Fiji Copra Falls by 12/6

Per Ton

Suva, Nov. 6.

rOM December 1, the buying price of copra in Suva and Levuka, Fiji, will fall by 12/6 per ton. This was re cently announced by the Director of Agriculture. Mr. C. Harvey.

Prices which will be paid at Suva and Levuka in future, therefore, will be: £l9/7/6 a ton, plantation grade; and £l7/17/6 FMS grade.

The decrease in price represents ,an adjustment between the local copra pool and the British Ministry of Food.

In October, 1944, Fiji producers were given a rise of 10/- a ton on their copra.

This was because of the desire of the local authorities that producers get full benefit from the price paid by the Minis try. But a warning was issued at that time that a revision upwards or down wards would probably become necessary from time to time.

After 12 months it has been found that the copra pool has been losing on the higher price, and, therefore, an adjust ment of 12/6 per ton has now been made.