Steamships Trading Co., Ltd.

, (Papua) has declared interim dividends of 5 per cent, on preference and ordinary shares for the six months ended December 31.

Directors report that trade was fully maintained. The whole ramifications of the company have been satisfactory, with the exception of copra, which has been consistently at a low price. A consider able amount of new planting of rubber is taking place. The board looks forward to a continuation of satisfactory busi ness with confidence, notwithstanding the world’s present political position.

Mr. Frank Roberts died at Samarai on April 20. He had been for some years at Misima, first on the staff of Quartz Mountain, and latterly as a surveyor at Umuna.

Mr. Gilbert Renton, a well-known resi dent of Rabaul, New Guinea, is at pre sent on a visit to Sydney.