Copra

Chrome and Nickel Oust Copra Protest From Tahiti Shippers

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Sept. 12.

DURING the past months a situation has arisen which has a bad effect on the economic life of this colony.

The entire production of copra in French Oceania is marketed in France.

For transportation, the colony is depen dent on the Messageries Maritimes steamers voyaging between New Cale donia, Tahiti and France, at intervals of six weeks. Hitherto, the capacity of these ships has been sufficient to accommodate all cargo offered at Papeete.

Of late, however, the requirements of the metallurgic industries of France for the chrome and nickel ores of New Cale donia, have made necessary the allotment of major cargo space for these metals; leaving little room for the copra offered at Papeete.

When the S.S. “Ville d’Amiens” sailed late in July, she was compelled to leave 2,800 tons of copra on the wharf at Papeete. This tonnage has been greatly augmented since that time, and the S.S.

“C. Ramel”, which sailed on September 3, was able to cairy only a fraction.

Appeal by cable to the delegate for French Oceania, at Paris, Monsieur Chap pedelaine, has been made, and that officer has come to the rescue of the colony by cnartering a special steamer which, it is stated, will arrive early in October.