Native Copra
p. 28 · Read in the full issue
BSI Government Buys Native Copra New Venture By "Trade Scheme"
From Our Own Correspondent
Honiara, Dec. 29
A RECENTLY introduced method of dealing with copra produced by Solomon Islanders, appears to be working well. Previously, the Govern ment shipped native-produced copra to Yandina, in the Russell Group, on con signment. (Fairymead Sugar Company, of Yandina, are BSI copra agents). Now the Government Trade Scheme (which takes the place of the pre-war trade stores run by commercial firms no longer operating here) will buy copra on the beach from native producers at the fixed price of £26 per ton.
District Commissioners act as agents for the Trade Scheme, which will not purchase copra in areas where private copra buyers are operating. The Gov ernment aim is to assist producers by providing equal marketing facilities in areas where none exist.
If producers prefer to ship their copra to Yandina for sale themselves, the Gov ernment assists them with freight space on Government vessels, but, the producer himself is then responsible for handling the financial transaction involved.
Western Solomon Island producers, who are responsible for the bulk of native-produced copra here, have wel comed the scheme and sold 120 tons of copra in the first three weeks it was in operation. At the same time they are inquiring how soon before they can hope to see more trade goods available.
A new Government B-class vessel, “Biliki,” arrived in the Group in mid- December. She has been allotted to the Trade Scheme and will work in the Wes tern Solomons for the first few months, carrying copra to Yandina and trade goods back to the West.