Shell Industry

Effect of War on Pearl Shell Industry

REPORTS reveal that Thursday Island shell divers have been earning up to £39 a week. The absence of Japanese divers, who did most deep-water diving for pearl and trochus shell before the war, is not affecting the industry, as the shallow water beds have recovered greatly during the war-time break.

Torres Strait Islanders have taken over the biggest part of the industry, and it appears that much of the shell fishing industry in the areas will stay under native control.

Since the beginning of the year, according to reports, 301 tons, worth £36,000 at current prices, have been gathered, as compared with 320 tons worth £23,000 for the whole of 1939. This year, so far, only 53 tons of pearl-shell have been gathered, but its value is £30,000, as against 1,120 tons, worth £104,000, for the year 1939.

The North Australian Investigation Committee is considering a scheme for training deep sea divers in the future.

Trainees, it is learned, might be drawn from Australia’s white population, and

also from the Torres Strait.

J.M.H.