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Norfolk Island’s Trade Shrinks

A SERIOUS decline in the trade balance of Norfolk Island for the year ended June 30 last was revealed in the annual report of the Administrator, Captain C.

R. Pinney, which was tabled in the Fede ral Parliament on March 19.

Poor prices for produce sent to Aus tralia, and New Zealand’s embargo on NJ. fruit and vegetables, are stated to be the main causes of the setback.

Exports for the year shrunk to £8,318, from £15,893 in 1934, while imports de creased only £2,000 to £26,518. Com pared with 18,285 cases the previous year, banana exports were only 5,439 cases.

With the exception of the bean crop, agri culture was reduced to a state of virtual stagnation.

Support for better marketing of bean seed, for compulsory inspection of ex port fruit, for proposals to find a greater market for passion-fruit, and for dairy ing improvements, show that residents are trying to bring about a return to for mer prosperity, reported the Adminis trator.

February Trade Figures

Imports

From From Month.

Australia.

Pacific Islands.

February, 1935 . . . . £1479 £89 February, 1936 . . . £3691 . . —

Exports

To To Month.

Australia.

Pacific Islands.

February, 1935 . . . . £2199 £8 February, 1936 . . . . £1253 £59 During the period nil. , trade with New Zealand was