Dig at authority
The Note has always been curious about that close cousin of the human species, the prospector.
Prospectors are, for all intents and purposes, just like people except they tend to revel in the tough going in order to locate a trace of precious material in the mainly forlorn hope of achieving unimaginable wealth.
Prospectors, having thrived in harsh and dangerous conditions, have developed an acute antiauthoritarian attitude, which is why it helps for them to live in remote areas.
A Note operative made us glad to see that prospectors' disdain for human authority remains strong, despite setbacks like the Eureka stockade.
Inspecting some old prospector workings - with evidence of their ancient diggings - at a remote Goldfields location called Siberia, our operative captured this fondness for a gentle dig at the rules and a sense of humour that is needed to name a dry and dusty part of Australia after Russia’s icebound northern wilderness.
We'll presume the big sign with big words like ‘STOP’ and ‘KEEP OUT’ written in red represents the official corporate position. In case your eyesight needs checking, it is purportedly from Siberia Gold Fields, the lease holding company, and states that metal detecting and prospecting are prohibited and those undertaking such activities will be prosecuted.
The other sign, clearly liberated from its intended official purpose, offers a different perspective. ‘Metal detecting is fun,’ it states, followed by: ‘You will be rich'.
We think this is the work of prospectors.
Big deal
Last year, The Note was pleased to see the state’s merchant bankers receiving due kudos when Patersons corporate finance guru Aaron Constantine was named Australia’s best investment banker in the high-profile East Coles survey of the sector.
But, alas, it could not last.
We regret to announce that Mr Constantine’s form has slipped, though he maintained a top 10 position with a 9th overall placing this year in the Best Investment Banker category. He was also 4th in the Best Equity Capital Markets Banker category and his Patto’s colleague Gavin Wates was 18th in the ECM category. Other WA-linked results showed Argonaut was 15th in the Best ECM Banks category. Blackswan Equities was a new entrant into our Top 20, coming in at 18th in the Best ECM Banks category. Blackswan’s Tim Lyons was 25th in the Best ECM Bankers league table.
