Where Pearls Are

Cheap

There is no money in the Trobriand Islands, that large group east of Papua, which has just been visited by Mr. A. J. Vogan, F.R.G.S.

“Payment,” says Mr. Vogan, “is made in tobacco —and American to bacco at that! If Australian tobacco were used as currency, a great im petus would be given to Australian trade. As there is no sale just now for pearls or copra, there is no to bacco; and the natives will sell any thing at any price to get it.

“I saw pearls in the Trobriands that, four years ago, would have fetched from £200 to £400 in London, sold for 2/- worth or 3/- worth of tobacco. As pearls will regain their position in a few years—or so I am assured by fashion experts—some thing ought to be done about it. Per haps something will, but the Tro briands, although so fertile and popu lous, are far off the beaten track.”