Suva Crushers Taking More

Of Fiji’S Copra

From Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Feb. 6.

A SUBSTANTIAL increase in the quantity of copra sold to crushers at Suva in 1949 is the main feature of figures released by the Copra Board on February 1.

Copra produced in Fiji in 1949, com pared with 1948 decreased by 1,914 tons —this was due mainly to hurricane damage in Lau and elsewhere—but the quantity sold to local crushers increased by 2,541 tons. The quantity shipped overseas de creased by 7,420 tons.

The folowing figures give the 1949 quantities in tons and the value: Purchased from producers 32,723 (£1.612,378).

Shipped to Ministry qf Food, London, 13,932 (£729,943); Sold to local crushers, 19,244 (£994,907).

In 1948 the quantity was: Purchases. 34,637 tons; shipped, 21,352; sold to local crushers, 16,703.