How Japanese Encourage Good
p. 52 · Read in the full issue
Marshall Islands
Copra
How Japanese Encourage Good Production
THE methods by which the Japanese Administration encourages the pro duction of good copra in the Japanese Mandated Territory of Marshall Islands is interestingly described in a recent letter from a well-known missionary, Mr.
Carl R. Heine, who is stationed at Jaluit, Marshall Islands.
Mr. Heine says; “The quality of the copra has been much improved during recent years. This has been effected in two ways—(1) An annual exhibition of copra made in the group, to which all are invited to send sample bags. A prize is given to the maker of the best copra on each atoll, and an additional prize is given to the maker of the best copra of all. The names of the winners are entered in the official records, which is something to their credit, and may be of material bene fit at some time. (2) The natives have been advised to make special houses for drying copra, and have been supplied with simple but adequate designs for the same. Quietly, but firmly, and with a cash inducement, many have been per suaded to comply with instructions, and others are beginning to do so likewise.
Thus better copra is possible.
“Moreover, if traders buy inferior copra they do so at their own risk, for all copra arriving here from other islands is inspected by a Government agent. If of good quality, each bag is stamped; in ferior grade stuff is rejected, and can not be exported. When first I heard of the plan I thought it would not work at all. But I was wrong; it works, and the result appears to be satisfactory.”