Keravat Plantation.

Report for December.

THE report of the Keravat Demonstra tion Plantation, New Guinea, for De cember, shows that much interest is being taken by local planters and others in the experimental and general agricul tural work. Eleven visitors came to the plantation during the month in search of information and advice.

Besides the general routine work of cultivation, many acres have been planted with new crops, including rice, native foods, maize, shade and cover crops. The cacao section, in which seed lings are making rapid growth, was cleaned and cover crops sown. Coffee sections also received attention, being suckered and cleared.

Pepper vines were transplanted in their permanent positions in the field and various leguminous trees are used as supports. Rice, broom millet, maize, native foods, shade and cover crops were harvested, 3,472 lbs. of sweet potatoes being distributed to the labour as rations.

Of the trial plots ot maize, planted last September and October, “Fitzroy,”

“Small Learning,” and “Silver Mine” were the most successful varieties.

Strong north-west winds were experi enced during the month, but little damage was done. A few coffee plants were injured by falling trees on the western boundary.

The following plantings were made during the month:—

The Public Works carpenter, having completed the work in hand, left for Rabaul on 16th inst.

The reconditioning of drains through out the plantation was completed.

Two labourers were paid off on ex piration of contract during the month and three signed on. Two were admitted to hospital, of whom one died. One was returned from hospital as well as the native who has undergone three months’ tuition at Rapindik.

Working units at the close of Decem ber totalled 9-7.

Three Surprise Creek natives were re turned from hospital, making a total of eight now at Keravat.

Meteorology.

Total rainfall for the month was 978 points. Rain fell on 24 davs, the heaviest fall being on the 22nd, when 244 points were recorded.

At a dinner at Kokopo, tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor on the eve of their departure to Salamaua, every resident of Kokopo was present except one, who was unavoidably absent.

Acres.

Rice 10 Maize 5 Cassava 3 Sweet potatoes 2 Taro .. .. 1 Shade and cover crops, interplanted with growing staples.

The following produce was distributed: — Rice 677 lbs.

Ground nuts . . 733 lbs.

Cowpeas .. 34 lbs.

Sesamum 10 oz.

Crotalaria 20 lbs.

Maize 33 lbs.

Coffee, hulled 40 lbs.