Samoan Copra

Upward Price Trend Stirs Buyers Into Activity

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, November 6, the copra price at the present time seems to be fluctuating, the ten dency nevertheless is apparently upwards and natives all over the islands are industriously cutting copra, and large quantities are being delivered' from the outside districts.

Apia sheds and the customs storage are crowded; cargo steamers are obtain ing emergency cargoes and the next Union steamer, the Cape Yorke for Vancouver due on November 19 is booked for 600 tons of copra and a parcel of cocoa, all she can possibly take. Union Co. cargo steamers from Apia usually lift only 100 or 200 tons.

With a better price of copra ruling, there is also keen competition between buyers, especially in the neighbourhood of Apia. Some of the smaller buyers, having confidence in the future of the copra market, buy up all the copra they can obtain. While recently the tendency was to close outside trading stations to avoid losses, at present new stations are being established, driers built, and greater activity is apparent everywhere.

On account of the American strike, the Wairuna omitted her call at Apia for a shipment of bananas in October. Now news has been received by wireless, that the Hauraki, due on November 12, is delayed and is unable to reach Apia be fore the 24th —another disappointment for Samoan banana-growers. At present with an over-supply of fruit for export there is keen competition for banana cases. The Maui Pomare this trip is again taking away a full shipment of fruit of excellent quality.

Reports of the cocoa crop are very satisfactory, although in some districts more rain is desired. However, the crop should still turn out the most prolific Samoa has had for the last few years.