Papua’S Finances.

Review For 1930-31.

THE annual report of the Lieutenant- Governor of Papua (Sir Hubert Murray) for the year ended June, 1931, has been released.

Almost every item of revenue showed an increase compared with the previous year, also a decrease com pared with the sum estimated. The total estimated revenue for the year was £158,056; the revenue received was only £134,918, while that received in 1929-30 was £149,265. The “slump” in revenue necessitated a great re duction in expenditure, which made a saving of more than £20,000, or nearly one-sixth of the total estimate. The estimated expenditure for the year was £158,056, and the actual expendi ture was only £134,985.

Imports and exports decreased by £133,844 and £50,421 respectively. Im ports were the lowest since 1915-16, and exports the lowest since 1923-24.

The fall in prices accounted, for the diminution in exports. The expoit of rubber showed an increase in weight of 22 tons and a decrease in value (£47,036 as against £50,640). Copra showed a decrease both in weight and value (9436 tons and £93,710, as com pared with 11,693 tons and £176,485).

The decrease in weight was due partly to the increased export of desiccated coconut, and partly to a decrease in native copra, owing to the fall in price.

Only most essential public works were carried out during the year, owing to financial stringency, states the report.