Solid Industry in Papua

Australia’S Grant To

Rubber Growers

Continuation May Establish Solid Industry in Papua

From Our Own Correspondent

Pt. Moresby, Jan. 6.

THAT Papua might eventually develop into an important rubber-producing country is realised by most settlers in the Territory.

That further developments have every hope of success is substantiated, not only by the excellent ruling conditions of land, rainfall and labour, but by the report that Australia is fully appreciative of the position and helpful and likely to give her support in extending the grant in-aid for a long period of years. This measure will enable future planters to become firmly established and secure some reward for their unproductive years.

Papua possesses wide areas suitable for rubber and a native population educated to civilised labour standards.

The restriction scheme does not apply to Papua and planters have the advantage of the exchange. Also, the output is not subject to primage on entering Australia.

Thus, with all these advantages, added to experience extending over 30 years, when rubber first attracted attention in Papua, future planters should be con fident of securing steady returns for their investments, and rewards for their labour.

It is imperative for the Territory’s future that a solid and dignified industry should be established and built on firm foundations. It is therefore encouraging to know that Australia is fully alive to the position and to the disadvantages under which Papua has been struggling for so long.

Mr. F. Bryen, of Manuan plantation, New Guinea, arrived in Sydney from Rabaul by the Van Rees on January 14.

Mrs. M. E. Thompson, of the Methodist Mission at Nukualofa, Tonga, was spend ing furlough in Australia in January.