Copra Growers Get
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
£25 Per Ton
Complaint from G. and E.
Colony
RECENT reports indicate growing discontent among native pro ducers of copra in the Gilbert & Ellice Islands concerning prices being paid to them by the Administration under what is called the “Trade Scheme.”
Since World War 11, private enter prise has not been encouraged to return to the G & E Colony, and most of the trading, especially the buying and shipping of produce, is done by the Government.
According to the natives, the Gov ernment is paying them £32 per ton for copra less than they think they should be getting. For example, this was what happened when G & E Administration was selling copra for £B4 per ton. Because the grower is taxed by the Government 25 per cent, of gross, the £B4 was automati cally reduced to £63, From £63 the Government took £6 per ton, to be added to a sinking fund. After all that, the growers got £25 per ton.
They naturally want to know what has become of the other £32 per ton.
It is not suggested, of course, that any official is making a personal profit; but as every form of Govern ment trading sooner or later eats heavily into profits, the PIM has written to the G & E Administration seeking further information.