Beckman Process Trial
p. 42 · Read in the full issue
In The Solomons
Letter to the Editor.
IN an article under the heading of “Oil Extraction —Experiment with Beckman Process in B.S.I.,” appearing in the July issue of your journal, it was said that “the experiment has not been successful . . . ” and, later, that "... the small experimental plant established at Cape Marsh has not completely fulfilled what was expected of it.”
These statements convey rather an erroneous impression. The fact is that at the time the article was written, the ex perimental plant had not been operated at all. When the plant was opened up on arrival at Cape Marsh, one or two small parts were missing, and a couple of units found to be inadequate for the pur pose required of them.
Erection of the plant was accordingly suspended for six weeks, pending arrival by the following steamer of the missing parts and a more powerful engine. The work of installation was resumed last month, but when the writer left Cape Marsh on July 28, a couple of days’ work
still remained to be done before the plant could be brought into operation. As it was not possible for any subsequent news to arrive from Yandina before the article was published, it was quite premature to say that the experiment had not been successful, when, in fact, the process had not been put into operation.
In the article entitled “Cultivation of Tung Trees” published in the same issue, it was said that tung oil trees (Fordii) planted at Su’u “ . . . eventually grew into strong trees.” This was not so. The seedlings at Su’u grew quite well for a few months, attaining a height of three or four feet, but after shedding their first leaves they produced no others and died out completely. A few seeds of the Mon tana variety also were sent to Su’u, but none germinated.
We realise that the statements which appeared in your journal were made in good faith, so that in furnishing you with these corrections we do so in no critical spirit. We have a high opinion of the journal, which serves a variety of useful purposes, and we shall be pleased at any time to help you in maintaining accuracy in its contents.
I am, etc.,
W. Wood,
General Manager, Malayta Company Ltd.
Sydney, August 15, 1934.
With 339 passengers, most or whom were Indian residents of Fiji returning to the Colony after a holiday in India, the steamer Ganges arrived in Suva from Calcutta on August 16. The newcomers were quarantined on Nukulau Island be fore being allowed to land. The Ganges left for Calcutta with passengers from Fiji on August 21.