Increased Spending Power
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
From Our Own Correspondent
Apia, Jan. 18.
WITH better business all round, high ** copra and cocoa prices and brighter prospects for the new year, the festive season was visibly enjoyed by the resi dents of Western Samoa.. Numerous parties, picnics and dances were held during the holidays.
The Apia stores, unprepared for the large increase in the spending power of Europeans and natives, sold out many lines especially foodstuffs, like canned meats, sugar and (owing to a shortage of flour) bread. The shortage was re lieved by the arrival of new supplies by the Matua on December 25, the Maui Pomare on December 31, and the Wai runa on January 2.
The Matua and the Maui Pomare took away full loads of over 7000 cases of bananas each for the New Zealand markets. There still is an abundance of bananas, and planters are unable to ship all their fruit. It is hoped that under the new year’s banana contract, the Samoan quotas will be increased especi ally as the demand for the Samoan bananas has considerably improved.
The cocoa crop is practically over and has been a very good one. Copra also is coming in freely at the higher prices for the product now ruling.