Figures

Papua Prospers

Good Year Shown In Officia l Figures

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, Aug. 28.

nPHE annual accounts of the Territory * of Papua, closed on June 30, showed a satisfactory position. In fact, owing to the higher prices of copra, rubber and coffee, and the increased trade brought by the active search for oil, Papua has completed one of the best years in its history. The figures speak for themselves:

*lncludes £17,000 of Commonwealth grants to rubber and mining, which were not continued in 1936-7.

The official estimate of revenue for 1937-8 is £169,552, and expenditure £170,067.

The items for expenditure include new residences for magistrates, plantation buildings, new Lands Offices, vessels for magisterial work, Diesel roller for roads, improvements to Kila aerodrome, and road repairs—all items that have been held in abeyance for years, awaiting the necessary funds.

Trade

1932-3 1934-5 1936-7 £ £ £ Imports 218,016 269,299 452,568 Exnorts 275,866 294,743 524,001 Exports include: Copra, tons 9,686 8,570 13,600 Des. Coconut, tons 1,117 1,462 1.499 Rubber, tons ... 953 1.069 1,112 Gold, oz 15,268 21,732 33,580

Public Finance

1934-5 1935-6 1936-7 £ £ £ Revenue ... 152,611 165,688* 171,791 Expenditure 152,473 165.820 171,900 Customs and Excise ... 43,427 46,131 57,443 Public works expre. _. 15.504 17,596 23,503