For Fiji
p. 36 · Read in the full issue
Another New Industry For Fiji
Plastics From Makita Nuts
AN interesting new industry is being established in Suva by Mr. J. T.
Collins, of Australia, who proposes to undertake the manufacture of plaster and cement sheets, makita nut “wood flour” and makita nut boards and tiles.
There is a steady demand overseas for “wood flour” as a base in the manufac ture of plastics and, if the makita nut product proves acceptable for this pur pose, Fiji may well find itself provided with a valuable new export, as the makita tree grows freely in the Colony.
A secondary demand arising from the proposed new industry is for fibre, to be incorporated in the boards and tiles. Vau, hibiscus or even banana-stalk fibre will be of use, and Fijians are being invited to prepare these fibres for sale.
Camouflage Nets From Local
Fibres
IT is not generally known that a valu able contribution to the war effort was made by the Fijian people in 1942, when thousands of lengths of turtle netting were made from vau for use as camouflage nets at air bases and coastal batteries on Viti Levu.
One of the main collection centres for the nets was Naitonitoni. There the people of Serua, Namosi, and Colo West sent 5,520 complete nets, 30 ft. square.
The total length of fibre used in making the nets was just over 1,000 miles. —From Fiji Puollc Relations Office Bulletin.