Papua Alarmed.
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
Port Moresby, Sept. 1.
THERE are serious times ahead for the coconut planters in Papua. Their position has not been an enviable one up to date, but they were certainly hoping for better times—not this death blow after 30 years of struggle.
The local copra buyers' in Port Moresby have been informed that there is practically no market at present for smoked copra and that none of the last shipment sent to European ports has been sold.
The difference in prices between smoked and sun-dried copra has been about 10/- per ton, but if the slump continues it will naturally increase and the planters of Papua will receive a price for the copra which will not be worth considering.
The remedy will be to produce only sun-dried copra, wherever it is possible to do so. (We understand that on September 16 Messrs.
Burns. Philp, sold smoked copra in London at slightly over £8 per ton — an absolute low record. — Ed. P.I.M.)