Alcohol From

Bananas

Investigations in Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Jan. 15.

THE utilization of the bananas unsuit able for export shipments is a diffi cult problem in Samoa. So far, the bananas have simply gone to waste, rotted on the plantations, or, at the best, been used as pigs’ feed. An enterprising planter has, of late, started to make these bananas after ripening into “banana figs,”

a quite delicious confectionery. For this, however, there seems to be only a very limited demand in Samoa or New Zea

land, while the English market is sup plied very cheaply by tropical countries.

situated more closely than far away Samoa.

At present the possibility of making power alcohol or drinking spirit from bananas is being investigated. This manufacture is extensively undertaken in South and Central American banana growing districts, especially in those re mote from the main avenues of traffic.

The manufacturing process is stated to be comparatively simple, and the initial cost of a distiller is within reasonable limits.

If a Government plant for the manu facture of spirit from bananas were established at Apia the cocoa juice, ob tained on European cocoa plantations during the fermentation of the cocoa, could be utilised. Thus additional revenue would be procured for the cocoa planters, who are at the present time struggling for existence, owing to the low prices for their product.