Papuan News

Rubber Production Again Normal—The Manufacture of Power Alcohol Presentation to Native Heroes—Rain at Last.

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, Jan. 7.

AS regards copra, the outlook since last month is even less promising, due to the extremely low price, £13/10/in London and somewhere about £8/10/in Port Moresby.

Plantations find this price quite un profitable and refuse to sell, preferring to store until the market seems more promising. All overhead costs have been reduced to a minimum for some time and even under these conditions it is considered wiser to store and wait better times.

Rubber, on the other hand, has risen to 4 15-16 d. per lb., making it nearly 9d. lb. with the bounty, which is distinctly cheering. It is certainly a happier time for rubber people, and in the security of their present position already their forebodings seem vanished and forgot ten and the worries of others just faintly reminiscent of their own trying times two months ago.

The Future Of Coffee

Coffee is still waiting to be proved, though from reports its future seems assured. A small bounty per lb. is offered by the Government.

It has been remarked that it is a pity the country had pinned its faith on only two products, and that attention

might even now be given to some other products, especially those on which the Government offered protection. Here is one instance, and it would be very welcome to see coffee regarded as a Papuan product.

Possible Salary Deductions

In the Legislative Council on Decem ber 12, the Bill to enable deductions to be made from the Public Servants sal aries was passed. It was objected to as class taxation, but the Government, though agreeing it was so, pointed out that officers’ salaries were fixed by classification, based on the then cost of living. Cost of living and prices in Port Moresby had fallen since then, but not in proportion to prices else where. This is unfortunately true, but it was felt sure, by economy in expenditure and by the increase in revenue hoped for on account of the better position in the rubber industry. that the deductions may not be made at all and that they would pull through safely.

The suggestion was brought forward in objection to the deduction of Public Servants’ salaries, that if taxation was necessary it could be by increased Cus toms tariff or income tax over the whole population. The reply against general taxation was that it was feared the cost of collecting it would be pro hibitive at the present stage of settlers’ finances, there being very few pluto cratic planters. The additional depart ment would be an added burden.

New Company In Purari

Delta

The new company, the Pacific Aus tralian Development Co., formed for manufacturing sago, and, it is said, alcohol for motor spirit from the Nipa palm, has commenced work.

Though little is known so far in Papua of its operations, the members of the company will proceed, it is understood, to the waterways of the Purari Delta and the Paipuna River, beyond Kikori,

in the West of Papua. Here the rivers abound in sago and nipa palms.

Mr. C. E. Lane-Poole, in his report on the Forest Resources of Papua, 1925, writes; “Papua has in her nipa palm a very large source of this motor fuel. It has the advantage that it has been used for the manufacture of alcohol in other countries.” Mr. Lane-Poole mentions the Philippines and suggests a careful study of the Philippine industry should be undertaken before a beginning is made in Papua. It is to be hoped the company will meet with every success in this enterprising venture.

Natives Honoured

The Lieutenant-Governor, on De cember 12, in the village of Hanuabada, made presentations to Iqua-Kevau and Gari-Dai, the two heroes in the Vaiviri disaster in which these two natives, in total disregard of their own safety, rescued a white woman when the Vai viri was wrecked and turned turtle.

The presentations were pass-books containing deposits made from the public fund, that of Iqua-Kevau amounting to £44/3/6, and Gari-Dai’s to £29/1/10.

His Excellency addressed a large gathering of natives, through an inter preter, and gave a vivid and realistic description of the disaster and the horror of the situation and the danger to the lives of everyone on board, and how, in spite of their fear for their own lives, these two boys stayed with Mrs. Berge and her child and supported her in the storm for hours until they reached shore.

“These two boys,” said His Excel lency, “were another kind, they were not afraid.” He added that the white people throughout the Territory were very proud of the two Papuan's, who had been so brave. His Excellency then told the natives that medals were being presented to them, medals far more important than money, in the eyes of white people, and that a great honour was conferred upon them.

Lloyd’s medals are being sent to these natives for their bravery. In a com munication to the High Commissioner for Australia, the Committee of Lloyds says: “The Committee are of opinion that the bravery and devotion exhibited by these two men merits the award of Lloyds’ medal for saving life at sea.”

In reply to the Governor, the chair man of the village council spoke in a stirring manner and told how the Hanuabada people always wished to behave as these two men did.

Never before in the history of Papua has such an impressive meeting been held, and the scene will live vividly in the minds of both the natives and the white people who witnessed it.

A Quiet Christmas

Rain at last has come to Port Moresby and the water question is now a thing of the past, for most householders have their tanks fairly full and more rain is expected. Christmas has been very quiet commercially and socially, the news coming up from Sydney and Melbourne has frightened every house keeper and the most rigid economy has been exercised, which has been dis appointing to the stores and not entirely satisfactory to all concerned.

Death Of A Pioneer

Another pioneer died the other day, Mr. W. Christie. He was one of a notable family of brothers who came over from Cooktown in the early min ing days, and were among the first on the Lakekamu, the Laloki, and the Mambare goldfields. He was a fine citizen, upright and honest, and res pected by all. Mr. Christie had only just returned from a long promised trip to Scotland and, on the way back, was taken ill. His condition was con sidered serious and there was very little hope for him on his arrival. He will be very much missed by his old Cook town friends who remember the good old days and the happy times spent on the Palmer River and New Guinea.

It is sad to hear of the old timers passing away. New people come and they knew little of the romance, courage and endurance that was an in tegral part of this country not so long ago.

Novel Golf Competition

A very interesting afternoon was spent on the golf links, when the mem bers entertained the small native cad dies. Competitions were arranged on their behalf and a big spread after wards, which they enjoyed very heart ily. The competitions were quite exact ing, and yet the small natives came through with flying colours. The clubs had to be self-made, both wood and irons. The proficiency, initiative and style were disconcerting, to say the least of it. These small caddies range from 7 to 10 and 12 years of age. They are enrolled as regular caddies and are paid by the secretary on receipt of a card which each player hands over after the game. The afternoon’s treat was given to them in recognition of their smartness and intelligence.