W. Samoan Copra Outlook

Apia, May 1.

Although banana production is increas ing in W. Samoa, the copra industry, on the other hand, shows a less promising outlook. During the first four months of this year, the copra production and ex port amounted to less than half of normal, mainly owing to the unattractive rates paid to producers, and to weather con ditions.

To try and increase production, the Government Copra Board has increased the buying rates by 4/- per 100 lb. The

new prices, according to districts, are 27/- to 28/- for hot air dried copra; 25/to 26/- for Samoan first grade quality; and 22/- to 23/- for ordinary quality (sundried second grade).

The increase was decided on in view of improvement in the London copra market, the Copra Board passing on resulting profits to the growers.

The New Rice Price

As advised in the April issue of PIM, the price to be paid for rice in Papua- New Guinea for the 12 months beginning May 1 has risen by 10/- per ton for all varieties. (See Island Produce columns).

The price for rice exported to all other Pacific Islands will remain the same as for the previous year—i.e., dry, brown, £A7O per ton f.0.w., Sydney or Melbourne.

Through an arrangement with the Papua-New Guinea Administration, Aus tralian rice enjoys a monopoly in the Territory. Its price for the year is fixed each May.

Last May the price fell by £1 per ton for all types and this year producers made a strenuous effort to get the £ 1 back, claiming rising costs, etc. However they were met only half way, and got a 10/- rise all round. (Papua-New Guinea imports about 15,000 tons of rice per annum).