Better Copra
p. 99 · Read in the full issue
BSIP is Making Better Copra
BSIP copra planters are now pro ducing about nine times as much first grade copra than they were in 1954.
In 1954, only 2 per cent, of the crop subject to Government inspec tion was first-grade; 45 per cent, was second-grade: and 94 per cent, third-grade. For the July-Sep tember period this year, 19.3 per cent, was first-grade; 9.7 per cent, second-grade; and 71 per cent, third-grade.
Since early this year, there has been a £9 differential in the price
paid by the BSIP Copra Board for first and third grades. Price paid for second-grade copra is £4/1/under first-grade. It is vital that the Solomons, which has only one important export, namely, copra, should acquire and maintain a reputation for a good quality product.
The unpopular decision to make a substantial difference in the price between first and third-grades apparently is achieving that pur pose. However, with 77 per cent, of copra still classed as third-grade there is yet room for improvement. t Monsieur Marcel Krainer of Papeete has been appointed Consul for Austria in French Oceania.