What Fiji May Expect in 1945

Overseas Trade

CERTAIN modifications to Fiji imports will be made this coming year. This was announced recently by Mr. John Hinchey, Controller for Imports and Exports.

Brandy, gin, liquers, rum and whisky cannot be imported from Australia with out a licence—licences to be granted on the basis of applicant’s average imports from all sources during the period 1937-39.

Amounts up to these quantities (if available from Australia) will be released, less any other amounts obtained from other sources. (Considering the state of the liquor market in Australia, Fiji traders will be lucky indeed if they receive anything approaching their requirements. To-day. in Australia, it is virtually impossible to purchase by the bottle any of the lines mentioned—through legitimate channels at all events. It is reported, however, that “sly-grog” merchants are still doing a brisk trade with whisky at £4/10/- per bottle.) The United Kingdom has indicated that it can now supply electric light bulbs, certain motor car parts and aluminium in ingots or in semi-manufactured form.

Aluminimum hollow-ware is still in short supply and complete car engines will be supplied only where urgently necessary.

Two million feet of timber will be made available to the South Sea islands by Canada in the coming year. Licences necessary for this are obtainable from the Economic Warfare Officer in Suva.

Australia and New Zealand—both feel ing the loss of phosphates from Ocean Island and Nauru—have notified the Fiji Government that they cannot supply blood and bone manure during 1945.