Industry

Samoan Banana

Credit to Late Sir G. Richardson

Letter to the Editor.

YOUR issue of June contains two sep arate items of interest regarding Samoa which are closely allied.

The first is “Samoan Mau and Bananas”, in which reference is made to the banana export business in Samoa becoming the mainstay of that territory. The second is the announcement of the death of Major-General Sir George Richardson, who was Administrator of Western Samoa from 1923 to 1928, and who made many political enemies during that period.

It is interesting to know that one of

Sir George Richardson’s schemes In Samoa was the establishment of a secondary industry and he devoted a considerable part of his term to fostering banana planting for export on a large scale. Punts were ordered from overseas for use around the coast but these were eventually sold to Fiji.

The two first planters to assist the Governor were Mr. T. W. Brighouse, of Nu’u, and Mr. Alan Cobcroft, of Vaipoto, and land was cleared for banana planting near Vaiteli.

The foresight of Sir George Richardson in establishing the export of bananas is one bright item in his Administration, despite the opposition which retarded his efforts.

I am etc.

Ed. V. Ttbbo.

Tavua, Fiji.

August 18, 1938.