World’S Copra

Normal Exports Average About 1,400,000 Tons p.a.

A CORRESPONDENT in Papua has asked if it is possible to get details of the world production of copra, shown by countries.

It was estimated that world produc tion of coconuts, copra and of coconut oil in terms of copra, about five years ago, was 3,000,000 tons per annum. More than half is consumed in countries of origin, leaving an exportable surplus of from 1,000,000 to 1,400,000 tons per annum.

H. M. Faure and Co.’s annual report gave the following as official figures of copra and coconut oil exported:—

But the foregoing, while accounting for about 1,100,000 tons per annum, does not take into account the production of East Africa, West Indies, Pacific Islands, and certain parts of Asia.

The figures of average annual copra production in the various Pacific terri tories south of the Equator were pub lished on page 37 of the “P.1.M.” of October, 1939, and they made the sur prising total of 220.000 tons. East Africa and West Indies can be depended upon for another 40,000 tons per annum, at least, so that world production of copra, in a normal year, cannot be much less than 1,400,000 tons.

Production fluctuates greatly, however, according to the condition of the world’s markets.

Mr. Frank Wallace, solicitor, who was a resident oT Vila, New Hebrides, for many years, died in Hobart, Tasmania.

He had been living in Tasmania since his retirement a few years ago.

1933. 1938.

Tons.

Tons.

Philippines . 306,723 342,965 Java .. .; 14,490 3,244 Macassar . 151,072 228,434 Other East Indies . . 320.608 321,689 Straits S . 192,600 166,177 Ceylon . 64,545 75,265