Tobacco Growing In Samoa

FROM time to time European settlers in Samoa have tried to grow a good brand of tobacco leaf, and all, ex cept Father X. Haller, of Leauvaa, abandoned the project as impossible (says the “Western Samoa Mail”). After six years of experimenting he now is certain that it is possible to cultivate and to sell in Samoa a good brand of cigarette tobacco.

He obtained seeds from all the noted tobacco-growing countries throughout the world, hoping to find one particular seed that would yield a leaf with a rich flavour, but this proved too difficult.

Then he endeavoured to gain his object by blending different kinds, giving samples of each blend to friends for

their use and opinion. To-day, it is gen erally agreed that the blend now ob tained is really good and worth a trial.

Father Haller is satisfied that he has accomplished something at last in placing before the public cigarettes retailed locally at sixpence per packet of 15. When his present stock of tobacco is used up, Father Haller does not intend to con tinue planting, but hopes that a capable planter will come forward and carry on the work.

Hon, C. R. Field, Director of Public Works in New Guinea, returned to Rabaul in July, after spending furlough in West ern Australia. He was accompanied by his wife and daughter, Margot.