Imports; Lower

Higher Prices for Imports; Lower Prices for Cocoa

Apia, Sep. 19.

THE long dry spell which caused water and electric power short

ages and worsened the existing food shortage, has apparently ended— heavy showers have fallen in most parts of the Samoan Islands and brought welcome relief.

By the last Tofua only 2,600 cases of bananas were shipped to New Zealand and it is doubtful whether banana shipments in the coming months can be materially increased

to meet the demand.

The cocoa crop, which is being picked at present, is a fair one, bin the cocoa market in consumer countries is weak and it is hard to obtain offers. From the top pricer obtained during last year (up to £Stg.33s per ton f.o.b. Apia) the market has receded to about £Stg.23o per ton f.o.b. Overseas buyers are purchasing only for immediate re; quirements, as they believe that, with a large crop being harvested in Wesii Africa, prices will drop much lower Consumers in Western Samoa are hard hit by the continuous rise in prices for imported foodstuffs from New Zealand and Australia; The latest rise in canned meats from NZ amounts to 6d in the retail price of canned corned beef, 12 oz and 1 lb tins, to 1/- per tin in larger sizes?

The sale of New Zealand meats here is sure to decrease, particularly a* canned herrings from England can now be imported in large quantities and at reasonable prices.

A 14 oz tin of herrings-in-tomato-( sauce from England is retailed aij 2/3 per tin against 4/2 for a 1 lb tin of NZ corned beef.

The import of Canadian and USA canned fish, sardines, herrings ano

pilchards has completely stoppeo

owing to the dollar shortage in the Territory.