort died on 26th October 1931, at his home at Kulumadau, Woodlark Island. When I first met him in November 1927, he use a crutch ta assist him when walking. He was of the opinion that the condition of his leg (which was growing smaller) was due to the many attacks of fever he had suffered from during his residence in this country. He was however, able to get about and supervise the work of his three native labourers. The leg gradually became worse and he spoke of the other being affected. For about a year before his death it was his custom to he carried in a chair to and from his workings. About a month before his death he ceased visiting his workings, and was confined to his house. This was as much due to general weakness as to his leg.

On 17th October 1931, he told me that pains in his ears caused him sleeplessness. I was able to remedy, this, but it was apparent that he was in low health, as he had difficulty in breathing and would lapse into a state of coma at times. He gradually grew worse and passed away, without pain, at 2 pm, on 26th October. He was buried in the Kulumadau Cemetery on 27th October. There were 7 white residents (all that were in the vicinity at the time) present and 7 wreaths were sent. The Burial Service was read by myself as there is no Clergyman on the Island.

Mr Rochfort had a very good friend in Mrs. 0’Dell of Kulumadau who sent him little delicacies to try and temp him to eat and keep up his strength. The Hon. J.G. Nelsson was another who often visited, and was of help to Mr Rochfort in many ways. Mrs Rogerson and myself did what we could and I have spent many pleasant hours listening to your brothers stories of his life in England, Australia and Papua. Mr. Rochfort was an enthusiastic grower of flowers, and sent two bunches a week to Mrs. Rogerson during the 4 years we knew him an action that we appreciated very much and now miss greatly. Your bothers death was regretted by all on the Island, including the natives with whom he had come in contact with during his residence here. His pride was that, in 34 years, he had never had a complaint made against him by a native labourer. I enclose a cutting from a Sidney Magazine that will be of interest to you.

So far as the estate is concerned, I am afraid that nothing much if anything, can be expected from it.  Mr Rochfort had only been working in a small way, and the claim he was working was evidently not a good one. The receipts from it paid his labourers wages and his own wants were satisfied by a pension of £2, per week from the Local Government. I am trying to get a local native to clean up the workings. If we get anything, some will be required to pay a small balance owing to accounts. If there should be a balance, doubless you will be communicated with by the Public Curator, Port Moresby, who is in charge of the estate, but it would be best to take it that there will be nothing.

I trust that the particulars given will be of help to you, if you require anything further, do not hesitate to write.

Yours Faithfully,

H.W. Rogerson

Acting A.R.M

SYDNEY MAGAZINE

Late Mr.F.A. Rochfort,

of Woodlark Island, Papau

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 Another old pioneer, explorer and gold-digger passed away an October 26th, F.A. Rochford  aged 79, still working his gold claim on Woodlark Island right to the end . He arrived with the first band of gold-diggers in Papua, 35 years ago. Mr. F.A. Rochfort belonged to an old Northumbrian family. He and his brother came to Australia when little more than boys a capital of £125,000 stg., which they invested in station property. Owing to the seven years drought they lost all their capital.

Frank Rochfort was in every sense of the word a highly cultured British gentleman of a bygone age, holding the highest principals, who scorned a lie and never broke his word. Too independent to accept a position an wages or salary, and always following up the gold fields, he worked by himself and for himself. He was a fine type of the courageous, independent band of explorers and settlers that are now alas, almost extinct.

Vale Frank Rochfort.