Copra Grades and Prices

in French Territories

It is reported that there has been some improvement in copra prices in French Oceania. Late in May, the price was still 7 francs 50 centimes per kilo; but the Governor was using his influence to get the price up to 8.50.

Even so, the price is low (under £6O Aust. per ton) compared with prices elsewhere—for French Oceania copra is of really good quality, and usually commands prices above the world market.

Unintentionally, the PIM did Tahiti an injustice in March. When referring to the “sharp copra slump in French Territories” we gave the impression that Tahiti’s copra quality is low. The reference to low quality copra was directed at the product of the New Hebrides which, black, dirty and improperly cured, is prob ably the worst copra that goes out of the Pacific.

Our Tahiti correspondent, when travelling a few months ago from Syd ney to Tahiti, noted the poor quality of the copra loaded in New Hebrides; but he praised the Wallis Island pro duct, which was comparable with the high grade of the copra made in French Oceania. Our correspondent asked if Tahiti copra was mixed with that from New Hebrides, but was assured by the shipping people that the two products were kept apart on the ship, and separately marketed.