Pineapple Growing in Fiji
pp. 63-64 · Read in the full issue
Fiji
From Our Own Correspondent
Suva, Feb. 16.
IN addition to the successful pine apple cannery in Fiji operated since 1938 by the Colonial Sugar Refining Co., there is another can nery on the Wainiloka property of Mr. A. C. McCown, on Ovalau Island, just east of the main island of Viti Levu. The industry there seems to be making steady progress, both in the quality of the canned pines and the area under cultivation. Ship ments are sent to Canada, New Zea land and England.
Mr. McCown recently stated, in an interview with the “Fiji Times” that, while his company produces most of its own pineapples, it is encouraging cultivation by Fijians, local Solomon Islanders and others. Prices for the raw product range from £3/10/to £l/10/- per ton, according to grade, averaging about £2/10/- per ton delivered at the factory. Pro duction varies from 16-24 tons per acre for the first season down to 5-10 tons in the third year, when it is necessary to replant.
One Solomon Islander with five acres, realised a gross return of £125 in the first season. He had one assistant labourer, and three extra men at harvesting. Now he is busy
Increasing his area to 10 acres. This man pays his labour two shillings daily and food, most of which is grown on the plantation.
Miss Lucy Gertrude Lindsay, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Lindsay, of Lautoka, Fiji, was married to Mr. Bruce Worledge in St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Lautoka, on February 7. The reception, held in the Colonial Sugar Company’s social hall at Lautoka, was attended by 250 guests.