NON-TRADER” writes:
p. 70 · Read in the full issue
Exploiting the Natives
“You have published a good deal against the Chinese traders in the Solo mons. There is another side to the case.
“A British trader was along here re cently. He charged the natives 6d for a common lead pencil, 2/- for a small tin of boot polish, 2/- for a tin of brass polish, 2/- for a writing pad. They can buy the same stuff from the Chinese for a third of those prices.
“Another trader tried to make a native pay 16/- for a pair of common rubber shoes that one can buy in Tulagi for 7/or 8/-, He also tried to persuade a native to pay him £2 for a concertina that was hopelessly broken.
“All white traders are not like this — the majority give a square deal. But while that kind of exploitation is per mitted, native custom will go inevitably to the Chinese.”