New South Seas Industry

Coconut Shell

ANEW side-industry for copra pro ducers has developed in the Pacific Islands during the* past few months —namely, the supply of coconut-shell charcoal. It is in demand by the Aus tralian authorities for some war purpose that is not disclosed. Supplies are being sent to Sydney from all Territories.

The Colonial Sugar Refining Co., Ltd., working in conjunction with Messrs.

Burns, Philp and Co., Ltd., Morris strom & Co., Ltd., W. R. Carpenter and Co.. Ltd. began quietly to collect coconut shell from all the Islands a few months ago. It was obtained from the various copra plantations in bags, which were supplied; and 50/- per ton f.o.b. was paid.

This system now is being revised. As the shell produces only about 20 per cent, of charcoal, it is waste to pay freight on same when, with a little organisation, the charcoal might be made on the plantation and shipped instead.

The firms are still accepting the shell where it has been forwarded under the original arrangement; but all coconut planters are being asked to make new arrangements, for the production of charcoal themselves.

In Fiji, for instance, C.S.R. Co. is train ing a number of people in the prepara tion of charcoal; sending these as trained instructors to the various plantations; and the instructors, in their turn, are showing the planters and their labourers how to go about the job. Large oil drums, suitably made up as kilns, are being loaned free to Fiji producers.

The prevailing price for this charcoal now is £7/10/- per ton net, on plantation —bags supplied The charcoal must be carefully prepared for shipment, other wise spontaneous combustion may occur.

All details can be obtained from any of the firms mentioned, or by writing direct to the C.S.R. Co., Ltd., of Sydney.