Papuan Rubber-Growers’

Burden

ALTHOUGH a strong plea for the removal of the iniquitous duty on rubber was made in the Papua-New Guinea Legislative Council in July, by Mr. Fairfax Ross, nothing appears to have been done by the Canberra czars; and now, on the falling world market, the

Papuan growers’ return from rubber is just about eaten up by the cost of production (not less than 1/9 per pound).

Mr. Fairfax Ross said that Sena tor Kendall and a deputation of growers interviewed the Territories Minister not long ago, and pointed out that the rubber duty was first imposed by the Australian Govern ment in 1932, to provide a fund to

help the Papuan growers to survive the depression.

As Sir Hubert Murray pointed out 20 years ago, it saved the in dustry; but Can berra never re moved the duty, although the pro ceeds are not now returned to growers.

It was once Id per lb. Now it is 2d per lb and, im posed on the Papuan product, seeking a pro tected market in

Australia, it now is a crippling burden. 6 Mr. Fairfax Ross begged the Ad ministration to do all that it could to remove the anomaly.

If Mr. O. G. Chapman has been appointed Commissioner of Works In the British Solomons. Mr.

Chapman was seconded to the Western Pacific High Commission from Fiji last year.

The New Apia Methodist Church nearing completion.

The official opening was to take place October 1-3. The church, of modern design, faces the Apia waterfront road.