Pricing, Grading
p. 18 · Read in the full issue
New System Of
For Fiji Copra
A new era in the Fiji coconut industry began on March 7 when a new system of grading and fixing the price of copra was introduced.
THE new system stems from a de tailed investigation of Fiji’s coco nut industry in 1963 by Lord Silsoe (formerly Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve).
In 1961, Lord Silsoe also headed a commission of inquiry into Fiji’s sugar industry, many of whose recommenda tions, since adopted, have brought stability to the industry after seasons of strife in the canefields.
Lord Silsoe recommended that the coconut industry should be run on much the same lines as the sugar in dustry—that there should be a board, with an independent chairman, and an advisory council, drawn from all sides of the industry.
These recommendations have been adopted and Mr. H. G. Nicholls, chair man of South Pacific Sugar Mills Ltd., has been appointed chairman of the Coconut Industry Board.
Price Formula
The cost of running the board and the council will be borne by the in dustry through licence fees and de ductions from the price paid for copra and coconuts.
From March 7 the board took over fixing the prices to be paid at Suva for three grades of copra—first, second and third.
The prices will be fixed on a formula based on one recommended by Lord Silsoe.
It starts from the current price for Philippines copra on the world market and takes into account allowances for freight, taxes, selling costs, shrinkage, etc.
The calculations will be made by the Government Auditor and the prices fixed will normally apply for a period of four weeks. But the board may alter them at any time at its discretion.
The board has established grading centres in Suva, Levuka, Lautoka, Savusavu and Taveuni. Copra must be graded before it can be sold or bought.
Only holders of copra traders’ licences or licensed oil makers or ex porters may buy copra. Growers, if they wish, may sell whole coconuts instead of making copra.
The initial prices, at Suva, were: First grade, £67/2/6; second grade, £62/5/-; third grade, £56/7/6.
Authorised deductions at grading points outside Suva were; Somosomo (Taveuni) —Grade 1, £6/11/-; Grade 2, £7/2/9; Grade 3, £7/17/9.
Savusavu £5/11/-; £6/2/9; £6/17/9.
Levuka —£4/6/9; £4/18/6; £5/13/6.
Lautoka £5/13/-; £6/4/9; £6/19/9. [For many years Fiji had an un official system of grading through Island Industries Ltd., who operate a crushing mill in Suva. Island In dustries in 1958 adopted three grades
“Hot Air Dried”, “Fair Merchantable 1” and “Fair Merchantable 2”, and later changed this to “Hot Air Dried’ and “Merchantable”.] Mr. Nicholls’ associates on the board are George Mate, a Fijian, whc is vice-chairman, and Mr. C. D Aidney, a Suva businessman.
These three men are also on the advisory council with five growers— Messrs. A. R. Tarte, L. H. Simpson Ratu Wiliame Maivalili, Aisake Matanisiga and Maikeli Tuitoga, and four buyers—Messrs. W. G. Johnsor (Inland Industries Ltd.), L. R. Martir (Uno Ltd.), G. R. Simpson (Burn* Philp (SS) Co. Ltd.), and H. Woole> (Union Soaps Pty. Ltd.). Other coun cil members are Messrs. Ken Garnet (Director of Agriculture) and H. R R. L. Cooper (of the Co-operative Societies Department). Mr, J. S Matheson is secretary of both the board and the council.
Lord Silsoe sent a special message of goodwill from London for publica tion on the day the new scheme started.
Moresby For Games?
• If Papua-New Guinea is sue: cessful in its application to the Sout!
Pacific Games Council to be the hos territory to stage the third Soutl Pacific Games in 1969, Port Moresb: will be the venue for them. Thu P-NG Administrator, Sir Donale Cleland, announced this in March The first Games were held in Suvr in 1963, and Noumea will be th»i venue for the second Games ii December this year.
Under the new system introduced in the Fiji copra industry in March, all of Fiji's copra must be delivered to Suva, Levuka, Lautoka, Savusavu or Somosomo (Taveuni) to be graded. The picture at left shows copra being discharged at Princes Wharf, Suva. At right, an official grades copra samples by determining their moisture content. Photos: Rob Wright.