Mangaia's Share In Good

Copra Prices

Mangaia, Sep. 18.

rE amazing new price of fourpence per pound now being offered for this island’s copra once a drug on the market is having the usual interesting repercussions.

One firm has offered 3d. per pound, at store; a competitive firm is willing to go the whole 4d.. on a FOB basis. A third factor is the Island Council’s “aronga mana” which, at writing, have arrogated to themselves, as chiefs, the right to for bid the villagers to sell their copra save through channels indicated by this rul ing body.

So far, growers have accepted neither the 3d. nor the 4d. The position is as usual when produce fetches good money; fear of the chiefs’ wrath prevents the producers taking advantage of the favour able market, which may be lost for lack of freedom in dealing. Legally, there is no reason why the individual should not sell his wares to whom he pleases.

The Cook Islands Progress Association is cited as a possible fourth market for Cl copra, and its adherents talk of a steamer being chartered specially to lift the local product, and at a price that will eclipse all others.

Miss Z. Brock and Miss R. Griffiths of the Methodist Overseas Mission in Fiji were both on leave in Australia in October. Miss Brock is on the staff of the hospital at Ba, and Miss Griffiths is in charge of the Methodist Indian Girls’ School, Suva. Both are New Zea landers and will go on there after their Australian holiday.