Government Gives C.S.R.

Co. Concessions

From Our Own Correspondent.

Suva. Oct. 31.

4 MOTION which will mean a great deal to Fiji was passed at the Legis lative Council meeting on October 28, when it was agreed to make certain concessions to the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. with a view to assisting the revival of the pine apple canning industry.

Several attempts have been made in the past to market Fiji canned pine-apples, but although the Colony produces fruit equal to the best in the world, failure has resulted, chiefly due to lack of capital. But the C.S.R. Co. has changed the outlook.

The motion was welcomed by all sec tions of the House, and members described the moment as one of importance in the history of the Colony. It was also pointed out that in pine-apple production an area which would otherwise be waste land, un suitable fer sugar cane, bananas or copra, would be brought into profitable produc tion.

The principal concessions made to the Company were: (a) Import duty paid on machinery and plant within four years from January 1, 1937, for the canning and packing of pine apples grown in Fiji is to be refunded (this shall not include the refund of Port and Customs Service Tax properly levied and paid). (b) For 10 years from January 1. 1937, no export tax shall be levied on pine-apples grown and canned in Fiji, but this shall not debar the Government from collecting a Port and Customs Service Tax thereon when exported. (c) For 10 years from January 1, 1937, the Government will permit the drawback of import duty paid on sugar, materials for cases, tin plates, and partly-made tins used in the canning and packing of pine apples grown in Fiji and thereafter ex ported.