Experiment

Dismal Story of an Experiment

“T AM sorry to note (writes Mr. J.

JL Bryan, of Casino, NSW) that greater attention has not been paid in the Territory of New Guinea to the growing of cotton.

“About 1924 to 1926, cotton was grown on Kar Kar Island (near Madang). A ginning plant had been erected at Madang. but in the early days of the Expropriation Board the operation of the gin was not understood, and the crop of first year and ratoon cotton accu mulated.

“However, a new engineer at Madang got the gin running properly, and the cotton was sent to England. Many months later a letter was received from an English manufacturer, through the High Commissioner’s office in London, asking for further supplies of this cot ton, and offering a bonus. No further cotton was being planted by the Expro priation Board, however, and the ven ture lapsed.

“At the present time, I understand, Australia’s requirements of cotton are approximately 80,000 bales per annum and local production is about 20,000 bales. The inference is obvious: New Guinea can grow good cotton and Aus tralia is short of requirements.”