Samoa's New Revenues

APIA, August 26.

WESTERN Samoa, like the other island groups which have been spared the horrors of Japanese invasion, is enjoying the benefits of much increased produce prices.

Higher rates are ruling for our two main products, copra and cocoa, and also for our small production of rubber.

Against the higher revenue of the pro

ducers, however, must be placed the more than 100 per cent, increase in the cost of living, and a consequent wage increase fer all classes of labourers. Essential foodstuffs like rice, flour, sugar, canned meats and fish have not only gone up considerably in price, but supplies are scarce, and have to be rationed. Transport also is suffering from the severe rationing of fuel.

Clothing and drapery, in particular, are difficult to obtain, and all Apia stores are showing empty shelves. Hardware is in short supply. Even native food—stuffs like taro, yams and bananas

—are locally selling at much increased rates.

Owing to favourable weather, the pre duction of copra and cocoa is higher this year than last year, and the increased price is, of course, a further stimulant. All European producers are, however, faced with an acute shortage of labour.

The curren t ra t e paid at present for plantation cocoa is £7O to £BO, according to quality and quantity. Like last year’s crop, this year’s crop is a very good one and so far shipping facilities have been fairly satisfactory.