Hebrides
p. 43 · Read in the full issue
Japan In New
A Mysterious Occurrence
THE following is part of a letter sent to the editor of the “P.I.M ”, by a resident on one of the outer islands of the New Hebrides: — 11/E had a call from strange visitors TT this afternoon, and we are not quite sure what they were up to.
A Japanese boat anchored in front of the mission station, and there came ashore two Japs, who spoke sufficient Eng lish to make themselves understood. One, a Mr. K. Murooka, intimated that he was the agent of the Nanyo Boyeki Kaisha, Ltd. (South Sea Trading Co.), Tokyo, Japan.
They brought with them a parcel of merchandise and. in the presence of a large number of natives, attracted by curiosity, they laid the goods out on the verandah floor for exhibition.
I imagined they were offering the articles for sale and, having selected a few, was preparing to give them cash in payment, when the agent, with a very magnanimous gesture, said, “Oh, no, all a present for you.” I strongly demurred, but they insisted on me taking the goods as a gift. However, I made a compensating gift of fruit and vegetables, which they gladly accepted for use on board.
But we are just a little perplexed about such unwonted generosity, and wonder what is behind it. Beside their raincoats, which they laid at the end of the ver andah, we noticed a camera, an article which bona-flde traders do not usually carry about with them in the South Seas.
I should not be surprised if the osten tatious display of generosity was meant, not for us, but for the natives. Japan un doubtedly is planning a drive southwards, and any manoeuvre in the South Pacific may be regarded with suspicion, and as a prelude to further encroachment.
Last year, the Japanese opened a whole sale trading house in Vila, and they are now bent on pushing their trade through out these islands. As they sell at prices with which British and French traders cannot possibly compete, there is every likelihood that the Japanese merchants will prove popular with the natives.
By such means the Japanese are steadily increasing their influence and population in the New Hebrides, as they already have done in New Caledonia—the outcome of which will be a further crop of problems for Australia and the Em pire.