In Solomons

Production Board

To Take Over and Work Plantations

EXERCISING wartime powers, the High Commissioner of the Western Paci fic, by regulations published in Suva on October 30, established the British Solomons Islands War Materials Produc tion Board, consisting of the Resident Commissioner, the Custodian of Property and one other member —both the latter to be appointed by the RC.

The Board’s headquarters are on Guadalcanal. It is to “promote and con trol the production, disposal and sale of

copra, rubber, and other products of the Protectorate.” It may requisition, enter into possession of, and work any planta tion and other property in the Solomons: and all necessary legal machinery for that purpose is provided.

No compensation is payable to owners; but the latter will receive rental at the rate of 10/- per acre per annum for fully planted - coconut or rubber land. Rental also will be paid for buildings occupied.

It appears to be a set-up somewhat resembling the Production Board in Papua. But where, in Papua, there is provision for co-operation with owners and sharing profits with owners, there is no provision for owners in the Solomons plan, except payment of rent.

Although the Japs are long gone from all the Solomons—except a few on Choi f£ U l"lS ler S the Shiest indication that the British authorities are prepared to permit the return of civilians. No one knows why.

The Queen of the Netherlands has appointed Caledonian-born M Carlo Leom a Chevalier of the Order of Orange Nassau For many years M. Leoni was Dutch Vice-consul in Noumea.

Captain Charbonnier of the French mechca l service recently flew to WallS Islands (New Caledonia) where he suc ceeds Dr. Mattel as Resident and Medical Officer. He was accompanied by his wife fhP » ? he ma d n Of oSvea fn the Wallis Group has been used by the Americans as an air and naval base and weather station since mid-1942