New Uses For Coconut Oil

AS far back as 1931, the continued low price of coconut products caused grave concern, and efforts were made to find new uses for the coconut.

An important development was then reported in the Philippine Islands, where scientists demonstrated the practicability of using coconut oil as a fuel for Diesel engines. It was claimed that the oil could be produced as cheaply as crude oil. In Manila, at the time, it was thought that the discovery would revolu tionise the industry.

If the use of vegetable oil In combus tion engines is practicable, it is clear that a new era would open for the industry.

It was pointed out, long before 1931, that the world’s mineral oil resources are limited, and that, with the ever-growing demand of the motor trade, it would only be a question of a comparatively short time before supplies are exhausted.

Has there been any further develop ment which would be of interest to Papuan planters?