Japanese Penetration
pp. 49-50 · Read in the full issue
Concern in Gilbert and Ellice Group
From Our Own Correspondent.
Tarawa, Sept. 1.
rpHE Japanese steamer “Naeki Maru” re- X cently arrived at Tarawa from the Marshall Islands. She cleared port the same day for Butaritari (Northern Gilberts), with a cargo of merchandise for the Japanese trading firm Nanyo Boyeki Kaisha (South Sea Trading Co.). The “Naeki Maru” is a modernly equipped ves sel credited with a speed of 15 knots— much higher power than would seem to be warranted for purely Islands trading; possibly her itinerary carries her further abroad in between her periodical trips to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
The Nanyo Boyeki Kaisha is firmly established at Butaritari and has become a serious rival to all competitors, includ ing the principal Australian Islands mer chant firms. The Japanese are heavily outbidding for the copra trade in the Group, apparently regardless of the world's market prices and London parity, and it is feared there is a Japanese ob jective still further south among the Pacific Islands by peaceful penetration.
In view of the “close preserve” main tained at the Marshall Islands by the Japanese, and the fact that all non- Japanese competition that existed there in pre-War days has been driven out and given no opportunity to re-enter, trading concerns in this British colony—next door neighbours to the Marshall Islands—are a little concerned to know how far foreign inroads will be encouraged or compla cently permitted in non-Japanese zones in the Western Pacific.
When Mr. Vincent Astor. the American millionaire yacht-owner , visited these waters a few months ago, collecting tropi cal marine specimens for an American Museum, he stated that he had tried un successfully to obtain permission to enter the Japanese Mandated Territory of the Marshall Islands.
Hon. H, O. Townsend, Treasurer of the Territory of New Guinea, arrived in Aus tralia by the September “Tanda” on long leave.
Fiji’s sugar quota for 1939 is 129,300 long tons —a reduction of four per cent, on the 1938 figure.
MARCH IS next year will be the 50th anniversary of the memorable escape by H.M.S. “Calliope” from Apia Harhour, Western Samoa, when a terrific . . , „ . . ... . storm wrecked all shipping in the port, including three American warships (“Trenton”, “Vandalia”, and “Nipsic”) and three German warships (“Adler", “iTHAr” ariH with erpflt of ~7 b • • Wtn gre 1 v®? 1 life. The incident is commemorated in various ways each year; but probably the most unique celebration is that held
in Apia in true nautical style by Lodge Calliope (No. 52, New Zealand), , At the conclusion of the ordinary 6 o S hos ? gavel is made from a piece of timber from the o ld ship, orders “the main brace to be spliced in real old Jamaica”. The bo’sun whistle then calls the whole company to
rovl“renaS kteS
. repast is set out. in the position of honour is a model of the famous “Calliope” and the refectory is decked out with flags, etc. A pleasant hour is usually spent in music, song, and story.