From Kenaf

[?]Eriama Estates

To Peanuts

PEANUTS and not kenaf will be grown on the 20,000 acres granted to Erlama Estate at Oro Bay, NE Papua, several years ago, for the large-scale cultivation of the fibre crop.

Thus dies the kenaf project vhich was one of those industries iesigned to make Australia ndependent of overseas imports.

Eriama Estates began experi nenting with kenaf about four rears ago when imports of jute for vheat bags and wool packs were incertain and the price exorbitant.

Due largely to the efforts of Mr.

I. A. Colyer, who became interested n the crop in America and obtained leeds there, experimental plantings Fere made about 14 miles out of ?ort Moresby and for several leasons it was grown successfully in an experimental basis. It was woved conclusively that bags and Fool packs made from kenaf were is good as those made from jute.

The grant of land at Oro Bay Fas then obtained and it was ilanned to grow the crop on a arge-scale basis. However, the nen who had carried the experi nent to that stage felt that they lad then done all that could easonably be expected of them, ind that if Australia were nterested in getting an alternative o jute for the containers for her ital primary industries, then the Australian Government should give he infant kenaf industry some ictive encouragement.

The encouragement in any angible manner was entirely acking, and the kenaf industry oined the many others in Papua- Yew Guinea which have folded up lecause politicians cannot see urther than what is immediately

expedient.

It is understood that the Company s holding at the 14-mile, Fort Moresby will be used to raise

beef cattle; and that a start will be made on the peanut venture at Oro Bay when 400 acres are planted to this crop about October