S-W Pacific Market Report

THE Americans, be they at peace or war, are commercially minded.

According to Newsweek, latest market reports from the South-west Pacific state that Jap souvenirs (gas masks, helmets, paper money, etc.) are still selling strongly in New Britain.

Favourite exchange mediums for these trinkets are fresh eggs, oranges, canned goods.

Wristlets and watch bands made from scrap plane duraluminium, stamped Guadalcanal or Tarawa, bring $B-$l5, according to craftsman ship. Necklaces of cat’s-eye shells $2O-$5O.

Shares have been sold to provide new officers’ clubs. One such, in the Hotel du Pacifique in Noumea—com plete with a long bar, slot machines and a mess—originally sold issued shares at $25. These shares are now quoted at $6OO, and have paid hand some dividends in cash—or grog.

Since the arrival of the US Forces in New Caledonia, 27 local girls have mar ried American soldiers and sailors Four of them recently left to make their homes in the United States.