Again Selling

Papuan Planters

Rubber

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, Sept. 2.

PAPUAN planters are selling their rubber again after a five months break during which approximately 800 tons accumulated at storage centres and plantations in the Territory.

The Australian Government, through the Production Control Board, is buying the rubber at Singapore prices. Al though planters sayi that the present prices of 12.3 pence for second grade, and 13.1 pence for first grade, are below cost of production, they, nevertheless, are thankful for the Government’s help.

In any case, this arrangement is be lieved to be a temporary one. After October 31, it is hoped that a permanent stabilisation scheme will be introduced.

An officer of the Commonwealth De partment of Agriculture (Mr. Grogan), is being sent to investigate the whole rubber problem. In this he will be assisted by the local Assistant Director of Agri culture, Mr. R. E. Dwyer, who is being recalled from leave for this purpose.

The rubber trouble, it will be remem bered, arose at the end of March when Australian manufacturers stated that they could buy Papuan rubber only if growers were prepared to sell their No. 1 grade at the price for No. 2 grade. .

Planters refused to sell under these con ditions.

There appears to have been no change in the attitude of the manufacturers, therefore the Government, in buying the rubber at Singapore prices, will have to sell at a loss if it wishes to supply the Australian market.