New Guinea Peanuts

Although peanuts from Norfolk Island are allowed into the Commonwealth free of duty, Mr. M. Nathan, importer, of Melbourne, complained recently to “The Argus” that he had been informed by the Customs department that peanuts from New Guinea could not be admitted at preferential rates. New Guinea pea nuts thus were placed on the same foot ing as those of Java or Japan, and, owing to the labour conditions in New Guinea,

they could not compete with China or Japan on a basis of costs. Mr. Nathan added, however, that the New Guinea product was better in quality than any of its com petitors, (This differentiation between Norfolk Island and other territories was brought before the Federal Government many months ago by the “P.I. Monthly,” which urged the removal of the anomaly. The Federal Government said the matter might be considered some day. Then it yawned, and went to sleep again.)

Miss Clapcott, of Ba, Fiji, departed from Sydney by the Monowai on May 25 for New Zealand, en route to Fiji.

“Our legs are vanishing,” declares a scientist. We think the kindest thing to do would be to send him a ticket for a non-stop variety show.