Prosperous Pearl-Shell

Industry Benefits Islanders

rE Queensland Government is de termined to resist any attempt to employ Japanese divers in the pearl ing industry. It has been reported that some Japanese interests have been making representation to be readmitted into the industry.

The Queensland Government depends entirely on the pearling industry for the rehabilitation and maintenance of 800 Torres Strait Island ex-servicemen.

They have proved so successful as dress divers, that alien labour for deep diving will not be needed in a few years. In pre-war days, this form of diving was done by Japanese and Malayans.

But for the pearling industry, it would be a problem for the Torres Strait islander to exist. Their population of 5,000 including 1,100 schcxpl children, has increased a great deal in the last 10 years. Families with eight to 14 children are common. Many natives are forced to migrate to the mainland owing to limited agricultural land on the Islands.

At the present time the pearl ing industry is prosperous and em ploying 1,000 men. Pearl shell is selling at £525 a ton; and as America is the chief buyer, the industry is earning valuable dollars for Australia. Trochus shell, on the other hand, fetches £72 to £75 a ton compared with £l7O pre war.

Wages of native divers have increased in recent years from £1 15/- to £3/15per week, and keep.