Levuka Chamber Of

Commerce

A REVIEW of trade and commercial conditions of Fiji in general and of Levuka in particular for the year ended December 31, 1935, was given by Mr. Cyril G. King, president of the Levuka Chamber of Commerce at the annual meeting on July 2.

The market for copra, which is the main industry of Levuka and the oldest in the Colony, improved considerably, said Mr.

King. Although prices did not measure up to the standard of prosperity before the Depression, there are reasonable grounds for confidence in the stability of the indus try.

During the period the districts surround ing Levuka continued to produce their quota of first-class bananas. Unfortun ately, the production had to be taken to Suva for export. Representations have been made to the Government to have the Union S.S. Co’s. Matua call at Levuka.

Of the secondary industries, it was pointed out that an enterprising settler at Ovalau is still exporting pineapples—export of fresh fruit, in 1935. totalled 986 cases, and canned fruit 114.7941 b. Nearly 5780 cases of mandarins and 3000 cases of oranges shipped during the year.

Levuka’s trade returns show that re venue for 1935 was £10.625, compared with £8996 for 1934. Imports totalled £22.922 (£17,676 in 1934), and exports were valued at £72,125 (£50,686).

At the close of the meeting an election of officers was held. The president (Mr.

C. G. King), vice-president (Mr. J. A.

Sword), and secretary (Mr. A. T. Acton) were unanimously re-elected.