Rubber And Copra

Papua Produced £140,000 In 15 Months Under War Conditions

r PHE chairman of the Australian New Guinea Production Control Board (.now operating in Papua), Brigadier D.

M. Cleland, recently issued the following statement for the information of persons interested.

The Army was in control of plan tations from about April, 1942, until June 30, 1943; and it may be noted that pro duction, in that period of 15 months was 790 tons of rubber ( worth perhaps £90,000) and 2,400 tons of copra (worth at least £48,000).

The Brigadier’s statement follows: — ON July 1, 1943, the Australian New Guinea Production Control Board commenced operations, and took over control of all plantations which hitherto the Army had carried on. The time is now opportune for a general statement on the position.

The object of the Army in assuming control, in 1942, was to maintain pro duction and to preserve so far as military operations permitted. Owners will appreciate that, had not the Army taken that action, their estates would, in many cases, have suffered irreparable damage. It is noteworthy that the total production during the period of Army control was approximately: Rubber, 1,782,000 lb.; copra, 2,400 tons.

A complete inventory and stocktaking of each plantation has been taken as at June 30, 1943, when an owner resumes occupation, this inventory, with adjust ments from June 30, 1943, to date of actual resumption, is taken, as the basis upon which the owner enters into pos session of his property.

The primary function of the Board under the National Security (External Territories) Regulations is to promote and control the production of rubber, copra and other products in the Terri tory, with a view to securing the maxi mum supply of these products during the present war.

In carrying out this function, the policy of the Board will be: (a) complete co-operation with the owners to facilitate their activities; (b) minimum of inter ference with owners in the management of their plantations; (c) elasticity to meet changing conditions.

It is not the desire or the intention of the Board to set itself up as a profit making machine. It merely desires to pay its way. It will consider that it has contributed its share to the war effort if the maximum amount of rubber and copra is produced and, in doing so, con tented owners and a happy native popu lation are left to carry on when normal conditions once again prevail.

The Board does not intend to operate

without having the benefit and assistance of expert advice. A clause was inserted in the Regulations, at the request of the Chairman, under which the Board has the power to co-opt such technical or specialist advisers as it deems necessary to assist it. This power has already been exercised, and Mr. T. Nevitt has been co opted as a specialist adviser. In that capacity, the Board regards him as re presentative of the owners.

The final settlement of affairs in re spect of the carrying on of the plan tations by the Army, up to June 30, is being handled by the Department of External Territories and the Department of the Army. The Board has no authority to deal with such matters, but it will, in the interests of the owners, assist so far as it is able.

At the commencement of its operations, the Board has been obliged to settle cer tain costs and charges. These will be subject to periodic review, and the benefit of any reduction will be given to owners.

Native labour is subject to the opera tional demands of the Forces in the Territory. Whilst no guarantee can be given, it is reasonable to assume that labour at present on plantations will re main and be built up gradually.

Owners will have the utmost assistance and co-operation from the Board. The Board on its part anticipates co-opera tion from the owners. On this basis a maximum war effort should result.