Copra Producers

Shortage of Sacks Hits Copra Producers

From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL. October 22.

AT the present time, the following items are unprocurable here: Copra sacks, twine, fresh meat, trade meats, milk, cheese, building materials of all de scriptions, petrol and lubricating oils.

Most of these shortages are due to a breakdown in shipping services; but in the case of bags and twine it is possible that the trouble is caused—and will grow worse—because of the record wheat harvest in Australia. Although the authorities in Australia have known for months that a bumper crop would be harvested they have apparently left it until this late date to make adequate arrangements for coping with it.

Repercussions in all Australian primary industries which use bags and sacks, will be severe and it could spell disaster to the copra growers of the Territories —it is unlikely that our needs will be met when sacks are needed urgently in Australia, where farmers have votes and are thus able to deal with muddling politicians.

Planters soon will not be able to market their produce, although it is known that there was a large consignment of copra sacks in store in Sydney awaiting ship ment. But with Australian politicians now running round in circles trying to find sacks for wheat, there is no cer tainty that they will reach New Guinea.

Bad feeling is created here in New Britain (and New Ireland and Bougain ville) by the fact that Port Moresby has at least 50 per cent, more Australian shipping than do we. Moresby is the happy-hunting ground of public servants; the main copra producing areas of the Territory are New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville, yet we will be lucky to get two ships before Christmas—even then Moresby and Samarai will have first call on the vessels.