Japanese In
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
Tonga
Alarming Growth of Banno Bros. Ltd.
Nukualofa, April 2.
ANY doubt regarding the determina tion of the Japanese firm, Banno Bros. Ltd. to establish itself firmly in Tonga was dispelled recently when
the company entered into negotiations for certain leaseholds along the Nukualofa waterfront and in the country.
One of the pieces of land which the Japanese firm appears anxious to obtain is almost next door to the Nukualofa wireless station. Another, in the country, is close to the new aerodrome.
I—i .1 T .
Recently the Japanese acquired an island in Nukualofa Harbour.
Whether the company will be allowed
to .l ease these lands depends on the attitude of the Tongan Government and Agent and Consul. The p~!i Vlt +u S expansion of this firm con ear> , w ] ien J*P an " ese wei j e Permitted to enter Tonga namely, that ultimately their activities and growth would come into conflict not only with the interests of Tonga, but with British rule and trade in the Pacific.
Mr. Y. Banno, head of Banno Bros., Ltd., photographed in Sydney early in May.