Protest Of Samoan
p. 55 · Read in the full issue
Banana Growers
From Our Own Correspondent
Apia, Nov. 21.
FOR a considerable time much criticism has been levelled at the Administration by European and native banana growers owing to the fact that the quotas of hona fide producers were cut down for the bene fit of European dealers. It is said for instance, that one man especially, at Fasi toouta, was given a virtual monopoly of his district and Europeans and natives of the neighbourhood were refused the quotas they were entitled to.
Representations were without success until the Samoan Faipule (native represen tatives) took the matter up, lodging an objection w r ith the Administration. The Samoans pointed out that native growers desired to pack and deliver their own bananas, as in former years so as to obtain the full price (at present 4/6 per case) for
their produce. Hitherto they have lost 1/6 per cage tQ the dealer; who> it is alleged. often makes unjustified deductions and delays payments of the amounts due.
The Administration apparently has taken notice and the high quotas of dealers will be cut out in future. The whole intended scheme of appointing European district agents to control the production of their districts has now been abandoned, to the satisfaction of growers.
Mr. Frank Stock, Postmaster at TulagL returned to the Solomon Islands by the Malaita in November after furlough spent in England.