Fiji's Sugar
p. 17 · Read in the full issue
A Period of Anxiety
From Our Own Correspondent
Suva, Aug. 20.
IN these days, arrangements and con tracts must necessarily be made on more or less hand-to-mouth terms.
Even so, it is disconcerting to learn that there are doubts whether the Fiji sugar crop for 1942 can be sold or shipped.
Any interference with the regular routine of planting and harvesting cane would be an economic disaster for Fiji, where, even in these times of big gold production, sugar is still overwhelmingly the main product.
The industry, locally, is in strong 'hands; and, presumably, therefore, will fare better in time of stress than most cane industries in other parts of the world. But the very large number of Indian farmers, who are the main pro
ducers, and whose whole economic life is a matter of adjustment between cane prices and cash advances on their an ticipated crops, have heard disquieting forecasts and are full of foreboding.
Mr. W. W. Field, a former resident of Papua, and brother of the late Mr. R.
A. Field, at one time editor of the “Papuan Courier”, died in Sydney in August.