Promising Tahiti Industry.

South Sea Perfumes.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Feb. 23.

IN the line of new industries, we are interested to note that the old Tiki Products Co., manufacturers for several years of high-grade South Sea perfumes, has now passed into the con trol of Mr. Samuel Russell, of Papeete.

Mr. W. B. Jones, the perfumer and chemist, who, after more than ten years’ research on the local flower odours, produced the well-known Tiare Tahiti and Hinano perfumes, and who was the original organiser of the com pany, will continue to be associated with the new organisation, in charge of manufacturing.

One of the most important and highly appreciated products of this concern is “Monoi,” a highly purified coconut oil, scented lightly with the odour of the Tiare Tahiti flower. In the early days this product was used almost exclusively by natives and whites alike for the beautifying and health-giving effect it has on the hair. Witness, for example, the exceptionally beautiful hair of the Polynesian women, who have been using coconut oil from childhood. It has recently, however, come into great demand by our sea-bathing tourists for the alleviation of sun-burn, especially as it has been found to convert the painful lobster-like shade to a fine tan.

The great care used in the prepar ation of this product has resulted in an oil which never turns rancid, even under tropical conditions.

Mr. Jones announces that in a few months’ time the company will market a pure coconut oil shampoo of similar high quality.