Samoan Planters’

Troubles.

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, Sept. 26.

The further fall in the copra price tends to make things unbearable for the unfortunate copra producers. The natives are still cutting large quanti ties of copra, as they need money for the approaching yearly church collec tions.

Prospects seem a bit brighter for cocoa, as, according to Press reports, large quantities of cocoa have been sold recently in the American market and there are only normal stocks of Samoan cocoa on hand at present.

With economic recovery in U.S.A. and Europe, the demand for cocoa and chocolate is bound to increase. Further more, buying for Xmas trade should start now and prices should go up in consequence. One report says that Hitler, the man of the hour in Ger many, intends to make cocoa the national drink in Germany and the cocoa planters of Samoa will applaud his good intention heartily.

Large quantities of produce were ex ported from Samoa by various steamers during the last four weeks. The motor ship “Nairnbank” took 1,173 tons of copra and 16 tons of cocoa (B.P.’s and N.Z.R.E.), the steamer “Boren” took 760 tons of copra (M.H., Ltd.), and ; N.Z.

R.E.), the motor ship “Carriso” took 1,100 tons of copra and 100 tons of cocoa beans (Nelson’s, BP.’s, M.H., Ltd.), for the American and Continental markets.