Tonga's Trade

Copra And Banana Exports

From Our Own Correspondent.

Nukualofa June 20.

fTHE statement of trade of the King- A dom of Tonga for 1937 discloses an upward trend in both imports and exports.

Most of the copra went to Europe.

New Zealand takes all our bananas. The severe hurricane early in 1937 caused the decrease in banana exports.

The following comparative figures show the exports (copra and bananas) for the past five years:—

As usual, Australia and New Zealand occupied first and second places respec tively in the list of supplying countries; Australian imports being worth £36 678 and New Zealand £30,311. United King dom came third with £21,306 and Japan a close fourth with £20,009. U.S.A. with £10,914 took fifth place. The balance of the import trade —£18 157—were contributed by other countries, foremost amongst which were India, Canada, Fiji Dutch East Indies and Germany.

A total of 30 vessels entered during the year, with total tonnage of 69 914.

British tonnage was 54,447; Swedish 12,430; Panamanian American, Japan ese and Tongan combined 3 037. The first Japanese vessel to visit Tongan waters came during the year. Inter islands communication was maintained by a fleet of Tongan-owned cutters.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Macgregor, of Ma dang, New Guinea, have returned to the Territory from a visit to the East.

Mr. Macgregor spent a few weeks in a Sydney hospital early in the year, but is now in good health.

It is noted in the annual report of the Royal Geographical Society that the Council has awarded the Gill Memorial to Mr. Ivan Champion, for his explora tions and surveys in Papua.

1937 1936 £ £ Imports 137 365 Exports 164,620 — Total 301,985 208,835 Copra exported— Tons 12,288 11;89J9 Value £158 133 £105,078 Bananas— Cases 13,715 25,928 Value £4,128 £7373

Copra Tons £ 1933 11,379 105,028 1934 10,154 59,941 1935 12,039 79 003 1936 11,899 105,078 1937 12.288 X58,133 Bananas Cases £ 1933 16,777 3,699 1934 26,402 6 906 1935 29,793 8.352 1936 25 928 7,373 1937 13,715 4,128

Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Francis sailed from Sydney for Raga, New Hebrides, by the “Morinda” on June 23. Mr. Fran cis, who has been engaged in mission work for the Melanesian Mission for more than 12 years, returned to Lama Lana, Raga, where he will resume his duties.

Sister Lucy Willoughby, of the Ang lican Mission at Wanigela, Papua, re turned from Sydney to the Territory re cently by the “Macdhui”. Miss Willough by, who has been on furlough at Mel bourne, Victoria, is a nursing sister at the native school at Wanigela.

Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Baldwin, of Sala maua, N.G., left the Territory recently on a tour through Japan and China, after which they will proceed to Sydney and Melbourne, where they will spend leave. Mr. Baldwin is merchandise man ager of B.P.’s branch at Salamaua.

This photograph, of the Fifth Suva St. John’s Melanesian Boy Scouts and Wolf Cubs, shows a side of a valuable, but little-known work that is proceeding in Fiji. In Fiji, there is a con-

siderable community of Solomon Islanders, and the Rev. Harold Irving is the missionary in charge of all work done there for the Solomons people. He has organised this healthy-looking

party of Boy Scouts, and is the Scoutmaster.

The troop Is 18 months and the pack four months old. It is hoped to send some of the older boys to the New Zealand jamboree in 1939.