Pest From Java

Definite Threat to N.G.

Coconuts

Need For Quick Action

THE danger of a pest, that is causing havoc in the coconut

plantations in Java, finding its way

into Eastern New Guinea and the islands of the Mandated Territory, is causing lively concern among

plantation-owners.

The pest is a small moth, which takes possession of the under-side of the palm leaves. The leaves presently decay and drop off; and the palm becomes useless.

Not much is known here about the pest, how long it has been at work, or where it comes from. Coconut plantations in Java are mostly native owned, and the industry is not under close supervision. It is probable that the pest has been known in Java and not actually combated for a long time.

But, in recent times, it has assumed most serious proportions—and is a contributing factor to the fact that only 6,800 tons of copra were shipped from Java in the 8 months to the end of August, 1930, as compared with 37,900 tons shipped in the same period of 1929. It is reported that nine-tenths of the Javanese coconut plantations are affected.

The pest, while somewhat similar in its occurrence, is not the Levuana moth —which practically wiped out all coconut palms in Viti Levu (Fiji) until itself was destroyed in recent time by a fly imported from Malaya. Apparently, also, the Dutch entomologists have found nothing, as yet, to check it.

From Java to New Guinea is only a step. Communication between the ports of the two territories is maintained by the Dutch steamer, which runs a regular cargo service. If the pest is transferable, it would be very easy to convey it in cargo from Java to Port Moresby or Rabaul.

The Federal authorities are to be urged to make an immediate inquiry, and if there is danger, to take immediate steps to guard against the danger.

The introduction of the pest to the New Guinea copra plantations, which already are suffering severely from the depressed prices, would be nothing short of a national calamity.

The danger, if it exists, could be averted by a little care now. Prompt action seems to be demanded. ———