In Jeopardy
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
Papuan Rubber Industry In Jeopardy Negotiations Being Made For A Stabilised Price
THE Papuan rubber industry is not sharing in the boom of most South Pacific products. This was made clear by Mr. E. V. Crisp, chairman of Steamships Trading Company, at the annual meeting in Port Moresby this month.
The rubber industry in Papua would run a great risk of incurring losses if it was not assisted, he said.
Negotiations with the Department of External Territories, for Papua’s entire output of rubber to be sold in Australia at a stabilised price, giving a reasonable return to growers, were now being con ducted by a committee representing the local Administration, the Production Con trol Board, and the Papua Planters’
Association.
If the industry was to survive, Mr. Crisp said, some form of assistance either by way of relief from the duty of 2d. a lb. imposed on the rubber entering Australia or by a guaranteed minimum price would have to be given.
The price of rubber had declined during the year to a level at which it was im possible for Steamships Trading to pro duce at a profit. Native labour was scarce, and it has been decided to cease production and to reduce staffs to a minimum necessary for maintenance of the properties.