Solomons

Timber

Venture

A big British-Japanese timber venture is being carried out in the Shortlands, part of the British Solomon Islands. The Shortland Development Company has been operating for three years, running a regular shuttle service to Japan with hardwood for furniture making. In one month recently one million super feet of timber was shipped out. There are 11 Japanese working in the Shortlands on the project, all skilled per sonnel, and the company has built 10 miles of well-graded roads through the jungle. Manag ing director and a main shareholder in the com pany is Mr. J. P. Diamond, seen below supervis ing the operations of a power saw. At right, a Japanese tractor moves logs along the beach at Lofung, which is headquarters for the Shortland's operation. There is great co-operation among all races in the venture.—Photos: Bruce Adams.