Papua's Rubber

Peak Production by the Returned Planters

1T has been officially reported from Canberra that planters who returned to New Guinea in July, 1943, before the Japanese had been pushed right out of their area, now hope to exceed the peak pre-war output of 1,200 tons of rub ber in their first year of production.

Prior to the return of the planters, plantations were controlled by the Army.

In the thick of heavy fighting, soldiers were detailed to the clearing and main tenance of plantations; civilian planters went back to work with instructions to produce rubber as rapidly as possible, without considering damage or detriment to the future of the trees.

There are now 73 white planters, assisted by hundreds of natives. They receive suppliers and medical treatment from the Army, through ANGAU and the Production Board, and their mails are subject to Army censorship. Their stay in the Territory is dependent on the will of the GOC, New Guinea Force.

Owners are paid at rates fixed by the Government, with a guaranteed margin of profit of not less than that obtained before the war.