W. Samoan Cocoa Crop
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
Excessive Rain Damages W. Samoan Cocoa Crop
Prom Our Own Correspondent APIA, March 1 JANUARY’S rainfall was normal at 17.02 inches for the month but the month was unusual in that on 17th the temperature reached a maximum of 92.8 deg. Fahr.
This was the highest temperature re corded since November, 1915, and the highest ever recorded for January.
Since the beginning of February, how ever, there have been excessive rains.
During one 24 hour period 3.5 inches were recorded. These heavy rains con tinued during the whole of February.
The abnormal weather has seriously affected trade and industry in the Ter ritory as Samoans are unable to cut and dry their copra.
But, worse still, the wet weather has seriously affected the cocoa plantations, as most of the cocoa pods now on the trees have turned black and crop pros pects are definitely bad. Very little cocoa is expected to be picked until the end of the year.
This comes at a time, when the de mand for Samoan cocoa is very keen and prices offered by the USA and Australia are in the neighbourhood of £250 f.o.b.