Papuan Planters

A Plea for Some Relief Measures

Letter to the Editor.

I TRUST you can find some little space to draw public attention to the plight of the unfortunate Coconut Planters of Papua.

When the great chaos hit us, the copra export tax was lifted, but the revenue of the Territory was so seriously affected that a primage duty of four per cent, was im posed. Economy being the order of the day, it was proposed to reduce the officials’ salaries, but the primage duty saved them.

Later, Canberra suggested economy and as a gentle hint reduced the grant by £6000. Officers were then notified of a salary deduction: but it was barely en forced when the £6000 was handed back to the Territory, and the salaries were imme diately restored.

During the past six months, copra on most plantations has been produced at a loss by men who have spent from 20 to 40 years in the Territory, and who now find themselves without trade or profession, and too old to start life afresh elsewhere.

Despite what has been written by romantic novelists and others, these planters have opened up the country and spent what small profits they have received in the Territory.

They have also educated the native in cleanliness and sanitation and taught him generally to be a useful member of his race, though working on very unpromising material.

As the officials and natives have not suf fered, surely some measure of help is due to the planters who have borne the burden of the years, and now find themselves penniless.

I am, etc.,

30 Years A Planter.

Woodlark Is., Papua.

February 9, 1934.