Why Copra Price Is Low

MESSRS. Brown and Joske Limited, managing agents for the Coconut Planters’ Union Ltd., of Fiji, made some pertinent comment on the copra market in a circular to members dated May 16: “We have received from Messrs. H. M.

F. Faure and Co., London, their review of the oils and fats market for 1935. They give a list of the difficulties with which international trade has had to contend during 1935, and say that in spite of almost insuperable obstacles, the recovery of the oil trade continued steadily through that year. The list is so striking and formidable that we quote it hereunder: “ ‘lmport restrictions by licence, by duties, and by increases in existing duties. Import re strictions by quotas. Restrictions in production.

Restrictions in payments. Extension of barter business. Disregard of the sanctity of commercial contracts by Governments. Currency devaluation.

Fears for the Gold bloc. Failures in London.

India, and the Far East. Fears of war. Partial failure of the crops. Sanctions. Etc., etc.' “Compare this state of affairs with the free exchange of international trade that existed in the days prior to the Great War, and the reason for the better price of copra 25 years ago is not far to seek!”