1925-26 1928-29 Tons Tons Copra . 625,751 910.908 Palm-kernels 487,796 458,907 Ground-nuts (Peanuts) . 1,250,918 1,375,799 Soya Beans . 1,683,384 2,588,574 Linseed . 1,473.325 2.034,525 Whale-oil (Barrels) . 1,044,272 1,861.877 Philippines 1920 32,148 1929 178,018 Java 42,638 52,888 Macassar 49.523 92.869 Padang, Sangir. etc. .. . 34,399 138.000* Other Dutch E.I 109,600* 186,112 Straits Settlements .. 112.430 Cevlon 68.044 101,453 Malabar 1,470 — Total 340.652 858.340 •Estimated.

THE Pacific Islands Monthly THE ONLY JOURNAL CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND TERRITORIES AND GROUPS OF THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH PACIFIC.

Vo!, i—No. 8 Registered at G.P.0., Sydney, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper SYDNEY: TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1931 | Per Annum, posted, fl/-. f Single Copy, «kl.

Radio To Papua

Completing Pacific Network New A.W.A Station THE opening of a new high speed wireless telegraph station at Port Moresby on March 10 by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd. marked the establishment of direct communication between Sydney and Port Moresby, and the completion of another important unit in the wireless network, which now covers a large section of the Pacific Ocean.

The new station at Moresby is situated in the main street of the town, taking the place of the old station, which was located at Konedobu one and a quarter miles distant.

The equipment consists of a 5 kilowatt short wave Beam feeder transmitter, a 5 kilowatt coastal radio transmitter, a 50 watt emergency long waveshort wave transmitter, also modern receiving apparatus. An idea of the power of the main transmitter is given by the fact that it is of the same strength as broadcasting station 2FC, Sydney, or 3LO, Melbourne.

Erected cial directional Beam aerial for communication with Sydney over a distance of 1,750 miles.

The opening of the new Port Moresby radio station is in accordance with an arrangement made between Amalgamated Wireless and the Commonwealth Government, when Amalgamated Wireless took over the whole of the coastal stations of Australia, seventeen in number, also two in Papua and eight in the Mandated Territory.

In accordance with the agreement then entered upon, Amalgamated Wireless has modernised—and in the case of Port Moresby completely rebuilt and re-equipped-the whole of these stations.

Realising the development and importance of the various British island possessions in the Pacific and the enterprise manifested by other nations in establishing wireless stations on their island possessions there, Mr. E. T.

Fisk, managing director of A.W.A., suggested to the Right Hon. L. S Amery, then First Lord of the British Admiralty, that Amalgamated Wireless take over from the Imperial Government all the wireless stations in the Fijian group, with the object of modernising and operating them as units of the Pacific network already operated by the company.

An agreement was completed between the Imperial Government and the company, and to-day these stations are equipped in the most modern way.

The wireless stations controlled by Amalgamated Wireless maintain communication between Australia, New Guinea, Papua, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, New Caledonia, New Hebrides and Hawaii.

The aim of Mr. Fisk in establishing a network of British radio stations in the Pacific is rapidly in course of realisation. and the new station at Port Moresby is a further link in making Australia the wireless centre of the Southern Pacific.

New Administrator

APPOINTED For Western Samoa From Our Wellington Correspondent IT has been announced that Brigadier- General H. S. Hart, who commanded one of the New 1 Zealand brigades in the War, has been appointed Administrator of Western Samoa, in succession to Colonel S. S. Allen.

General Hart, who has been practising as a solicitor at Masterton, N.Z., will take over his duties on April 3.

Death of Mr. H. F. Heycock Well-Known Islands Identity THE death occurred at Auckland on February 7 of Mr. H. F. Heycock, manager of the Levuka branch of Messrs. Burns Philp (South Sea) Co.

Ltd.

Mr. Heycock was well-known in the Islands. He was accountant for Messrs. Burns Philp at Suva, in 1914, and from there went to the Levuka branch at chief clerk. In 1923 he was appointed manager at Makambo, Solomon Islands, and four years later was transferred to Levuka as manager.

He was proceeding on furlough to Auckland and Sydney, accompanied by Mrs. Heycock and their daughter, when he was taken ill. On arrival at Auckland he was conveyed direct from the ship to hospital.

When news of Mr. Heycock’s death was received in Levuka, flags were flown at half-mast, as a mark of respect.

Deceased was born at Dunedin, N.Z He was fifty-six years of age.

Volcano Active

In New Hebrides ABOUT the same time as the disastrous earthquake in the Hawkes Bay District of New Zealand, lahoi. a volcano 2,000 feet high, in Tanna, New Hebrides, became active.

Huge lumps of lava, some of the blocks being about 20 feet long, were thrown up, and fell back into the crater. No lava ran down the side of the mountain.

The noise of the disturbance could be heard a couple of miles away.

The volcano had not been active for some years.

Interest in Canberra From Our Canberra Correspondent.

Much interest was taken here in the opening of the new wireless telegraph station at Port Moresby.

The Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Scullin, regards it as of the very greatest importance, and says that it will greatly facilitate the operations of the Commonwealth in Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, whilst its importance from a commercial point of view cannot be over-emphasised.

This view is also shared by officials who have charge of the Islands section of the Prime Minister’s Department.

The Lieutenant-Governor of Papua, Sir Hubert Murray, who was prevented from being present in Sydney at the opening, was represented by his official secretary, Mr. Leonard Murray.

Fiji Exchange

Rates Now Revised THE Fiji rates of exchange have been recently revised. The Bank of New South Wales notified the new rates as follows: FIJI ON LONDON—Basis £ 100 London.

Buying.

Telegraphic Transfer £ 107 9 0 On Demand 106 16 6 30 days 106 7 9 60 days 106 3 0 Selling.

Telegraphic Transfer £lOB 11 6 On Demand . 108 6 6 30 days =. 108 1 6 60 days f 107 16 6 FIJI ON AUSTRALIA Basis £lOO Fur.

Buying £ll5 12 0 Selling 113 12 0 FIJI ON NEW ZEALAND—Basis £lOO New Zealand.

Buying £99 0 0 Selling 101 0 0 The effect of the premium on money coming from Fiji to Australia is that merchants in the Colony purchasing goods here receive £lOO worth by sending £BB.

Papua’S Future

Views of Sir Hubert Murray

Extension Of Rubber

Industry Expected

ACCORDING to Sir Hubert Murray, Lieut. Governor of Papua, who is on his annual visit to Canberra to discuss administrative affairs, the rubber industry in the Territory is once again in full swing, now that the 4d. per pound preference has been granted by the Federal Government.

Indeed, he is optimistic that a great extension in rubber planting will take place.

Coffee growing is another industry which Sir Hubert considers has good possibilities. He explained that, when he first went to Papua, coffee was being grown, but, owing to there being no bounty on the product, the industry did not extend. A bounty now has been granted on this, and development of the industry is proceeding.

Money Orders to New Caledonia THE postal authorities have notified that henceforth money orders issued in Australia payable in New Caledonia will be converted at the rate of 90 francs to the pound.

Copra In The Doldrums

Factors Which Have Caused Low Prices First of Series of Articles Dealing with Position and Probable Future of Coconut Planting BY R. W. ROBSON, EDITOR OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY.

London, Jau/uary 25. one sets out to “get a line on the future of copra,” one is faced with some peculiar difficulties.

It is not a matter simply of talking with experienced merchants, discussing the probable consumption of copra products, and trying to make an intelligent forecast of a free market. If the trouble were merely that copra and its rivals were in huge over-supply, the situation would be easily summed up. But it is far worse than that.

Apart from the facts that there is general depression and that the copra market has been invaded in enormous quantities by various oil-bearing “seeds” (as they are called here), the really complicating factors are that the world market is now dominated by Unilever, one of the most powerful combines in the world; and that a very recent development of chemical science has deprived copra of certain advantages which it formerly held over its rivals.

In the course of this short visit to London, I have called upon numerous brokers and merchants who handle oil-seeds and study the market carefully; I have had a look over the Baltic Exchange and the commercial salerooms; and, through the kindness of these gentlemen and various friends, I have gathered a mass of information which I shall try to co-ordinate for the benefit of the thousands of men in the South Seas whose future welfare is bound up with the future of copra.

It is not possible to summarise this data, and my conclusions, in one article.

In the course of a short series, published monthly, I shall give what information I have concerning the present condition of the copra market; the character and quality of other oil-seeds which are increasingly competing with copra; the serious effect and nrobable future of the new whale-oil industry; the history, present effect and probable future of the Unilever combine; and what (in the opinion of the London and German observers) is likely to be the condition of the copra industry in the future.

As the last-mentioned is likely to be the last article of the series, and our readers will naturally want to know what conclusions students of the market have reached, I will say at once that it is not expected that growers will for years, if ever, again see prices very much over £2O per ton; but that there is quite a good future for those growers who can make a profit on a price over £lO to £ll per ton f.o.b.

We know that the primary factor in the buyers’ domination of the copra market is the enormous over-production, first, of copra and, second, of several oil-seeds and oils, which are in active competition with copra. But few people in the South Seas have seen the figures. After considerable trouble I obtained figures from Germany (which specialises in these kinds of statistics) and from one or two London brokers, which enabled me to compile the following table, showing world production: The 1930 figures, not available yet in detail, show the same upward tendency, I understand. No comment is needed —the thing speaks for itself. And this huge mass of oils and oil-bearing substances was thrown into the market just when the world, lethargic under an unprecedented economic depression, was reporting a decreased consumption of practically every commodity.

The wcnder is that it has been possible to sell our copra at all, at any old price. Yet one London broker, only a few days ago. said: “While prices have been at ridiculous levels, every bit of copra that has come in has been sold. There are no great stocks of oilseeds awaiting buyers in this part of the world.” That, I think, is a very important point to remember when we come to a consideration of Unilever and the future of the market.

With regard to copra, here are some interesting figures showing shipments, in tons, from the various main producing countries of the world, in 1920 and 1929, as shown in the fine “Review” issued by Prank Fehr and Co.: Those figures, be it noted, do not include South Seas production. As a matter of fact—but I do not know why—none of the various compilations I gathered up in London and Germany take South Seas copra into their calculations. In one place. I saw it vaguely referred to as “about 140.000 tons per annum.” I believe it is a good

(Continued On Page 2 )

A glimpse of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua.

A busy sceen in Dairen Harbour, Northern Manchuria. Screening and sacking Soya beans, ready for shipment.

Value per tan in London.

Oil January, 1931 Content Copra . . .. . .. £15 0 0 62 per cent.

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It is clear that in 10 years, copra production has much more than doubled.

Now let us glance at copra’s more formidable rivals.

SOYA BEANS.

The soya bean, though one of the plants extensively cultivated in the Far East since the dawn of history, did not appear in London, as a source of vegetable oil, until about 1911. Then it came rapidly into favour, not so much on account of its oil content (which is only 15 per cent.), but because of the very high protein content of the soya bean oil-cake, which made it valuable for many purposes. But even its low percentage yield of oil represents, now that over 2,500.000 tons per annum of beans are shipped out of the East, 375,000 tons of oil in the bulk —quite sufficient to affect the world’s vegetable oil market. For soap and margarine making, it is a rival of copra.

More than a quarter of the area under cultivation in Manchuria is devoted to the soya bean, and most of the shipments are from Dairen and Vladivostock, though it is also grown in South China, India, Japan and South Africa. Before the war, and before the merits of soya bean meal had been recognised, the average value of the bean was £7/10/- per ton. In 1924- 25 it was about £l3 per ton, and it remained in the vicinity of £ll/15/until the end of 1929. Then came an enormous increase in shipments, with the result that the market, encountering over-supply plus depression, has declined to £6. This has been followed by a sharp decline in shipments from China; but it is reported that the Eastern crushers are working full time on the low-priced beans, and that the shipments to Europe of the oil, instead of the whole bean, have increased.

GROUND NUTS (PEANUTS).

The world production of ground-nuts has increased very rapidly since the war. They come mostly from all parts of British India, with very substantial additional shipments from Nigeria and Gambia (West Africa), China and East Africa; and, because of their high oil content (40 per cent.) they are a formidable competitor of copra.

The average price of this product, in 1926, was about £2l per ton, in London, going at times to £23. This highly profitable rate naturally brought a tremendous increase in production, particularly in India and West Africa.

At the moment, the best price offering in Europe is under £lO per ton.

PALM KERNELS.

The output of palm-kernels, which come mostly from the West African districts, from Cape Verde, in the north, to the borders of British South Africa, in the south, and from the East African districts just south of the equator (with increasing quantities from the Dutch East Indies), is controlled by units of the Unilever combine, and has decreased somewhat in recent years.

The price sprang from about £2O per ton, in 1914, to over £4O in the postwar period. For several years, to the end of 1928, it kept around £2O; but from early in 1929 it began to drift.

It was £l7/2/6 at the end of 1929, and to-day is quoted at £lO/15/-.

The palm-kernel produces 45 per cent, of an oil that probably is the nearest competitor of coconut oil in point of quality. Although palm kernels are valued at from £4 to £5 per ton less than copra, it must be remembered that the same palm-fruit produces also palm oil, which is taken from the pulp which surrounds the kernel, and which is worth about £3l per ton. This tends to make the oil-palm a profitable crop. But, curiously enough, palm oil is not a direct competitor of coconut oil, while palm-kernel oil is.

LINSEED OIL.

Although linseed, produced in Argentine, North America, India and the Baltic regions, is not so directly in competition with coconut products, it gives 30 per cent, of a useful vegetable oil, and has been so enormously overproduced in recent years that it also has greatly influenced the whole oilseed market. Argentine seems to have been the biggest factor in this overproduction. Her average, from 1914 to 1920, was well under a million tons annually. In 1929-30, the crop was over 2,000,000 tons; but there was a decrease in 1930-31 and, as paint and linoleum manufacturers cannot use soya or other vegetable semi-drying oils to any extent as a substitute for the linseed product, the linseed prices tended to keep up, while all other vegetable oils had fallen. But there has now been a sharp decline to £B/10/-, compared with £l9 at the end of 1929.

WHALE OIL.

The effect of the enormous increase in whale oil production—mainly the result of Norwegian enterprise in the Antarctic —is well-known to all coconut planters. What is not so wellknown is the probable future of this industry; and the likely effect of new chemical methods in making whale oil available for new uses, by deodorisation and neutralisation. These things are so important that they will be discussed in a later article, in this series.

It may be noted, however, that in 1924, when 723,475 barrels of whale oil were produced, the market price was £35 per ton. In 1929, when the production had gone up to 1,861,877 barrels, the price was down to £25 per ton; and at this moment of writing, whale oil of first grade is on offer at £l5 per ton. Many people believe that whale oil at £l5 per ton is below production cost.

COMPARATIVE VALUE OF OILS.

It is interesting to examine a list cf the oil-seeds, in relation to their oilcontent: At one time, these various oils were respectively applied to and reserved for particular uses; but to-day, owing to greater technical knowledge and the application of chemical discoveries, the oils are increasingly interchangeable.

The effect of this very important circumstance is seen in the close relation between oil content and price. If, in the opinion of manufacturers, the price of one oil is too high, they can turn to another.

Coconut oil is acknowledged to be the best vegetable oil for a variety of purposes, and for many things is definitely preferred. Other things being equal, manufacturers will use coconut oil. But as soon as the price rises above a certain figure—which they now fix arbitrarily, among themselves— they turn to one of the other oils, and come back to coconut oil when its price falls, or the price of the alternative oil rises. Generally, coconut oil is sought for margarine and better-class foodstuffs: and the other oils for soapmaking.

PRESENT CONDITION OF MARKET.

The South Seas planter, looking over the foregoing figures, can matve his own deductions. But here are the conclusions of a leading broker I personally interviewed in London. I may not give his name, but I may say that he is one of Europe’s shrewdest dealers in oilseeds: “There are no immediate signs of improvement, owing to the plentiful supplies of all available oil-seeds and oils, particularly linseed and whale oil. We expect this year about 1,000,000 tons more linseed, which will produce approximately 330,000 tons of oil, for which it will be difficult to find buyers.

There appears to be an increase of 50 per cent, in whale oil coming forward —who is going to buy it?

“In general, we are facing a situation where supplies of all oils and fats continue plentiful, while consumption is slow, on account of economic pressure everywhere.

“We cannot look for an immediate improvement: but we think that the size of the next crops will be effectively reduced —the present prices will have this reaction upon producers. Of course, a good many oil-seeds, in which cost of production does not play an important part, will not be affected in this way; but crops in which a definite outlay for cultivation is required will be reduced.

“Personally, I do not think there is any room underneath this market. We feel that prices to-day are on bottom— that they have reached a level from which no further fall is possible. We look forward, presently, to an improvement rather than a decline. But that must be entirely governed by economic developments the world over.”

The next articles of this series will deal respectively with the serious effect and probable future of the new whale-oil industry, and the reaction upon the copra industry of the application of certain chemical discoveries to the refining of whale and other oils ; the history, present operations and probable future of the Unilever Combine; and what is now necessary in the copra industry if it is to be carried on profitably in the future.

World Rubber Stocks LONDON trade reports state that stocks of rubber in all consuming centres are a depressing feature, and the estimated world stocks at the end of November amounted to 460,000 tons, as against 302,000 tons at the same time a year ago.

The increase in stock positions for 1930 represents a carry forward of roughly 150,000 tons, while consumption for the year shows a decline of about 110,000 tons.

Prominent Chinese Official To Visit Solomon Islands THE official secretary for the Consulate-General of China in Australia, Mr. Djienbien Young, will sail by the Mataram on March 31 on an official visit to the British Solomon Islands, on behalf of the Consul-General, Professor Kwei Chih.

Early last year Mr. Djienbien Young visited the Mandated Territory of New Guinea with Mr. D. Y. Narme, who was representing the former Consul- General of China, Mr. F. T. Sung, to investigate the overseas Chinese affairs there.

The party returned through the British Solomon Islands, and Mr. Djienbien Young, who was then attache to the Consulate-General, was ordered to station himself at Tulagi, and take charge of the Bureau of Overseas Chinese Affairs.

On October 4 he returned to Sydney to report on the conditions there.

Later he was promoted to the secretaryship, which he at present holds.

He has a wide experience of the Pacific Islands affairs, for he has visited all the Islands, with the exception of Fiji.

Assaults on White Women New Guinea Menace Drastic Action Necessary From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL, February 10.

INDECENT assaults on white women are, unfortunately, becoming more prevalent, and it is anparent that more drastic action will have to be taken, if this menace is to be crushed.

“Calaboose” means little or nothing to the offenders, and. as an instance, a native only recently released from one year’s imprisonment for assault on a white woman, was charged last week on three separate counts, all for similar offences. The offences were committed within two or three weeks.

The native was found guilty on all charges and sentenced in all to 4 years’ hard labour and three whipping of 20 strokes each.

Two other cases came before the Central Court last week, and, in each case, the offender was sentenced to one year’s hard labour and a whipping.

Tonga’S Revenue

For the year 1929-30 the total revenue of Tonga was £87,740. This sum comprised: Customs, £41,000; Native taxes, £12,000; other branches, £34,740.

For the previous year, the revenue from all sources totalled £96,887.

New Guinea Gold Yield Now Totals £835,856 Warden’s Report of Operations DURING the year 1930, 51,5840 z.

IGdwts. of alluvial gold, of an estimated value of £117,241, were declared and exported from the Morohe Goldfields, Mandated Territory of New Guinea, ais compared with 72,6250 z., valued at £154,116 for the previous year.

This information is contained in a report just issued by the Warden.

“The decrease,” continues the report, “was due to easily accessible alluvial claim ground at Edie Creek being worked out, whilst the surrounding area had been taken up as leases for lode mining, thus preventing any further prospecting for alluvial deposits.

“Even if such deposits were discovered it is extremely doubtful whether they could be worked by miners of limited means, with the water available at Edie Creek. To work them on a large scale would necessitate the installation of a hydro-electric plant.

“Towards the latter part of 1930, the production was assisted by the discovery of Black Cat Creek, and it is hoped that the alluvial gold from this creek and its parent stream, the Bittoi River, will considerably swell the 1931 total.

“The New Guinea Goldfields Ltd. received a little alluvial gold from its tributors, but the amount was insignificant when compared with what was produced by the former holders of the leases, the Edie Creek Pty. Ltd., in the previous year.

“The total gold exported during the period of the Australian Mandate now aggregates 387,861 oz. 16 dwts., of an estimated value of £835,856.

“This consists of alluvial gold only, and has been mostly won by alluvial miners. This total should be considerably increased in 1931, when it is expected that the subsidiary of the Placer Development Limited, the Bulolo Gold Dredging Ltd., and the New Guinea Goldfields Ltd. will commence work on their huge alluvial deposits, whilst the latter company and the Day Dawn (New Guinea) Ltd. will have a mill erected capable of treating 100 tons and 20 tons per day respectively.

LARGE TONNAGES PROVED.

“The three mining companies (New Guinea Goldfields Ltd., Day Dawn (New Guinea) Ltd., and New Guinea Development. N.L.), operating at Edie Creek, are all actively developing welldefined lodes and have already proved large tonnages of valuable ore.

“The workings so far opened up are at, or near, water level and cannot be carried deeper with the existing appliances, owing to the large volumes of water to be dealt with.”

An oil-palm plantation in West Africa. The natives, gathering nuts, climb trees in the usual way, with the aid of belts. 2

Copra In The Doldrums

(Continued From Page 1)

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

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Thursday Island Notes

Erection of Museum Delayed A Bell With a History From Our Own Correspondent THURSDAY IS., March 5.

THE conditions of things, which everyone is pleased to call “financial stringency,” has precluded any further progress being made for the time being with the scheme of erecting a Museum for Thursday Island.

Some time back, a committee with representatives of the Thursday Island Town Council and the local branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, was set up to go into preliminary arrangements, and had got as far as preparing to collect £4OO or so with which to start building operations.

The collection of ethnological and other exhibits belonging to the Town Council is at present stored away; there are also valuable relics and curios which have been given to the R.G.S.A., and these will be incorporated when the Museum takes definite shape later.

Visitors to the Island frequently enquire for various objects of interest contained in the above, one such being an old bell picked up on the Barrier Reef, which exhibits a double inscription, a somewhat unusual thing.

One side of it carries “Ship Sally A.D. 1807,” and the other “Schooner Triumph 1847.” Although considerable efforts have been made to discover the bell’s origin and some particulars of the ships which once carried it, its identity is as mysterious as when it was first discovered.

Possibly this may meet the eye of some roving seafarer or ex-South Sea adventurer, who may be enabled to yield the sought-for information; if so, the local branch of the R.G.S.A., which is working on the collection of information concerning old wrecks of Torres Strait, will be very glad to have it.

Torres Straits Schools

The Aboriginal Department has been re-distributing the teaching staff in the Torres Straits schools for the forthcoming year. In accordance with the policy of the department, several of the schools are now in charge of native teachers. An inspector of the education department visits periodically for examination purposes and general guidance.

On the larger islands, European teachers are located.

A new venture in the erection of cottage hospital buildings on the larger islands has been set on foot, but, so far, no provision has been made for training native nurses —on the lines of Samoa and Fiji—but this will probably be attempted later on.

Personal Items

The Rev. J. W. Schomberg, principal of the Anglican Native Training College at St. Paul’s, Moa, returned from furlough in the Malabar in February. In addition to being the training place for Torres Straits island clergy (of whom there are now six ordained) St. Paul’s is the educational centre of the Torres Straits Mission, and includes a recently established hostel and High School for native girls.

Thursday Island stirred in its long social sleep that usually follows the festivities of Christmas, and woke up the other night to give a very enjoyable farewell dance to Sister Hunt, who has resigned from the staff of the Torres Straits Hospital and leaves for the southern States by the Changte. The guest of the evening was presented with a memento of Thursday Island, in the shape of a neatly designed mother-ofpearl horseshoe. A little speechifying was indulged in after supper and the opportunity was taken of referring to Sister’s many professional and social activities during her two years service.

This was followed two days later by an afternoon tea at Mrs. F. Hockings house given by the C.W.A., and Sister Hunt will leave with the knowledge that her departure is regretted by many people, whom she has helped in various ways.

The many friends of Mr. Bob Bruce in the Western Division of Papua will be glad to hear that he reached Thursday Island safely and is recovering in the local hospital from a severe attack of malaria. Mr. Bruce, who is close on 80 years of age, is no mean example of the old school, who do not allow the weight of years to interfere with their activities. He has spent some months wandering round Torres Straits, now roughing it among friends at his old home —Murray Island—and then dashing off to the Fly River country to visit old haunts with the Government patrols. It was while he was staying with Mrs. Cowling, at Mibu, that he became ill, but, shaking that off, he now talks of taking a trip to Scotland, which seems an easier journey than those he has lately undertaken in the wilds of Papua.

New Burns, Philp Motorship, “Macdhui”

Big River Bores

Southern New Guinea Menace From Our Thursday Island Correspondent A CHARACTERISTIC, but dangerous feature of the large rivers that drain the south coast of New Guinea is the occasional occurrence of bores, a phenomenon that is held in great respect by natives and white voyagers alike.

Bores may be described as tidal waves rushing upstream against the flow of the river, and are caused by strong south-east winds forcing the sea into a wide funnel-shaped estuary, where it advances as a threatening flood, bringing grave danger to canoes and launches on the stream.

Bores are said to come only at low water, but they are not confined to times when the river is in flood. In Dutch New Guinea they are most often seen in June, but they also occur in August and September.

The size of the bore may be gauged by the noise of its advance, which may be heard as much as ten miles away.

The practice in the Dutch Possession when faced with such an emergency in a small boat, is to turn and face the advancing wall of water right in the centre of the stream, avoiding the neighbourhood of the banks.

But at least one traveller in the Fly estuary, Papua, considers he owes his life to the fact that he was able to reach a small creek and get out of the main stream before the avalanche came. It is certain that a number of natives, voyaging in frail canoes, have lost their lives by being capsized by one of these visitations.

The bore may consist of one big wave or there may be a succession, the first always being the highest. Before its advance, the water seems to be drawn into it, so that in very shallow water a boat may ground just before the bore arrives, and disaster may follow.

N.I. Passion Fruit Pulp of Excellent Quality Examination by N.S.W. Expert FOR a stored passion fruit pulp the flavour and appearance are excellent, and altogether the Norfolk Island packers are to be congratulated on their product.

This important pronouncement was made by Major G. I. Adcock, F.R.H.S., A.A.1.M.M., M.L.S. de L., Managing Director of Jusfrute Ltd., Gosford, N.S.W., after an examination of a sample of Norfolk Island passion fruit pulp, which had been sent by the Fruitgrowers’ Association.

This follows on attention being drawn in these columns by our N.I. correspondent to the tremendous waste of passion fruit each season and the likelihood of a profitable industry being established in the marketing of the pulp. The Secretary of the Chamber of Manufactures (Mr. Frank L. Edwards) became interested in the possibilities of developing the industry and, as a result, this sample was sent to Major Adcock.

In a letter to Mr. Edwards, Major Adcock makes the following comments on the sample of pulp which he examined: Flavour.—For a stored pulp it is excellent, the bulk of the delicate aroma has been retained. Like nearly all passion pulp, there is a tendency for an apricot flavour to develop at the expense of the true passion flavour.

The overcoming of this difficulty, which is common to all pulp, would seem to be a subject requiring considerable research. This particular pulp has not been over-cooked.

Appearance. —Excellent. The pulp is still adhering to the seeds and its colour is good.

The seeds are evenly distributed through the sample. Frequently, owing to pasteurisation being carried to an unduly high temperature the seeds become detached from the pulp and form and unsightly mass.

Consistency.—The specific gravity is in the vicinity of 1.150, and the sample would be described as good, heavy, even pulp. The weight and general appearance suggests that an examination for added water would not be necessary.

Time has not permitted for a test for added cane sugar, but judging from the flavour I would say that the sample is 100 per cent. pulp.

Keeping Qualities. —It is, of course, not possible for me to comment on these at the present time. In the original sealed container it kept in excellent condition. Altogether the packers are to be congratulated on their product.

As far as we are concerned, we would liKe to be put in touch with the local agent, ana we think we could build up a trade in this if the price is at all favourable.

Before oifering the pulp on a commercial scale. I would suggest the examination of it for foreign metals, as a cursory examination of the tin gave the Impression that the lacquer or surface was not satisfactory.

Further reference to the subject is made in this month’s newsletter from our N.I. correspondent.

Conditions in New Caledonia No Employment Available A WARNING to Australians against going to New Caledonia in search of employment is contained in a letter received by the Prime Minister’s Department, Canberra, from Mr. T. Johnston, the British Consul at Noumea.

During the last six months, states Mr. Johnston, a number of British subjects have arrived at Noumea from Australia in search of employment, and arrivals are becoming more frequent.

In view of the present depression in all local trades, there are in Noumea more than 350 Europeans without employment. It is impossible for British subjects to obtain employment.

“These persons,” continues Mr. Johnston, “having insufficient funds on arrival, invariably become stranded and being very soon in distress apply to this Consulate for aid.

“I have been able to obtain temporary work for them in some cases with British mining firms, but in view of the local distress it can be understood that all employers prefer to give preference to New Caledonian residents.”

Twelve agricultural leases were applied for on the Island of Bougainville during last year.

Advice has been received by Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd. that its new motorship Macdhui, is about to leave Glasgow for Sydney. During her trials the vessel attained a speed of 15 Tenets.

She also established a wireless record by communicating direct with Sydney. On the vessel’s arrival here she will be immediately commissioned for Islands trade. 3 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

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Idriess could not have chosen a more opportune time for the publishing of a book, entitled “Prospecting for Gold.”

It is written with the object of saving the inexperienced prospector much labour, time and disappointment. Proved methods of seeking and finding alluvial gold and tin are explained.

The book should prove interesting to experienced miners as well, for it describes the different methods of working deposits throughout Australia and New Guinea.

This most useful wcrk has been published by Messrs. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. It is obtainable for 5/per copy.

A wooden shop, occupied by Mr. Hargreaves, tobacconist, and owned by the Garrick estate, was gutted recently at Suva. The brigade, after a hard fight, saved the old wooden block.

The Tongan Islands

Road Upkeep Costly Car Tax Appears Advisable Banana Crops Suffer from Flying Foxes From Our Own Correspondent NUKUALOFA, February 20.

NO Government is kinder to motorists by way of taxation than the Government of Tonga.

On purchasing a car for private use, the buyer registers its number at the police office for a fee of 2/6, and every year he has to renew the registration for that ridiculous fee. With the increasing number of cars, it is now discovered that they are “shaking the tar” out of the roads, and the Government is faced with the necessity of heavy appropriations not for new road construction —but for the upkeep of existing routes.

During the last two years the roads have been allowed to get into a dreadful state. Most other countries have imposed either an extra petrol tax, wheel tax, axle tax or H.P. tax, which, under a highways scheme, is earmarked for their roads. Tonga must follow suit sooner or later; for preference, let it be sooner, says the wise man.

Discussing the subject recently with an irate motorist, who had just completed a bone-shaking ride in his car, he surprised his listeners by remarking: “Of course, the Government should stick a tax on cars, for anyone who can afford a car can afford a ‘tenner’ a year towards the roads he knocks about!” And this, mind you, from a car-owner!

As I am not now a car-owner, and, as it is not my intention to buy another, I simply pass his suggestion on to the Government for action.

FLYING FOX MENACE.

One of the show spots of interest to tourists visiting Tonga is at the village of Kolovai, where there exists the original island colony of flying foxes.

Although not protected by law, the natives of that district would assuredly give a sportsman an uncomfortable time did he but attempt to “pot” any of these bate. The quaint little beggars are “tabu,” and, according to the Tongan Christianity notwithstanding— each flying mammal is the reincarnation of some departed soul.

And as long as the colony confined itself to the ironbark trees at Kolovai, nobody worried about them, but it is now noticed that they have so multiplied that, not only is Kolovai swarming with them, but the pests have spread and made habitation in all the other districts on the main island.

Working silently at night they raid the fruit trees —bananas mostly—and with such increasing damage that planters are beginning to sit up and take notice.

A grower has predicted that at least one-fifth of his present banana crop will go down the throats of the chiroptera. It will be interesting to see whether the native Government takes steps towards their extinction, or, in deference to the “reincarnation” belief, allows them to multiply to the extinction of the banana.

TRADING STATIONS PLENTIFUL.

According to a New Zealand publication, a recent visitor to our island group gained the impression that Tonga “. . . is simply bristling with churches.” One wonders why the number of existing trading stations did not equally attract him.

Taking a village at random, a curious traveller discovered that it consisted of 15 homes, 4 churches, 5 trading stations, 3 schools and 3 bakeries. This last appears particularly extraordinary, until one realises that the native, having been persuaded, rightly or wrongly, that bread and buns are good for him, consumes prabably three times the quantity that satisfies the European; moreover, bread and buns are said to yield good profit.

If this is a fair sample village, it will be agreed that it is extremely unlikely that any country nearly approaches Tonga for service to its people gastronomically, intellectually and spiritually.

“CABARET” EVENING.

A variation in the mundane round of social amenities has been conceived by a progressive section of our younger set. It takes the form of a “cabaret” evening, and so, once a month, the Public Victoria Memorial Hall is to be devoted to this modern form of amusement.

The opening night, January 30, disclosed the whole scheme to ticket-purchasers. Your correspondent, blundering in, found the body of the hall a mass of foliage and people, with here and there on the verandah a cute little table “surrounded by three trees.” Being of a retiring nature, he selected the most retiring-looking table in the darkest corner, only to discover, after seating himself, that on the darkest side of the table was already seated a lovely blonde who quickly indicated that, although he was occupying someone else’s seat, the cost of two glasses of iced drink only ran to a shilling.

Some time later, I drifted round the hall and came upon those serious folk who delight to pretend that Hoyle invented bridge after he had found every other game apoalling. Unfortunately, I got roped in as referee to settle a terrible argument—and I don’t know even now whether she was justified in calling two in a minor suit over a “notrump” bid by her partner—but I got another iced drink out of it.

Then the music started and dancing commenced. The ladies’ dresses were very beautiful and, to the eyes of a mere male, a revelation. Most of them were the “below' the knee” style, but a few, following the advice of some Parisian dictator of fashion, appeared in “ankle-deep” creations, and I got tangled up in one of them. . . .

Still, no matter, the various designs and shades were very effective. . . I danced a lot and had some more iced drinks. .. I was happy—l think everybody was. It was a great night, and I think the “cabaret” ought to be open every night. ... I’d like to meet that blonde again. . . .

Morobe Goldfields

Comprehensive Map Published P*OR quite a time, there has been a * demand for a comprehensive map of the Morobe Goldfields, Mandated Territory of New Guinea.

Such a map has been now published by Messrs. H. E. C. Robinson Ltd., of Sydney.

Mining companies, prospectors and in fact, everybody interested in this rich field will find the map invaluable.

It shows the roads, tracks and air routes from Salamoa and Lae to the field. Also included are gold areas declared, aerodromes, native villagermission stations, anchorages, dredging areas, reefing areas, wireless stations and various other information.

The scale of the map—two miles to the inch —has allowed of very great detail being shown.

The price of the map ranges from 10s. on paper to 15s. on cloth, with spring rollers.

A native hospital has been established by the Methodist Mission at Siwai, Bougainville. There is a medical orderly—a native of the Solomon Islands —in charge.

The New Guinea Administration steam yacht, Franklin, has returned to Rabaul, after overhaul in Sydney. The Franklin towed a new schooner, which has been purchased by the Administration for work at the out-stations N.G. Soldiers’ League Good Work Accomplished Relief for Planters From Our New Guinea Correspondent RABAUL, February 10.

THE report read at the annual meeting of the New Guinea branch of the R.5.5.1.L.A., covering the past six months, deserves, in view of the extraordinary good work that has been accomplished, more than ordinary notice.

It is practically entirely due to the activities of 'the Returned Soldiers’

League and to the representations made to the authorities in Australia that such material relief was granted to returned soldier planters during the latter part of last year.

The Custodian of Expropriated Properties has definitely written-off the interest for one year on the unpaid balance due to him this alone represents a saving of approximately £115,000. Further, the suspension of all payments in respect of instalments for the period July 1, 1930, to June 30, 1931, was secured.

The merchants have also agreed to reduce their finance rate of interest from 8 per cent, to 6 per cent., which is a very liberal concession.

The President of the Branch (Mr. D.

M. Forsyth) visited Australia in the interests of returned soldier planters and reported that he has the assurance of the Federal Government and the Custodian that, should the price of copra remain at its present low level, the matter of an extension of the suspension of payments will be favourably considered.

The President also reported that the League has the assurance of the Prime Minister that, when the time comes for instalments to recommence, consideration will be given to the adjustment of prices paid by returned soldiers for their properties.

Proposal To Form Sub Branch

The New Guinea Branch of the R.S.

S.I.L.A. is now devoting so much attention, and with a great measure of success, to the interests of their planter members that it is proposed to form a sub-branch to deal solely with matters affecting planting.

The local Branch of the League is anxious to erect a Memorial Hall in Rabaul, and for this purpose a fund was started a year ago. No great progress has been made in securing the sum required for building a suitable hall, chiefly due to the lean times through which we have been passing.

A ball was arranged recently which was highly successful and which will appreciably increase the fund.

The Administrator is very sympathetic to the project and has promised the support of the Administration to secure a suitable site.

The suggestion has been made that, if the Hall was used to house the local Museum, the Administration would supply a caretaker and undertake to keep the building in repair.

At the meeting, Mr. D. M. Forsyth was re-elected President, and Messrs F. L. Flannery and R. A. Laws were elected Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year.

Pacific Islands

MONTHLY How to Order Your Copy Pill in the following form, and post direct to Pacific Publications, Union House, 247 George Street, Sydney, an J of the stores of Burns, & P°- Ltd., W. R. Carpenter & Co. Ltd or Morns, Hedstrom Ltd., or Whitten Bros (luva) rai and P ° rt Morest, y). or James Muir To Pacific Publications, Union House, 247 George Street.

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Please send me The Pacific Islands Monthly for a period of months from receipt hereof.

Herewith find sum of ( being subscription in advance at rate of 6/- per annum, post free. qr Please charge to me at the rate of 6/6 per annum. (Strike out lines not wanted.) Name _ Full Address: _ __ Signature of person sending the order: Date Flying Foxes clustered on the Sacred Trees at Hihifo, Tonga. Flying Foxes have been raiding fruit trees in the Group, causing much damage to crops. 4 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

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Methodist Missionary Society Annual Meeting in Sydney THE annual meeting of the Methodist Missionary Association was held in the Conference Hall, Sydney, on February 3. The president-general (the Rev. F. Lade, M.A., of Adelaide) presided.

The balance-sheet showed that the accumulated deficit was £29,282. The income of the Society was approximately £5,500 less than for the previous year. The total income for 1930 was £88,027.

The Rev. H. H. Nolan, general treasurer of the Society, resigned owing to ill-health, and the Rev. W. E. Bennett, M.A., was appointed in his place.

Sir John Randles and Lady Randles, members of the Missionary Committee of England, were welcomed by the president.

SERIOUS FALL IN INCOME.

At a meeting of the Board on the following day, the secretary, Rev. J. W.

Burton, reviewed the financial position.

He said that the fall in income was serious. In his 31 years’ connection with missionary work he had never known it to be so bad.

“We ought to examine and overhaul, and, if necessary, scrap some things,” he said. “There is a danger of starting too many new things.”

EXPENDITURE REDUCED.

On the recommendations of a large committee which had been set up to explore the matter, the Board later agreed to considerable reductions of expenditure in every district.

As a result of these reductions agents are to be withdrawn from several districts. In some cases those who are on leave will not return; in other cases agents now at work will be retired.

Two European missionaries are to retire from the Fijian work in Fiji, and two from the Indian work there. Other districts will also suffer in the same way. In the meantime, staffs will be re-arranged to make them as effective as possible.

The Board also agreed to a ten per cent, reduction in the salaries of all European workers. This, the workers had agreed to beforehand. Some workers offered to carry on their work without salary. Generous offers were received to nrovide the necessary salary in some other cases.

Samarai Gold Develop

MENT CO.

SAMARAI Gold Development Co. Ltd. has been registered in Sydney with a nominal capital of £3,000, divided into 600 shares of £5 each.

The company is to work for gold and other minerals in Papua and New Guinea.

The subscribers are; M. A. H. Cutlack, W. J. Dellow, G. J. A. Moore, A.

A. Turton, T. B. Middleton, E. F. Hotchkiss and F. W. Turton.

On the Raboine River, Bougainville, between Aropa and Kieta, a ferry service has been established. This is preliminary to the construction of a bridge.

Papuan News

Further Reduction in Plantation Costs Local Timber Now Popular Many Provision Orders Going to Sydney From Our Own Correspondent PT. MORESBY, February 10.

THIS month there is little to report on copra and rubber.

The London price for copra has been £l4/12/6, which, with most plantations, means selling at a loss. Rubber has again fallen to 35d. per lb, and even the 4d. duty added to this price does not make it sufficient to make things pay.

Further economies have been made everywhere, amounting to almost parsimony, so as to enable the plantations to be run at lowest costs.

Nothing much is heard of hemp and sugar, two new 1 enterprises; either they are lying low, awaiting more prosperous days, or the tidal wave of depression has drawn them, too, into its depth.

EXPERIMENTS WITH MILLET.

Millet is being tried by a couple of young men a few miles out of Port Moresby, by the Laloki River. Little is known of their venture, though it is reported that they are progressing, in spite of many hardships. They are selling some grain locally, besides packing the straw for south, and except for their execrably rough bush cooks, finding life rather incongruously amusing which, after all, is more than people do here.

Activities Of Port Romilly

SAWMILLS.

The only sawmill company in Papua, the Port Romilly Sawmills Ltd., has gone into voluntary liquidation. It is reported that this was done not so much from financial necessity as to provide protection from other firms attempting to absorb it. It has now a working agreement with the Steamship Trading Co. Ltd.

These two companies stand out in Papua as being built up from small beginnings, and as having progressed in spite of every kind of difficulty, and without reserve capital upon which to draw during their early struggles.

The Steamship Trading Co. is one of the soundest concerns in Papua financially, and its volume of business increases steadily, while Port Romilly Sawmills Ltd. has gradually overcome the local prejudice against Papuan timber, and has increased its turnover and widened its market year by year.

The arrangement between the two firms is likely to be of advantage to both and of benefit to the whole of Papua.

HOUSEHOLDERS ECONOMISING.

All householders in Port Moresby are economising to their utmost and find in most cases, that they simply cannot afford to patronise the local stores.

There is no ill-feeling about it—it is sheer necessity, as they find that it is possible to live so much cheaper by ordering their groceries from south.

Many hundreds of pounds go in orders by every boat to Sydney retail establishments. The local firms should realise the position clearly before their trade has slipped from their hands, for the goods from Sydney arrive well packed and in good condition, and far below the prices in Port Moresby.

Life itself in Port has been very quiet and subdued, a lot of sickness and, in some cases, unhappiness, have occurred, owing to the weather, the heat and the bad times. The news from Australia is hardly reassuring to people who live so far from its centre, and who are dependent on its movements and whims.

His Excellency Leaves For

CANBERRA.

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Hubert Murray, K.C.M.G., is leaving by this Morinda for Canberra, to discuss affairs with the Ministers and departmental officers. His Excellency’s intention is to be away only for a short time.

His Excellency and the heads of the different Government departments have had a very difficult task steering the country through these troublesome timee.

N.G. Goldfield News Importance of Aerial Transport From Our Own Correspondent WAU, February 10.

KEEN interest has been aroused at Wau by the arrival of the huge three-engined Junker monoplane, from Germany.

The steadily increasing community, which relies solely on air transport for supplies of every description, is obviously conscious of the importance of this event and of the far-reaching results that the success of this latest venture will have on their private lives.

Guinea Airways Ltd., the leaders in air transport in New Guinea, are partly responsible for the latest importation, which compares favourably with any machine of this description in the world.

In conjunction with the Placer Development Co., they have undertaken to transport thousands of tons of heavy machinery to the headquarters of the latter Company on the Bulolo River.

The carrying capacity of the ’plane is in the vicinity of 7,000 lbs., and the process of transhipment promises to be no easy task.

In order to realise the enormity of the undertaking and the many risks it entails, a knowledge of local flying conditions is necessary. To anyone with a personal experience of the usual Weather conditions which prevail between Lae, Guinea Airways headquarters, and Wau, the mere mention of such a contract would be sufficient to enable one to conjure up qualms of doubt as to the ultimate success of the undertaking: but the wonderful record of this company, coupled with their excellent organisation and string of competent pilots, well versed in the intricacies of local flying conditions, is a reassurance in itself.

Moreover, it is undestood that the services of an expert pilot from the Continent have been secured and this move, together with the return of Mr.

A. L. Cross, who has just made an exhaustive study of Junker planes in Germany, augurs well for the project.

Mining Activity

The recent decision of the Commonwealth Government of Australia to increase the bonus on gold has naturally aroused much interest at Wau, the centre of the gold-mining industry in New Guinea.

There is great activity at Edie Creek, the scene of the well-remembered strike of 1926.

Day Dawn (New Guinea) Ltd. are in the midst of preparations for the erection of a plant suitable for the efficient working of their interests, and, from latest reports, expect to be in production within a few months. For the past six weeks or so, Guinea Airways planes have been transporting to Wau heavy machinery, which has been quickly transferred to the field of operations.

The distance from Wau to Edie Creek, although only 13 miles by road. is a particularly severe climb, as the latter is seme 7,000 feet above sea level, whereas Wau is in the vicinity of 3,500 feet; and in order to overcome the difficulty of transport, donkeys have been pressed into service and sleighs have been built in order to make their task as easy as possible.

Many tons of bricks also have been landed on the aerodrome at Wau and are being conveyed to Edie Creek to be used in the construction of furnaces.

The freight on these bricks runs into many thousands of pounds, and it would be no vain boast to say that the cost per brick would exceed the outlay on similar bricks in any other part of the world. This class of work is beset with obstacles and is typical of the work that ever confronts the pioneers of a goldfield.

An excellent roadway is now in the course of construction between the two centres and on its completion the means of communication will be greatly improved.

New Guinea Goldfields Ltd., perhaps the biggest company of its kind in New Guinea, has large interests at Edie Creek and has been instrumental in the preparation of the road. This company has been pushing on with its developmental work in a businesslike manner and seems to be doing it with a thoroughness that forebodes well for the future success of the field.

Modern Comforts Now

AVAILABLE Up-to-date requirements for the comfort and well-being of the staff have been provided, and the latter are happy in the possession of a modern refrigerator, which is always well stocked with the best meats from Australia.

A comfortable little bakehouse, presided over by a competent baker, is also a product of foresight and a decided acquisition to the community.

Water power has been harnessed and sufficient light is generated for company requirements. Numerous other activities, coupled with an extensive building programme, simply exude the spirit of progress.

Increased Gold Production

Now that the three months’ statutory exemption for the manning of leases has expired, preparations are being made by the numerous lessees for the maintenance and working of their claims, and an increased production of gold can be expected.

Record Rainfalls

The enormous rainfall for the months of December and January is worthy of note. Records were established both at Edie Creek and Wau, and the consistency of the falls was remarkable.

In December, the registration at Edie Creek was approximately 25 inches and averaged 80 points per day, whilst Wau, though considerably less, had the imposing average of 50 points, which figure was subsequently exceeded by the registration in January, at an average of 57 points per day.

With the advent of February, the rainy season should once more recede and the beautiful weather, of which Wau people are so proud, should once again be with us. 5 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

Cost of South Seas Labour Vol. I—No. 8.

MARCH, 1931 ONE clear fact emerges from the economic convulsion through which the world is passing—namely, the world is accepting new standards of values. This is affecting nearly everything—and more particularly is it affecting primary products, such as foodstuffs and raw materials. Practically everything that is produced in the South Seas has moved to lower price levels, and is expected to remain there. There may be some recovery; but not in this generation are we likely to see again the prices of the 1923-28 era.

Primary producers everywhere can carry on only by adjusting their production costs to the new levels at which they can sell their produce. All over the world, with blood and sweat and tears, the economic readjustment is going on. As soon as it is complete, the world will return to normal trading—on new standards of values — and our troubles will be over. Men everywhere can hasten recovery by facing facts.

In the South Seas, two fundamental things are necessary a reappraisement of capital values and a rearrangement of labour costs. In most of the Islands groups and territories, in the last decade, coconut plantations have been established, or bought, on a basis of value fixed by copra at £25-£3O per ton. At present, there is not one solitary indication that that price will return—the signs are all to the contrary. Plantation owners, sooner or later, must bring their capital values to accord with a copra price carrying a smaller margin of profit. It is a very big subject, which will be discussed at greater length in future issues of this Monthly.

The fact which must be faced promptly, and to which attention should now be given generally in the South Seas, is that labour must make a sacrifice, equally with capital.

Labour, throughout the world, is being made to face the issue. In countries where there has been much organisation of the industrial community, there is much kicking and squealing, but the thing is inevitable—labour costs must be reduced, equally with capital costs. The adjustment is likely to be as difficult in the Pacific as it is among the white populations, because so much of the South Seas labour is under indenture, with the contracts controlled by the various administrations. It may not be easy to make the Melanesian labourer understand the need for reduced pay—yet no more difficult, probably, than trying to present the simple facts of economics to the noisy gentlemen of Sydney Trades Hall. In both cases, it has got to be done. Labour will discover, eventually, that reduced pay does not mean a reduced standard of living—simply because all commodities are going to be cheaper.

Capital throughout the world has had a frightful “gruelling,” and it is not fair to ask capital in the South Seas, any more than elsewhere, to bear the whole of the punishment of the economic readjustment.

Tropic Alities

Written for The Pacific Islands Monthly by Sea Serpent.

THE decision of the Ceylon Government to allow the Norwegians to erect a whale-oil factory at Galle has its funny side (.writes the editor from Colombo). When the application was made, three months ago, the Ceylon coconut planters found it hard to contain their feelings. Copra had just reached new and ruinous levels, and everyone connected therewith knew that the chief contributing factor was the Norwegian and the oil from their infernal Antarctic whales. So when the gentlemen of the north said they would like to refine their whale products in Ceylon (probably because that country has cheap labour and no income tax) the planters saw insult added to real injury, and almost spat blood. If the exacerbated feelings of the planters should presently be expressed in a bonfire out Galle way, no tears will be shed in the coconut groves of Ceylon. * * * MANY friendly messages to folks in New Guinea were given to the editor of this journal, when in London, by W. C. Harvey, now comfortably settled down there as buying agent for the big Carpenter organisation. The condition of the copra market naturally interested one who was so closely connected with the expropriated plantations; and when “alternative crops” were mentioned, he had some very practical comments to make. “I wonder why they do not try Manilla hemp in New Guinea,” he said. “It is one of the few commodities that still command a good market. It is grown quite simply from suckers, the same as pineapples, and is easily cultivated. They ought to do more with cocoa in the Territory—l inquired into cocoa possibilities there once, and was assured by experts that the break of the New Guinea cocoa was the second best in the world. And then there are pineapples. I have never tasted better pines than those grown near Rabaul; and, although pineapple cultivation is steadily extending, there seems to be no limit to the market. Fiji has proved the possibilities of that industry.”

Sound advice. Coconut planting will remain the chief industry of the South Seas, no doubt; but there is no need for planters to sit around with folded hands while these far-reaching economic adjustments are taking place. * * * ARMED with an introduction from Major Clive B. Joske, who has been for years preaching in Fiji the desirability of copra grading, the editor of this journal called upon Mr. W. J.

Gilbert, president of the London Copra Association; and Mr. Gilbert took him through the Association’s rooms and explained the machinery of the organisation. Because copra is subject to no system of grading, and arrives from a score of different countries, in a condition that varies as widely as the poles, the chief function of the Copra Association is to pronounce judgment concerning the quality of copra parcels.

The Association conducts about 700 arbitrations per annum, affecting possibly 1,000 shipments, and representing last year over 75,000 tons—nearly 10 per cent, of the whole of copra which reaches Europe. It is worthy of note that, out of all these arbitrations, there were only 8 appeals from quality decisions, and only two from contract conditions. The standard contract, drawn up by the Association, is almost universally used in copra transactions, and seems to work very well.

When Major Joske was in London a few years ago, he and Mr. Roy Fischel, a well-known oil-seeds broker, got most of the copra men together at a luncheon, and urged upon them the need for a system of grading. But nothing came of it. The buyers were quite interested and favourable; but the difficulty seemed to be to get producers, working under such an infinite variety of conditions, to conform to any recognised rule or regulation. So. since the mountain would not come to Mahomet, they brought Mahomet to the mountain. In other words, they have tried to make the Copra Association machinery cover a multitude of grades and conditions, so as to get some standards for reckoning quality and value. And It seems to work surprisingly well. * * * A SIGN of the times may be seen in the membership of the London Copra Association. At one time, when the market was free, and there were more independent brokers and keener competition, the Association was larger and busier than to-day.

Now that the European market is controlled, firmly and irrevocably, by the Unilever combine, many copra brokers have either gone out of business, or turned their activities elsewhere. The Association still has over 140 members, however—4o of whom are Continental operators. * * * INTERESTING facts are supplied in the latest edition of The Papuan Handbook concerning the desiccated coconut industry, which is now being carried on successfully in that Territory. The industry was commenced in Ceylon half a century ago, and is now large and flourishing there. Carefully selected, well-matured nuts are necessary, and these yield, per 1,000, from 360 to 400 pounds of desiccated coconut. The nuts are husked and shelled and the while flesh is thrown into long, narrow tanks made of wood or concrete, into which water is poured. The next process is to get rid of the brownish rind, leaving the pure white kernel ; this is accomplished by natives with the aid of spokeshaves, kept wellsharpened—at the same time the kernel is divided to let the coconut water escape. An expert native will deal with over 1,250 kernels a day. The kernels are then returned to the water, which is sometimes treated with lime to restore the whiteness, as the air and sun discolour the kernels, and pieces of rind not removed are rubbed off with graters. After a thorough washing, the kernels are removed to the machine room, where they are treated according to the grade required. One machine will grade the kernels to a mass, the product being* the grated coconut used for curries and cakes. Other machines convert the kernel into chips, strings or threads. The product of the machines is removed to the drying room, where it is placed in the desiccator and subjected to a temperature of 160 deg. F. It is then spread out on leadlined tables and, after any discoloured particles have been picked out, the product is graded by sieves and sifters and carefully packed and pressed into lead and paper-lined tea chests. The desiccated coconut is then ready for export. * * * IT is not generally known that some parts of the Central Division of Papua are well provided with clays suitable for the manufacture of earthenware pots and bricks. As a matter of fact, the natives manufacture their cooking pots and water vessels from the clays' around Port Moresby. These, the natives trade in large numbers with the tribes in the Purari Delta, from whom they secure sago in exchange.

No analytical work has been yet done on the clays, so consequently nothing definite can be stated concerning their real value to commerce. * * * A WELL-KNOWN Islands traveller, who for the past ten years has held the view that Asiatics will eventually control the destinies of the Pacific, says that after a recent trip around the Groups, he is more convinced than ever that his opinion is correct. From his observations the Chinese were welcomed in the French possessions, because they were very successful in developing new territory. Another point which impressed him was the way that American firms had captured trade for all classes of goods in Tahiti. Although the consumption of the Group was comparatively small, Americans had made a study of the market, with the result that now few Australian products could compete.

Notable Men of The Pacific THE Rev. John Wear Burton, who has been general secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society since 1925, is a man of striking personality and outstanding gifts. The high regard in which he is generally held was forcibly illustrated only last month, when, at the Methodist Conference in Sydney, he was elected President of the Conference for the ensuing year. This tribute was richly deserved.

In missionary circles he is regarded as one of the advanced and progressive type. Mr. Burton has always taken the modern view in missionary enterprise, and, while emphasising the necessity for the evangelisation of native people, he feels that it is the duty of the missionary societies, in co-operation with the various governments, to fit the people to maintain their positions in the new industrial development that is coming to them.

Mr. Burton believes that the development of every group must be necessarily through the development of its people. To have an alien civilisation forced upon the native race is one of the worst things that can happen to it. But, if gradually the natives can be brought to introduce into their own lives new elements through another civilisation, without disrupting their own culture, this must be ultimately a great gain.

Mr. Burton was born at Lazenby, Yorkshire, on March 7, 1875. At the age of 10 years he went with his parents to New Zealand. He commenced preaching at 16 and was accepted as a candidate for the ministry at the Napier Synod of 1894. He stayed in New Zealand until 1902, and then left and became first superintendent of the Indian Mission in Fiji. He completed nine years’ service there, and later was appointed conference foreign mission secretary for Victoria and Tasmania, which office he occupied for ten years. During this time he completed a university course, gaining his Master of Arts degree, with honours, in the School of Philosophy.

In 1923 he took up an organising position in Sydney, and shortly afterwards succeeded to the position of general secretary of the Foreign Mission Society.

Mr. Burton has become well-known for his literary work, which is of a high standard. His books include: Fiji of To-day (1910), Call of The Pacific (1914), Modem Problems of Missionary Enterprise (1919), Snapshots in India (1921), Our Task in Papua (1926), A Missionary Survey of the Pacific Islands (1930). He is also editor of The Missionary Review, which position he has occupied since 1922.

He saw war service as chief religious war director with the Australian Y.M.C.A., holding the rank of honorary major.

In 1902 Mr. Burton married Miss Florence Hadfield, of Christchurch, New Zealand.

In And About The Islands

Mr. E. Neelands, consulting engineer to a Canadian mining house, and Mr.

Morton Webber, a mining engineer of New York, left Sydney on March 7 to inspect the leases owned by the New Guinea Developments and New Guinea Options, over which properties options have been granted.

Mr. J. H. L. Waterhouse, F.R.G.S., left Sydney by the Marsina on March 7 for Kieta. From there he will proceed to Siwai to complete his collection of plants for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England. He hopes to carry out experiments with maize and various tropical produce.

The marriage was celebrated, on March 11, at Hunter’s Hill, Sydney, of Mr. Robert D. Fitzgerald to Miss Marjorie Harris. They will be shortly leaving for Fiji, where Mr. Fitzgerald vill take up a position as surveyor with the Government. The bride’s father, the late Mr. C. W. Harris, was at one time in charge of the Suva Harbour Works.

Captain S. N. McLean, of Oriomo Explorations Ltd., arrived in Sydney by the last trip of the Morinda. During the past 18 months he has been carrying out extensive prospecting for gold in Papua. _ Sir Gould May, a noted London nhysician, and Lady May, returned to Sydney by the Niagara after a visit to Fiji. They left Sydney by the Narkunda on their homeward journey.

The Rev. W. Green and Mrs. Green, Methodist missionaries in Fiji, were nassengers by the Sierra, which reached Sydney on February 26. Mr. Green will , take up ministerial work in Australia, i Mr. H. H. Harbord, an old resident of Port Moresby, died there on March 1. from pleurisy. All Government offices and business houses were closed on the morning of the funeral, as a mark of respect.

Mr. J. A. G. D’Alpuget, who is very well known throughout the Islands, was a passenger for Suva by the Sierra, which left Sydney on March 7.

Mr. W. A. Newman, Administrator of Nauru, left that island by the S.S.

Petersfield on February 18 on sick leave. He will spend a few months in Australia before returning.

Mr. C. D. Meares, private secretary to General Wisdom, Administrator of the New Guinea Mandated Territory, is in Canberra at present, but returns to Rabaul by the Montoro on March 28.

Dr. G. W. Pottinger sailed for Rabaul by the Marsina on March 7, and is to be attached to the hospital medical staff there. Miss Mary Margrie, who is to join the nursing staff, also sailed by the same vessel.

Among the passengers who arrived in Sydney from New Guinea, by the Troja on February 25 were Mr. J. H. Bradshaw, of New Guinea Goldfields Ltd., Mr. J. C. Williamson, who has plantation interests in New Guinea, and Captain E. C. Bye, of Rabaul.

Pastor Carr, who has been in charge rf the Buresala Seventh Day Adventist Mission Station, Ovalau, Fiji, for some time, is at present in Australia.

The Rev. A. H. Scrivin, Methodist missionary in Papua, was a passenger by the last Morinda to Sydney. He Was accompanied by Mrs. Scrivin and family. They will go to England later on furlough.

The Rev. P. R. Elder, who has been engaged in mission work in Papua for the Australian Board of Missions, reached Sydney by the Morinda on February 20, accompanied by Mrs Elder.

Pilot F. N. Drayton, of Guinea Airways Ltd., is in Sydney on furlough.

During the past 8 months he has done 725 hours’ flying.

Dr. I. Hamilton Beattie has left Suva on a trip to England.

Mr. E. W. P. Chinnery, who recently returned from an extended trip abroad, and will shortly return to the Mandated Territory of New Guinea to resume his anthropological work, is at present in Canberra, where he has delivered illustrated lectures on his work to members of the Legacy Club and the Returned Soldiers’ Club. He has been invited to give a lecture in Sydney under the auspices of the Aborigines Board.

Messrs. A. A. N. Pentland, J. M.

Bourke, and R. Holdsworth left Brisbane by the last Marsina for New Guinea. They are members of a syndicate, which will engage in gold prospecting in the Territory.

Rev. J. W. Burton, M.A., General Secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society of Australasia 6 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931 Pacific Islands Monthly Published once a month, and circulated among residents of: New Guinea Fiji Solomon Is.

Papua Tonga New Hebrides Norfolk Is. Samoa New Caledonia Cook Is. Nauru Ocean Is.

Gilbert Is. Tahiti Thursday Is.

Read also by residents of Australia and New Zealand who are interested in Pacific Islands trade and activities.

Publisher!: Pacific Publications, Union House, 247 George Street, Sydney. Tel.: BW 5037.

Editor: R. W. Robson.

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Big Hurricane Strikes Fiji

Heavy Damage Over Large Area

Europeans In Death Roll

THE wo/* 4 hurricane in the history of Fiji struck Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Singatoka districts at the end hf February, and caused heavy damage. *t is reported that 160 persons, including four Europeans, were killed by the humcane and subsequent floods. Dy Coming on top of the big floods in the Bewa district, near Suva, and the previous humcane, which swept the Colony in November last, Fiji, of recent months, has suffered much loss. ’ Jl ’ OI recenl AS all communication was cut off between the affected area and Suva, it was not until a Government vessel from Lautoka arrived at the capital on February 26 —six days after the visitation—that the first information was received.

On the same day, the Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd., Sydney, received the following radio from its Suva station: “Hurricane and floods at Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Singatoka caused heavy death roll and great damage to prodrowned at Ba, including four Europeans. The town suffered severely.

During the night the hurricane flood waters, backed up by a big wind and also a rising tide, submerged and swept away 25 houses. Daylight revealed a terrible sight. From the mill down towards the post office, and also towards the Ba Hotel, only two houses were left standing.

A report from Singatoka states that great damage was done and that a large number of Indians have been perty. All land communication between Suva and western side of island cut off since 19th inst., and not likely to be restored for some time. H.M.C.S.

Pioneer is leaving to-morrow with food supplies and a relief party.”

When the relief party arrived they found there had been widespread ruin.

At Lautoka, where about 70 Indians and Fijians were killed, the scene was reported missing. The big bridge over the Singatoka River was washed away.

A new lighthouse, in course of erection at Turtle Rock, Nadi, was completely destroyed, while the Naikorokoro and Vio Islands lights were damaged.

Fijians have received great praise for their work in the flooded area. As they fire renowned swimmers, drowning fatalities were not so heavy among indescribable. The C.S.R. Company’s mill had been partly unroofed, causing damage to many tons of stored sugar.

The goods store had been demolished and the overseers’ houses, natives’ quarters and engine shops were all either damaged or demolished. Messrs.

Morris Hedstrom’s store suffered severely and the manager’s house was demolished. Burns, Philp’s store was also damaged and the hospital unroofed.

It was at Lautoka that Mr. W.

Spowart, an electrician, was killed. He was electrocuted while connecting a hospital line in the height of the storm.

The water supply of the town was broken, but temporary relief was given by the motor steamer, Derek, whose captain landed a number of large tanks of water.

The first news to come through from Ba was brought to Lautoka by a Fijian runner, who swam the flooded Ba River, He reported that the District Commissioner’s house was blown away, together with its contents, the piano being later retrieved from a canefield.

It is estimated that 60 persons were them as with the Indian population.

It has been estimated that the damage to Government buildings in Lautoka is in the vicinity of £5,500. So far, estimates of damage to other property have not been received. One report states that losses in the Singatoka district amount to £50,000.

The Governor of Fiji, in a telegram to the Secretary of the Colonies, in London, on March 5, stated that he had just returned from a tour along the north coast of Viti Levu and had ascertained that the deaths numbered 136, including four believed to be Australians. The damage to Government property was considerable, and roads and bridges had suffered. In four districts water supplies had been interrupted. Great damage had been done to private property and to Fijian and Indian crops, and many Fijian and Indian houses had been completely destroyed. Relief supplies had been made available at all centres. The Colonial Sugar Refining Company had suffered considerable loss.

MR. H. S. KING Death in New Guinea CANBERRA, March 12.

THE news of the death of Mr. Henry S. King, at the Wau, on the Morobe goldfields, on February 21, was received here with feelings of deep regret.

Mr. King was formerly Under-Secretary for Mines in West Australia, and, j on his retirement from that position, had practised in Perth as a surveyor.

He was recently appointed by the Federal Government to proceed to New Guinea to inquire into and report upon the gold-mining conditions there, and he arrived at Salamoa on February 6.

A few days after arrival he contracted pleurisy, and at Wau pneumonia supervened and death resulted.

It is not yet known what steps will be taken to carry on the work for which the late Mr. King was appointed.

The matter is at present under consideration.

Islands Accounts Auditor-General’s Comments Difficult Time That Calls for "Sound Economy”

From Our Canberra Correspondent.

CANBERRA, March 10.

IN HIS annual review of the finances of the Commonwealth, the Auditor- General, Mr. C. J. Cerutty, makes a detailed examination of the financial condition of Papua, and the mandated territories of New Guinea and Nauru.

PAPUA, As compared with the previous year, there was an increase of £4,118 in the Papuan revenue for the year ended June 30, 1930, and a decrease of £1,075 in expenditure.

The increase in revenue was due chiefly to the following: Import duties on ordinary importable goods, £3,025; mining receipts, £1,178; repayment of the Government plantations loan, £2,500; and sale of stores, £3,314.

The last-mentioned figure represents the value of stores issued by the Government Storekeeper in excess of his purchases for the year.

Against these increases, the following decreases occurred: Commonwealth grant towards expenses of the Administration, £B,OOO, and export duties, £839, due principally to a fall in the price of copra.

The balance of the trust fund (including loan and grant funds) amounted to £74,395.

Receipts under the head of Native Taxation Account amounted to £16,524 The expenditure under the head of Native Education Account is mainly devoted to missions, for schools and industrial training, and to the cost of instructional staff on native plantations. Portion of the Native Taxation Account is used to provide medical and hospital services for natives, in addition to the payment of family bonus.

The Auditor-General points out that provision is made in the Estimates for 1930-31 for a transfer of an amount of £8,730 from the Insurance Fund Account to revenue for general expenditure purposes, and it appears to him to be a sound way of disposing of the surplus, which has accumulated in the account over many years.

The net profit from Government plantations for the year amounted to £991 12s. 6d., a reduction of £1,820 compared with 1928-29, due almost entirely to the fall in price of copra and rubber.

From the inception of this business, the total profits have been £29,611.

TERRITORY OF NEW GUINEA.

The cash position in regard to the New Guinea territory is that, although funds totalling £17,048 are held, as shown, on the debit side of the Administration account, there is an overdraft of £15,677 with the Commonwealth Bank in Rabaul, the overdraft being secured by the lodgment of fixed deposits.

Of the total of £60,101 at the credit of Trust Fund, investments have been made in the way of fixed deposits and savings bank accounts (£43,967) and advances to the Loan account (£16,000), leaving only a balance of £133 uninvested —a working cash balance which, in the opinion of the Auditor-General, is insufficient.

After an examination of the Consolidated Revenue Account, the following important remarks are made: In round figures, the total revenue was £340,000 and the expenditure £356.000—a deficit for the year of £16,000. Although these figures show an improvement of £lO,OOO over the transactions of the previous year, when the deficit was £26,000, it is clear that definite steps must be taken either by reducing expenditure or increasing revenue to prevent the small accumulated surplus of £3,700 at June 30, 1930, being converted into a deficiency. As compared with the previous year, the revenue decreased by £ll,OOO, while the expenditure decreased £21,000. Of the fall in revenue, decreases occurred in Customs, £9,000, and sale of Stores, £20,000.

Against those decreases, there were increases in Land revenue, £lO,OOO, and miscellaneous, £6,000. The fall in Customs revenue is attributed to trade Conditions resulting from a depressed copra market and the establishment of a Trust Fund—Stores Suspense Account. Of the expenditure, decreases are shown under the heads of Treasury £ll,OOO, Customs £5,000, Public Works £7,000, and New Works £13,000; while Increases are Indicated under Lands £5,000, and Health £5,000.

Included in the Customs Expenditure is the sum of £7,609 for the maintenance of the steam yacht Franklin. While the usefulness of this vessel is recognised, the cost appears to be altogether out of proportion, particularly under the depressed financial conditions, for it represents over £ 140 per week and roughly 2V 2 per cent, of the Revenue collections of £340,000.

The continued depression in the copra market has resulted in a general tightening of available credit which has reflected itself in the revenue collections, and while the depression appears to be world-wide in its relation to essential primary products, the position In this Territory must be rendered more difficult owing to the fact that the value of copra exports amounts to 80 per cent, of the total.

In the last twelve months the London price of copra has dropped about 30 per cent., practically down to production costs.

Although some relief may be looked for from the further development of the goldfields area, particularly in relation to the Customs duty recently imposed on mining machinery and aeroplanes, the present is a difficult time in the finances of the Territory and necessitates sound economy if existing services are to be maintained without a deficit arising.

NAURU.

A statement of the liabilities and assets of the Nauru Administration gives the former as £5,909 16s. sd. and the latter as £24,030 18s. 3d. The excess of assets, amounting to £18,121, represents the accumulated surplus of revenue over expenditure during the administration of the island by the Commonwealth.

Sir Hubert Murray

Conference at Canberra From Our Canberra Correspondent.

CANBERRA, March 12.

SIR HUBERT MURRAY, Lieutenant- Governor of Papua, accompanied by his official secretary, Mr. Leonard arrived in Canberra on March 2 for the purpose of completing his annual report and conferring with the Prime Minister and departmental officers on Island affairs.

He was the guest of the Governor- General, Sir Isaac Isaacs, and Lady Isaacs at dinner at Yarralumla, and visited the House of Representatives during the debate on the no-confidence motion moved by Mr. Latham.

Sir Hubert went to Melbourne on March 7 to meet Lady Murray, who has just returned from an extended visit to England, and they returned to Canberra on March 11.

Apia Cargo Refused

By Swedish Motorship

Effect Of Union Ban

THE Swedish motorship Parrakoola, which arrived at Auckland from Los Angeles last week, reported having refused an offer of freight at Apia, Samoa, including a large quantity of fruit, on account of the embargo of the New Zealand Seamen’s and Waterside Workers’ Union.

The union has refused to handle intercolonial cargo carried by foreign vessels.

Life in the Solomons Lecture by Dr. Firth DR. RAYMOND FIRTH delivered a lecture to members of the Geographical Society, Sydney, on March 10, on “White Man and Native in the Eastern Solomons.”

In an area of 11,000 square miles, he said, there were about 150,000 natives and only about 500 white people. The protectorate was divided into districts governed by officials under the Resident Commissioner. Education was imparted wholly by missionary societies. The regulations governing the recruiting of labour were very efficient.

The lecturer expressed the opinion that it would be beneficial if administrative officers who had to rule the native people were given preliminary instruction regarding native customs and fundamental principles.

JOHN WILLIAMS V.

Tauri Gold

Many Prospectors Attracted

Good Reports From

FIELD From Our Papua Correspondent PORT MORESBY. Feb. 10.

All eyes and all hopes seem to rest on the success of the Tauri and Tiveri gold finds and the plucky prospectors who have recently gone there so confident of success.

REPORTS are constantly arriving which, although rather conflictin in character, are, on the whole, dis tinctly optimistic.

Messrs. V. Hides and D. M. Johnston two of the earliest venturers, repor payable alluvial gold on Hides Creek in the Tauri district, and have applied for claims, and since their return, ex ceedingly good reports—if rumours— have been received of yet better values Six parties have already gone out Another, known as “Mahony’s Golt Syndicate”—to whom the Governmen has granted a subsidy, under certain conditions—has made all arrangements and is also leaving.

Rough Country To Be Crossed

It is by no means an easy task for these ardent prospectors, for the present landing to the latest find is 90 miles up the Lakekamu River, anc from there a fiercesome trudge of five days through jungle and mountainous country, inhabited by the wily Kuku Kuku tribe, who unexpectedly harass the carriers and parties with a shower of arrows from all quarters—hardly a happy outlook for the average prospector, unless the results prove worth while.

Mr. R. A. Goodyear, a leader of one ot the parties, writes most eloquently on the hardships and the tremendous expenses entailed for the prospecting parties, and suggests and hopes it would be possible to find a track via the Tauri River, which would reduce the present five days’ journey from the river-head to three days.

He writes: “Those who know anything of Papua need scarcely be told that much money and energy can be wasted about the beach at Kukipi (near the mouth of Lakekamu) or in going up river, or in wandering blindly in an unnecessarily rough or circuitous route in to this find. Every pound saved to the prospectors in this dead incidental business means an additional pound to be used in actual prospecting in the likely locality.”

He also makes suggestions which would prevent the delays and hardships which the miners had to suffer in the early days of the Bulolo rush.

Government Awaits Definite

INFORMATION The Government advises that it has been decided not to send a Warden to the field until some more definite information is received as to the finding of payable gold.

However, Patrol Officer C. S. Speedie will be sent in to the camp at the field, relieving Patrol Officer J. Hides. He will be accompanied by a medical assistant, probably Mr. H. O. C. Littlechild.

Measure To Restrict

PROSPECTORS In the Executive Council on January 26, an Order-in-Council was passed providing that any person desirous of entering the Territory for the purpose of proceeding to the district known as the Tauri River goldfield, must satisfy the Collector of Customs that he has in his possession an amount of £2OO in cash or approved credit before being allowed to proceed to the goldfield.

The Commonwealth Government has been advised of this measure and it no doubt will prevent a rush like the old Lakekamu one, when prospectors poured into the Territory, unequipped and unacquainted with the conditions of the country, and without money or means, with the result that many fell by the roadside.

The Government has also restricted anyone entering the Territory seeking employment, unless they can give approved security to the Collector of Customs for a sum of £5O.

Cook Is - Council

New Traffic Ordinance Introduced From Our Cook Island Correspondent.

RAROTONGA, March 2.

ANEW ordinance to regulate the motor traffic in Rarotonga was passed by the Island Council on February 20.

Laws in force in this direction were pretty old and had been made in patchwork fashion by different amendments to an old general traffic ordinance, and it was decided that, with the rapidly increasing number of motor vehicles, up-to-date laws for motor traffic should be made.

The only alteration in fees is that all motor trucks are charged £1 more than at present for their annual licenses. All drivers have now to be licensed.

The Island Council also considered and approved of the bringing in (from April 1, 1931) of Stamp Duties Regulations.

View of Colonial Sugar Refinery Company’s Rarawai Mill, on the Ba River. This was in the centre of the hurricane and it is reported that much damage was done here. The river rose some 40 feet and the mill was flooded.

The extensive damage caused by hurricanes can be gauged from this picture of the C.S.R. mill at Cabasa. The photo was taken just after the big hurricane in 1929. On the present occasion Labasa was not In the affected area.

The new E.M.S. Auxiliary Schooner, John Williams V, setting out from Suva on her first missionary cruise in the South Seas. Captain Hope Evans is in command. There are two other European! officers and an engineer. The crew comprises 20 Gilbert Islanders. 7 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

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Prospecting For Oil

Expenditure in Papua and New Guinea From Our Canberra Correspondent.

CANBERRA, March 11.

THE following statement referring to prospecting for petroleum appears in the annual report of the Commonwealth Auditor-General, Mr. Cerutty: In addition to the amount of £ 160,000 previously appropriated under the Petroleum Prospecting Act 1926-1927, a further sum of £lB,BOO was appropriated under Act No. 8 of 1928 and transferred to Trust Fund—Petroleum Prospecting.

Of the total sum of £78,800 thus provided, the amount expended for the purposes of the Trust Account up to June 30, 1930, was £178,439, of which £29,190 was disbursed during 1929-30 in the following manner: Operations of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, under agreement with the Commonwealth — Boeing for petroleum at Popo, Papua £8,429 Geological Survey of Papua and New Guinea 16,505 Consequent on the cessation of the activities of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company in respect of oil boring and geological surveys, a considerable quantity of stores and equipment has been handed over to the Commonwealth, but as the material is generally suitable only for the purposes for which it was purchased, efforts in the direction of its disposal have been unsuccessful so far.

New Guinea News

Benefits From High Exchange Rate White Man Attacked by Native Tunnel Hill Improved New Golf Course Opened From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL, February 10.

THE truth of the saying that it’s an ill-wind that blows no one any good is graphically illustrated in the case of the present abnormal rise in the rate of exchange, which, at the time of writing, is in the neighbourhood of £3O per cent.

Planters and traders are greatly benefiting by this rate, as the firms buying copra here are passing a great proportion of the exchange to the producer, with the result that the planter is getting to-day some £3 per ton more for his copra than he would have done had exchange remained normal.

This benefit could not have come at a more opportune time, for the planter has been struggling against adverse conditions for very many months past, and some could not have carried on much longer.

As mentfoned in these columns in previous issues, keen competition between stores here has resulted in appreciable reductions in prices; in fact, goods have not been so cheap for several years past.

These two factors are assisting to put the planter on a fairly solid footing and will give many an opportunity to strengthen their positions. The big firms here are to be commended for their action in maintaining low prices.

A more hopeful atmosphere now exists about Rabaul, and even the most pessimistic of our planters find it difficult to maintain their usual hopeless attitude.

A NARROW ESCAPE.

A few davs ago, Mr. D. M. Forsyth had an exciting and most unpleasant experience. A native employed at a neighbouring house was accusing Mr.

Forsyth’s native servants of stealing his rice. As he chose two o’clock in the morning to air his grievances, and, as these could be heard at least a quarter-of-a-mile away, Mr. Forsyth went out to clear the boy off his property.

The native followed Mr. Forsyth back to the house and rushed on to the verandah shouting that he would kill the white master. Mr. Forsyth closed with the boy, and, with the help of Mrs.

Forsyth, who very pluckfy assisted, succeeded in overpowering him.

As it was an intensely dark night, it can be imagined what a terrifying experience this was, for it is apparent that the native had temporarily lost his reason.

Considerable damage was done in the scuffle, chairs and tables being overturned, glasses, ornaments and pictures being smashed. There is no doubt that both Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth had a very narrow escape, and yet,- in the first instance, the police would onlv lay a charge of common assault, the maximum penalty for which is a fine of £2 or one month’s imprisonment. The charge now has been amended, and it is probable that the offender will be eventually brought before the Central Court.

ADMINISTRATION’S GOOD WORK.

The Tunnel Hill, familiar to all visitors to Rabaul and over which one has to pass to reach the North Coast Road has been greatly improved lately. The tunnel itself has been considerably shortened, whilst the many dangerous turns on the ocean side have been straightened out and the road greatly widened.

The Administration have made a remarkably good job of the improvements, which were urgently needed in view of the danger the hill presented to motorists.

Several accidents have occurred on the hill, one of which was fatal, when Mr. Hiley, manager of the Bank of New South Wales, was killed some three years ago. The road along the north coast to Kabaira Bay is in very good orde: and is one of the finest 30mile runs one could wish for.

Mr. Tom Garrett, of Varzin Plantation, Kokopo, had a narrow escape recently, when his car overturned on the Kokopo Road and, it is understood, somersaulted no less than three times into a gully. The fact that Mr. Garrett was driving a closed ca' is nrobably the reason why no serious harm came to the occupants.

GOLF POPULAR.

On Sunday, January 11th, the new golfcourse at Lukanai was formally opened by His Honour the Administrator. Despite heavy rain, some 60 to 70 people attended the function.

The course is laid out around the Lukanai racecourse, and it is largely due to the energy and enthusiasm of Mr. E. Banks that such excellent results have been obtained. As the ground is covered with kunai —a rapid growing and very coarse grass it has been difficult to make good fairways. But, even with this drawback, one can be sure of a sporting game, whilst the careless player is severely penalised if he drives into the rough, which, in this case, is very rough indeed.

Since the official opening, many new members have been secured, and it is hoped that, in the near future, there will be sufficient funds available for the club to erect their own premises.

At the present time the race club buildings are being used.

Appropriately enough, the competition for the longest drive was won by Mr. P. Coote, the president of the club and general manager for Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd. in this Territory. The approach shot competition was won by Mr. Brownlie and the one-hole competition by Mr. Roberts, both members of Burns, Philp’s staff. Mrs. Wisdom won the ladies’ putting competition.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL.

The Rabaul Amateur Swimming and and Surf Club held a carnival at Ravuvu, near Rabaul, on January 24.

Torrential downpours of rain in the morning threatened to mar the proceedings, but fortunately the weather cleared by one o’clock.

His Honour the Administrator and Mrs. Wisdom attended and presented the “Administrator’s Cup” to the winning team in the relay race.

It proved a most successful day for Frank Venning, of B.P.’s, who registered the remarkably good time of 24 s seconds in the 50 yards free style championship. He also won the 200 yards free style championship and the springboard diving championship, in addition to which he led the winning B.P. team in the relay race. Venning comes of a well-known sporting family in Brisbane, his father being the lessee of the Brisbane City Baths, and his sisters have figured prominently in swimming contests in Queensland.

The 100 yards breaststroke championship was won by A. M. Crofton, of B.P.’s, the 50 yards backstroke championship by Challis, of the Administration, and the 50 yards handicap by Crouch, also of the Administration.

In the ladies’ events the 50 yards championship was won by Mrs. Betts, and the handicap over the same distance, by Miss M. Hawnt.

END OF RACING SEASON.

Rabaul Amateur Turf Club held a meeting for the Benevolent Fund on January 26. Although cloudy and threatening Weather prevailed, there was a good attendance, and those who faced the elements were rewarded with an excellent afternoon’s sport.

This meeting marked the close of the season, which has been very successful. Mr. W. R. Smith heads the list of winning jockeys, in spite of the serious accident that he met with at Kokopo races, which prevented him from riding at the last three meetings. Mr.

Smith recorded six wins out of nine mounts. Mr. J. Mullaly, of Natava Plantation, comes second with five wins in eleven mounts.

“The Best People.”

The Rabaul Amateurs gave an excellent rendering of the farce, “The Best People,” at the Regent Theatre, Rabaul, this week. Three performances were given, all to record houses.

The play was produced by Messrs. V.

A. Garton and J. E. Savage, both of whom played leading parts. Amongst the ladies, Mrs. E. Banks and Mrs. A.

E. Stoddart gave outstanding performances in difficult parts. These players were admirably supported by the remainder of the cast.

Rabaul certainly possesses a number of first-class amateurs, and the performances that they have given during the past twelve months would be a credit to any big city. A feature of this last production is the scenery, which is exceptionally beautiful and reflects the greatest credit on Mr. James Hope, who was the scenic artist. The proceeds of the performance are to be donated to the local sporting bodies.

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mr. C. S. Fletcher, Studebaker’s factory representative for the Far East, called here on S.S. Nellore, en route for Sydney, where he is to take over the duties of factory representative for Australasia. Mr. Fletcher was very interested in a Studebaker touring car, owned by Mr. Tex Roberts, which has done no less than 280,000 miles over New Guinea roads, and is still in service for hire work.

Mr. Britten, a wefl-known official in the Rabaul District Office, was married to Miss F. Hutchison, of Sydney, on January 16, at St. George’s Church, Rabaul.

Mr. J. Twycross, the popular manager of Amalgamated Wireless Ltd. in New Guinea, has left with his family on a holiday to Australia. Mr. Twycross’ position has been temporarily filled by Mr. J. Allan, the sune ’intendent at the wireless station at Bita Paka.

The position of legal assistant to the Crown Law Officer, which has been vacant for several months, has been filled by the appointment of Mr. G. V.

M. Turner, LL.B., of the New South Wales Bar, who arrived by the Montoro on January 14.

Mr. R. A. Laws, of Messrs. Handley & Laws, general agents, Rabaul, is leaving in March for a round tour of the Pacific, including San Francisco and Los Angelese. During his absence, the business of Handley & Laws will be in the care of Mr. F. Robartson, formerly manager of the merchandise department of Campbell & Co., Rabaul.

Mt. Sisa Goldfields

Result of Ballot THE chairman of Mount Sisa Goldfields (Papua), N.L., Mr. W. D.

Johnston, has advised that at an extraordinary general meeting held on January 27, and convened by Arthur H. Hill and others, it was decided to take a poll on the following resolutions. 1. That the company by ordinary resolution might remove any director at any time and appoint one in his place. 2. That a director shall resign when so requested to do by ordinary resolution.

The poll has been taken, and the scrutineers, one of whom was Mr. Hill, have forwarded the result to the chairman. There was a majority against each resolution of, in round figures, 2,500 votes.

This, added the chairman, amounts to a vote of confidence in the directorate.

During last year, an Assistant District Officer was permanently stationed at Buka Passage, Bougainville. Arrangements can be now made for the despatch of drafts to Sydney and Rabaul from there, thus saving the trip to Kieta, where, previously, all business was done.

New Guinea Wedding

THE wedding of Mr. Hedley J. Owen, of Karoola Plantation, Mandated Territory of New Guinea, and Miss D. Parer, of Melbourne, was celebrated recently at the Catholic Church, Rabaul.

The reception was afterwards held at the Rabaul Hotel.

The honeymoon was spent in touring the outports of the Territory in the Marslna.

Miss Parer is a cousin of the famous airman, Mr. Ray Parer, who is at present engaged in flying on the New Guinea goldfields. 8 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

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Circular Quay West - Sydney - Australia News From Norfolk Island Treating of Passion Fruit Pulp—New Itinerary for Morinda?

From Our Own Correspondent NORFOLK ISLAND, March 3.

AS THE outcome, we are convinced, of the kind interest taken in our problems by Mr. Frank Edwards, secretary to the Chamber of Manufactures of New South Wales, we received, twenty-four hours before the arrival of the Marsina, downward bound from the Solomons to Sydney last week, a firm demand for passion fruit in the shell, not as pulp.

We sent quite an amount, but, if the enquiry had come in a few days earlier, we could have despatched far more, although it is practically the end of our season and the fruit cannot be expected to be as fine as it was, say, a month ago.

All our growers were engaged in cutting, de-handling, grading and packing the biggest shipment of bananas we have ever sent away. There were in all 2,200 cases. The growers’ wives were helping them and few could stop to pick and pack passion-fruit, which are nasty, aggravating little things that 101 l and roll and tumble in a shower from one end of their half-bushel cases to the other as they are being built in tiers.

We hope they arrived in good condition and disproved once and for all the undeserved accusation that they are of poor quality and flavour —even though, as said before, they were asked for at the end of the season and at a few hours’ notice.

REASON FOR INFERIOR PULP.

In connection with passion fruit, it came through Mr. Edwards that some particular Arm, dealing in pulps and by-products of fruit, had secured the only available gallon of Norfolk Island passion fruit pulp and were having it analysed by their own chemist to find out exactly “what is wrong with Norfolk Island pulp.”

Well, if the sample bore one certain name as manufacturer and consignor, we know, without waiting for anybodv to tell us, just what was wrong with that special consignment. This man— who has now left the island—was delighting our hearts, a season or so ago, by giving very good prices indeed for all the fruit we could supply; but we did not know until long after, that he did damage to our fair name and fame, for, it is said, he added a handsome proportion of aqua, more or less pura, to every 4 gallon boiler of pulp.

This horrible stuff was sealed up and sent away, and we are neither surprised nor affronted that buyers wouh have none of it. But that kind cf thing is over and done vfrith once and for all. and, if there are manufacturers still desirous of buying really good pulp— properly treated and absolutely pure— we still have on hand a considerable quantity, treated about a year ago, under the close supervision of a small syndicate of self-respecting and businesslike growers, who guarantee that now—at this moment of writing—the stuff is in perfect condition and of really good flavour.

Of course, it should keep indefinitely and, when properly treated, it does.

Also, it appears that the processing is simple to a degree.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ENTERPRIS-

Ing Company

There certainly is a big opportunity here for some enterprising company, who would send over a suitable man to take charge. There is already a factory good enough to begin operations in, which was put up for the purpose a year or so ago by an Auckland firm; this now stands idle.

In addition to the immense amount of passion fruit already being grown— and three separate growers have told me that this season they have lost, at a conservative computation, three solid tons of fruit—there are, beyond estimate, red and yellow guavas in groves and thickets all over the island, growing wild and going to waste: trees and trees of a wonderful, huge, hard sweet pear—a real canning pear. I understand, that never softens till it rots— the best oranges I have ever eaten— sweet, thin-skinned and luscious —and thousands and thousands of lemon trees that bear, all the year round, without care or cultivation, big, juicy fruit of excellent flavour.

Practically two-thi~ds of all this fruit is lost every year. We eat all we can we make jam and jelly and bottled stuff and a certain amount of delicious wine; but there comes flood tide in each season, when we cannot even give it away.

But, if some firm does decide that our island and its resources are worth exploiting and sends a representative to settle down and make his life and business career here, let him be a man of character and decision whose public life and private life are sharply divided; his business interests here, but his personal friends and interests oversea. No meddling with island politics; no favourites and no foes.

N.I. SHIPPING SERVICE.

Now, about our shipping, which is another very vital question. Until, roughly, the last year, we had two services, one, naturally, in the hands of Messrs. Burns, Philp—the famous “B.P.’s” of the Pacific and, indeed, of the whole round world —the other maintained between Norfolk and Auckland for the benefit of the 200 settlers of New Zealand origin, by the Dominion Government. That service, precarious and irregular as it was, has now “died on us” and we are left out in the blue.

So far as commercial interests are concerned, that is cf small matter because, with the exchange so heav 4 ’ against Australia in every part of the world, we cannot afford to have dealings with any other country; but. as regards our tourist traffic, it is a vei serious loss.

Norfolk Island, only two and a half days distant from Auckland, with a climate and semi-tropical charm that New Zealanders may only read and dream of offers them a holiday and a change of environment unattainable in any ether direction and at half the cost of many organised tours in their own land.

And pleasure, as well as beauty, awaits them here. We play golf in the winter instead of the summer, we can bathe and picnic all the year round. There is a little Bridge Club, which all reputable visitors are welcome to join, on payment of a very small subscription, and there is a small, but modern, library open to them on equally low terms.

There are endless public dances and entertainments and a picture show once a week; cars and riding horses may be hired. But at present unless tourists and visitors can spare the time and money to come here via Sydney Norfolk Island remains a lost isle of Arcady.

Sydney—N.I.—Auckland ?

It has, however, been suggested that Burns. Philp, if properly approached, would consider an extension of their existing service on to Auckland. In July cr thereabouts, the aged Makambo is to be replaced by the Morinda, a bigger, quicker and more seaworthy vessel, capable of carrying about 80 passengers, and the idea is that, instead of stopping short here as she does on every alternate trip—on the other she runs on to Vila in the New Hebrides —and turning back to Sydney, she should continue on to Auckland returning again to Sydney, via Norfolk and Lord Howe Island—which lies somewhere about 400 miles this side of Australia.

This would open up quite an attractive new tourist trip and it would be possible for travellers to break their voyage wherever they wished and pick up the vessel again on her return passage.

Of course, it means delivering our selves tied and bound into the hands of a monopoly and a shipping monopoly, of all things, is, as a rule, something to beware of. Fares and accommodation, freights and stowage, are all at the mercy of the company operating.

But in this case, we have more tr gain than to lose and the general feeling on the island is in favour of such an extension, and we hope it may come to pass.

MINING NICKEL IN NEW CALEDONIA.

Nickel mining: is an important industry in New Caledonia.

The picture shows a portion of one of the mines. 9 IKE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

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Australian Distributors: FERRIER & DICKINSON LTD. 26 CLARENCE STREET - - SYDNEY - - N.S.W. - - AGENTS How Fiji Is Facing the Depression Interview With Sir Maynard Hedstrom FIJI, like other tropical colonies, is facing a rather lean period, but its resources are very largely undeveloped, its Government has been sound and sane, and, when the present depression is passed and producers have adjusted themselves to new conditions, there should be a return of a reasonable measure of prosperity.

THIS was the opinion expressed by Sir Maynard Hedstrom, Managing Director of Messrs. Morris, Hedstrom Ltd., and president of the Suva Chamber of Commerce, who arrived in Sydney by the last trip of the Sierra.

He said that the year 1930 had not been a very prosperous one for Fiji, owing to the low price of the two staple products—sugar and copra—and owing also, in a lesser degree, to the diminished production of bananas caused by the heavy storm and floods at the end of 1929. In 1930 the export of sugar was 90,976 tons, as compared with 72,275 tons in 1929; the export of copra was 23,833 tons, as compared with 33,226 tons in 1929.

The revenue collected through the Customs House for 1930 was £336,056 as compared with £369,552 in 1929. Sir Maynard said that it was not expected that this year would show any improvement over 1930—the revenue to be collected through this source was estimated at £326,130. The total revenue for the Colony was estimated at £603,689 and the expenditure at £622,541. This showed an estimated deficit of £18,852 to be met from surplus funds.

To bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure, additional Customs duties had been imposed.

He stated that unless prices for tropical products improved. Government finance would offer difficult problems during the next two or three years.

For 1931, the estimated Government expenditure was equal to more than 50 per cent, of the total estimated value of exports. Primary producers were passing through a very difficult time and further taxation could not be viewed with equanimity: at the same time reduction of public services would be difficult to arrange.

Sir Maynard explained that the sugar industry was still the mainstay of the Colony. Its continued production, however, was only rendered possible by the measure of preference extended to Empire sugar by Great Britain and Canada.

There still existed the anomalous position that, while Fiji sugar was shipped to those two countries, the requirements of New Zealand were imported from Cuba.

For some years Fiji had granted preference to Empire goods—this preference being approximately 15 per cent, on the invoice value of the goods. The most noticeable effect of this preference, he said, had been to transfer a certain amount of trade from the United States to Canada; it also had some effect in encouraging the importation of goods from Great Britain rather than from the Continent.

Extension Of Roads

He considered that road development in Fiji had been very slow, but considerable progress was anticipated during the next three years. It was intended to raise a loan for the completion of the trans-insular road connecting Suva with Lautoka. A further section of road was to be constructed on the southwestern side of Viti Levu and a large bridge was to be erected over the Rewa River. The Empire Development Board had agreed to assist in these undertakings by granting the colony a sum estimated to be sufficient to pay interest on the loan for three years.

The Pineapple Industry

It was generally agreed, said Sir Maynard, that the most hopeful prospect for the near future was the development of the pineapple canning industry. Two small factories were now operating and turning out a very high grade of fruit.

The Hawaiian Pineapple Co. Ltd., of Honolulu, had an option over two blocks of land aggregating about 65,000 acres.

They were now carrying out experimental operations.

Colonists were hopeful that this industry, which has been so prosperous in Hawaii, may be established in Fiji, where conditions for the cultivation and canning of pineapples are at least as favourable as in Hawaii.

Fiji Trade Relations

As a matter of interest, he mentioned that the Government had recently appointed a committee to consider the possibility of improving trade relations with other portions of the British Empire.

This committee found that, according to the trade returns for 1929 —the latest year for which the figures were available —imports from foreign countries amounted to 121 per cent, of the whole, and exports to foreign countries amounted to about 271 per cent, of the whole. Included in the imports from foreign countries were petroleum products, which could not, under present conditions, be bought within the Empire. After deducting the value of these, the imports of ordinary trade goods from foreign countries amounted to 9 per cent, of the total.

The committee expressed the opinion that this position was satisfactory from an Empire trading point of view and that it would be inadvisable to take any further action.

Adventurous Crossing From T.I. to Port Moresby Capt. Liston-Blyth Safe From Our Papua Correspondent.

PT. MORESBY, Feb. 10.

CAPTAIN LISTON-BLYTH, manager of transport for the new company, which is developing sago and nipa in the west of Papua, has had adventures lately worthy of de Rougemont.

He was reported to have left Thursday Island in a small launch on January 20 for Daru, Papua, with a crew of two natives.

Later, the crew of the David Pitt reported that they had seen Captain Blyth’s launch thirty miles from Thursday Island on January 21, travelling between the islands of Nagi and Moa, in difficulties, and broken down. Previously. the Aramia had made a trip to Thursday Island and back to Daru without sighting or hearing of the missing launch. The Aramia supposed that she had put back to Thursday Island, but on the Aramia’s arrival there, it was found not to be the case, and that nothing had been heard of her. No trace of the launch was discovered on the Aramia’s return trip to Daru.

Thursday Island was advised at once, and the David Pitt from Daru left immediately in search.

Later, the Papuan Government received advice that on January 24. the missing launch had sheltered at Nagi, when the chain parted, and one of the crew had swum ashore and returned by a passing lugger to Thursday Island on January 30, reporting the launch being in a disabled condition and drifting in a south-easterly direction.

Up to February 5 no news of her whatever had come in and grave fears were entertained for Captain Blyth and his crew of one, owing to the bad weather prevailing, which prevented further search parties going out. The ketch Melbedir had already returned to Thursday Island reporting no trace of the launch.

PORT MORESBY REACHED.

To the amazement of the people in Port Moresby, on the evening of February 6, there appeared inside the reef a disabled launch under jury-rig, signalling for help. Captain Blyth and his missing crew had arrived!

They had had a miraculous escape.

Wild days had been experienced, during which the launch had been at the mercy of the stormy waves.

Captain Blyth is to be congratulated on his feat of bringing the craft safely to Port Moresby. The native crew, it is reported, became quite out of hand and untractable.

Beche-de-Mer Fishing The Industry at Torres Straits From Our Thursday Island Correspondent THURSDAY IS., March 5.

THE two minor marine products that contribute to Thursday Island’s wealth beche-de-mer and trochus shell —are likely to supersede pearling as the main source of industry until the market for M.O.P. looks up, and it is satisfying to know that work in these departments will go on in spite of the slump.

Luggers engaged in this class of work are fitted up to prepare either kind of product, both requiring boiling, and beche-de-mer curing by smoke in addition.

The whole length of the Barrier, from its lonely northern tip at Bramble Cay down to the southern extremity, which is below the tropic of Capricorn, is ransacked every year by the indefatigible Japs, in charge of the fleet. Besides the main reef there are countless smaller ones, including the famous Warrior Reef, which has yielded so much treasure to the total export, and also many parts of the mainland beaches give a fertile yield.

The demand for beche-de-mer is always steady, but the price fluctuates in sympathy with the exchange between China and Australia. The recent drop in the Hongkong dollar naturally resulted in a fall in price, but a slight recovery in the former is recorded, and the dollar is now stationery at 21 to the pound sterling.

Some changes in the organisation of the fishing industry is recorded this year. Only three Japanese are allowed on each lugger, and, as these will be fully occupied with curing and navigating, more responsibility will be thrown on the native divers, who are notoriously lazy, unless watched.

Sir Maynard Hed Strom

10 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

London Price on COPRA South Sea, Sun-Dried Per ton c.i.f. £ s. d.

Plantation, Sun-Dried, Rabaul Per ton c.i.f. £ s. d.

February 13 14 5 0 14 7 6 February 20 . 14 10 0 14 12 6 February 27 14 12 6 14 17 6 March 6 14 17 6 15 0 0 March 13 .. 14 17 6 15 2 6 London RUBBER.

Para Plantation Smoked Price on Per lb. Per lb.

February 13 4>4d. 3«« * ebruary 20 . 4-,»d. 3}Jd.

February 27 ... . 4%d. 3 3 C,d.

March 6 4 l /zd. 4Ad March 13 4 3 *d. 4d.

London Price on February 13 .

COTTON.

Good Middling Per lb. . .. 5.82d. ..

Mch. Shipment February 20 . . . 5.92d. . .

Mch. Shipment February 27 . ,. 5.91d. ..

Mch. Shipment March 6 .. 5.99d. ..

Apl. Shipment March 13 .. 5.83d. ..

Apl. Shipment Trochus Shell, No. 1 grade Per ton .. £70 Ditto, No. 2 grade .. .. .. 60 Ditto, No. 3 grade 47 Beche- -de-mer, high grade .. 200 Ditto, lower grade, from .. .. 50 Cocoa Beans (nominal) .. .. 40 Coffee Parchment 56 Ivory Nuts 11 AUTHORISED SHARES ISSUED.

Price. March

n.

COMPANY CAPITAL.

Number.

Amount Paid Up.

Buyer.

Seller Akmana New Guinea, N.L. pd. £ 30,000 140,000 £ 0 S. 1 d. 0 £ 0 S. 1 d. o £ s. d. £ S. d.

Akinana New Guinea, N.L. ctg. 360,000 0 i n 0 0 7 Bulolo, N.L 25.000 150,000 0 2 0 0 0 6 Guinea Gold. N.L 50,000 50,000 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 12 0 1 14 o Mt. Kalndi, N.L . . pd. 50,000 90,000 0 4 0 0 4 0 Mt. Kaindi, N.L .... ctg. 160,000 0 4. 0. 0 .0. 10 Mt. Lawson (N.G.i, N.L • • • • pd. 17,500 18,000 0 2 6 0 2 6 Mt. Lawson (N.G.), N.L. . .... ctg. 103,000 0 2 6 0 •> 3 Mt. Lawson Blks. (N.G.), N L pd. 48,000 80,000 0 4 0 0 4 0 Mt. Lawson Blks. (N.G.) N.L. ctg. 140,000 0 4 0 0 1 0 Mt. Lawson Extended. N.L, ... pd. 48.000 80,000 0 4 0 0 4 0 Mt. Lawson Extended, N L ■ ■ ctg. 140,000 0 4 0 0 1 0 Mt. Sisa, N.L. . 70,000 120.000 0 4 0 0 4 0 Mt. Sisa, N.L. . . 190,000 0 4 0 0 1 9 0 0 5V 2 New G. Development, N.L. pd. 40,000 110,000 0 1 0 0 1 0 New G. Development. N.L. ... ctg. 510.000 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3Va 0 0 41/2 N.u. Gold Deposits, N.L. . . . pd. 20,000 20,000 0 2 « 0 2 6 N.G. Gold Deposits, N.L. . ■. .. ctg. 100,000 0 2 6 0 1 9 N.G. Gold & Osmlridium, N.L. 10,000 80,000 0 2 6 0 2 6 New Guinea Options. N.L. ... pd. 50,000 51,000 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 New Guinea Options, N.L. ... ctg. 279,000 0 2 n 0 0 7 0 0 1 >4, North East New G., N.L. . . . . pd. 50,000 90,000 0 4 0 0 4 0 North East New G.. N.L. . ... ctg. 140,000 0 4 0 0 0 10 V 2 Oba River (Papua). N.L. . pd. 25,000 40,000 0 2 6 0 2 6 Oba River (Papua), N.L. . ctg. 140.000 0 2 6 0 1 0 Oriomo Exploration Ltd. , 12,000 48,000 0 5 0 0 5 0 Papuan Gold Areas, N.L. ... pd. 18,750 40,000 0 2 « 0 2 6 Papuan Gold Areas, N.L. ctg. 100,000 0 2 6 0 0 10 Placer Development Ltd.* $500.00 44,515 $5 00 $5.00 4 2 0 4 4 6 Sloane’s New Guinea. N.L. pd. 25,000 25,000 0 2 0 0 2 0 Sloane’s New Guinea, N L. ctg. 200,000 0 2 0 0 0 8 0 0 3 Solomon Islands Gold, N.L .. pd. 25,000 20,000 0 2 6 0 2 S Solomon Islands Gold. N.L .. ctg. 120,000 0 2 6 0 0 10 — * In addition there are 25.485 contributing 5 dollar shares paid to 3Va dollars, which are not quoted on the Stock Exchange. ff. R. CARPENTER & CO. LTD.

General Merchants

Insurance And

SHIPPING AGENTS, ETC.

Agents and Distributors of every class of \ / lerchandise.

Full and complete range of stocks of every description carried. Specialising in supplying the requirements of Islands Residents.

Agents for Ford Gars, Trucks and Pordson Tractors; Dodge Bros. Gars; Bolinder Marine and Stationary Engines; Gream of Yeast; Kupper’s Lager; Goodyear Tyres, Etc.

Buyers of

Copra, Trocas And

All Islands Produce

HEAD OFFICE: 19-21 O’CONNELL STREET, SYDNEY Branches at: RABAUL (New Britain); KAVIENG (New Ireland); MADANG AND SALAMOA (New Guinea); TULAGI (Soloman Is.).

Telegraphic Address : " CAMOHE ." Cede: BENTLEYS.

Have Teeth by Post' Painless extractions. Reliable fillings. Cold crowns and comfortable and lasting plate work.

If you are unable to visit Sydney, I can make you comfortable, natural and long lasting teeth by means of my well known method of “Self Taken Impressions.” Cut out this advertisment, attach your name and address, and post to me for full particulars.

SPENCER NOLAN, Dentist 28 OXFORD ST., over Winns; 177 OXFORD ST., opposite Mcllraths; 139 ELIZABETH ST., two doors from Market St., Sydney.

Beam Wireless and Cable Address: “Fastplate," Sydney. P.I.M.

A F T ITFNT 51 Day * u s y dM ®y l —/i. (Bottom of King Street) ’Phone: MA 4574 / , 7 - L ' ■' Tarpaulins & Tents Made and Hired Sails of all descriptions by expert workmen.

Coola Verandah Blinds

of all descriptions made from a large selection of multi coloured canvas.

Cable Address Alune,’ Sydney

For Better Value In Ropes And Cordage

J. Scott Limited

Manufacturers of all classes of MANILA FLAX AND COIR ROPES, BINDER TWINES,

Sisal Twines, Lashings & All Classes Of Cordage

Head Office and Stores :

163 Clarence Street - - Sydney

Box 251 DD, C.P.O. ’Phone B 2861.

Works, Robey St., Mascot. Trade Mark, “Renown.”

Cable address: Ropeyard. Codes: Bentley’s, A.B.C. sth Edition Vitality and Health are the Main Factors in Every-day Life Put yourself in the hands of Specialists who have made an intelligent study of your requirements; it is vital to your health.

We are known everywhere as the Suppliers of the Right Goods and which put the VITAL into VITALITY. 35 years is our record of supplying Fresh Fruit, Vegetables and Produce to the leading Houses throughout the world.

Get Fully Acquainted With Us

Tel.: MA 4799; FX 4350 Private Cable Address: PIGS, SYDNEY. Code: BENTLEYS C. G. PIGGOTT

Wholesale Fruit And Produce Merchants

DIRECT IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS.

SYDNEY.

Office, Bulk Stores & Packing House: Fruit Exchange, Sydney Sales Dept.: Fruit Exchange and City Markets, Sydney Bank of N.S.W. Bankers.

COCKROACHES are surely killed with “SOLVENTO”

The simple-to-use NOIV-POISONOUS Powder. i -11 b. tin 5/9 post free V-- 51b. tin 23/6 post free Small Blowers 1/3 Large Blowers 7/6 Money Refunded if not Effective Houghton & Byrne

2 Bridge Street, Sydney

Products Of The South Seas

Slight Recovery in Price of Copra LATEST quotations from London show a recovery in the price of copra. South Sea sundried, which a month ago was at about £l4/5/- per ton. is now in the vicinity of £l4/17/6, with plantation sun-dried Rabaui commanding £l5. Published in this issue is the first of a series of articles written by the editor (Mr. R. W. Robson), giving the results of his investigations abroad into the position of the copra industry. Much valuable data is included in this first article.

Messrs. Faure, Blattman & Co of London, said early this year that they thought lower prices for copra were likely to be seen, and that, at least until about June, they could not see anything which was likely to give better markets.

“Of course, there will be reactions from time to time,” they stated, “but these we consider will be only temporary, and the general tendency of the market will be to decline. The position of oils and fats is very serious, owing to the very heavy supplies of all soap and margarine making material available. The crops are there and have to be marketed, but the consumption is limited.”

New Guinea-Papuan Gold Sharemarket

Activities of the Companies BUSINESS on the Sydney Stock Exchange during the month in New Guinea and Papuan goldmining companies’ shares has been restricted.

Placer and Guinea Gold received most attention, buyers now offering £1 12s. for the latter, with sellers at £1 14s.

Elsewhere in this issue is published the Warden’s report for the Morobe goldfields. This shows the present position on the field and refers to the activities of some of the companies operating there.

BULOLO GOLD DREDGING CALL.

Directors of Bulolo Gold Dredging Limited, have made a call of 50 cents per share on the company’s contributing shares.

In an explanatory circular, the directors state that in view of the unforeseen adverse movement in exchange rates between Australia and Vancouver, the company has not received the equivalent of 3 dollars per share credited as paid by shareholders on the Sydney register in respect of application, allotment, and first four calls, where 2s. Id. had been accepted as the equivalent in Australian currency of 50 cents Canadian.

Although the directors are prepared to waive any liability accrued in respect of exchange on calls already paid, they have been advised by leading counsel, both in Sydney and in Canada, that in respect of the four 50-cent calls yet to be made, an equivalent of 2 dollars Canadian currency must be received in respect of all shares, whether on Australian or Vancouver register. It will be therefore appreciated that in order to pay the present equivalent of 50 cents in Australian currency, calculations could not be based on par rate of exchange of 4.86 dollars, as the rate at date of issue of this notice was 3.73 dollars.

Computing the amount due in respect of the fifth call of 50 cents on this basis, the liability is 2s Bd. per share, but this amount will vary with the rate of exchange ruling at the date on which the actual payment is received.

It is possible, therefore, that some further adjustment will be necessary in respect of the remittance in satisfaction of this call, concludes the circular.

The following table shows the price on March 11 of shares in New Guinea and Papuan gold companies listed on the Sydney Stock Exchange; Market Quotations Range of Prices The Pacific Islands Monthly makes a close check of the prices quoted for Islands produce; and it regularly publishes the range of prices during each month, including the last available quotation before going to press.

OTHER PRODUCTS.

Prices quoted in Sydney on March 11 for other Island produce were: With the exception of high grade beche-de-mer, prices for the above products maintained advanced rates, the market being steady. High-grade beche-de-mer, which a month ago was quoted at £250, is now realising £2OO

Pearl Shell Output

Restriction Agreed Upon A TENTATIVE agreement to restrict, until world prices improve, the supply of pearl shell, in which the Commonwealth has almost a monopoly, was reached at a conference of representatives of interested parties convened by the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr. Blakeley) at Canberra recently.

The agreement, which proposes that the three centres of the industry in Australia Broome, Thursday Island and Darwin—should restrict their annual production to 350, 350 and 175 tons respectively, has yet to be confirmed. but it is hoped that an amicable basis of settlement has been reached.

Gold Possibilities

On Bougainville Island

Prospectors Active

DURING last year gold prospectors were very active on Bougainville Island and, besides the Kupei find, which was referred to in the November issue of The Pacific Islands Monthly, there are rumours of other promising discoveries.

In the Kupei field, which is 3,500 feet above sea level, road-making is in progress from the field to the village.

Over 20 chains have been already completed.

The gold industry on Bougainville has good possibilities of development.

It is reported that a plant is soon to be installed for the working of the Kupei field, which is a reef proposition.

Oil Prospecting in New Guinea OIL SEARCH LTD., which is engaged nrosnecting for oil in the Matanau district. Mandated Territory of New Guinea, reported on March 7 as follows: Mr. Stanley had, on despatch of the last mall, completed a geological survey of 125 square miles. Prospecting drill, No. 8, has served its purpose. Mr. Stanley was not, at the time the mail left, prepared to locate the next site.

The oil production of the several prospecting wells sunk close to the Waklp seepages invariably dwindle to a few gallons per day.

In the annual report of the hon. secretary of the Association for the Protection of Native Races, it is stated that in Papua, under the direction of Sir Hubert Murray, and in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, under Brigadier-General Wisdom, a very high standard of control and welfare was obtained. 11 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931

Sydney, dep. .

Marsina Montoro Marsina Mar. 7 Mar. 28 Apl. 18 Brisbane Mar. 9 Mar. 30 Apl. 20 Samarai . . .

Mar. 14 Apl. 4 Apl. 25 Rabaul . . .

Mr. 16-17 Apl. 6-8 Apl. 27-28 Salamoa . .

Mr. 19-20 — 30, May 1 Kavieng . .

Apl. 9 — Lombrum . ] borengau . | Ap. 10-11 Tumleo & Seleo — Ap. 12-13 — Madang . . .

Mar. 21 Apl. 14 May 2 Alexishafen — Apl. 15 — Pinschafen . . — Apl. 16 — Salamoa . . . — Ap. 17-18 — Lindenhafen . — Apl. 19 — Kavieng . , .

Mar. 23 — May 4 Rabaul . . .

Mar. 24 Apl. 20 May 5 Samarai . . . — Apl. 22 — Soraken . . .

Mr. 25-26 — May 6-7 Teopasino . | Numa . . . y Mr. 26-27 — May 7-8 Kleta ...

Mar. 28 — May 9 Tulagi ....

Mr. 30-31 — May 11 Norfolk Is. . .

Apl. 6-7 My. 17-18 Lord Howe Is.

Apl. 9 — May 20 Sydney (arr.).

Apl. 11 Apl. 28 May 22 Timetable foi March, April and May trips subject to Commonwealth Government approval.

Burns, Philp & Co Ltd., Agents.

Morlnda Morinda Morinda Sydney, Dep.

Mch. 25 Apl. 23 May 27 Brisbane Mch. 27 Apl. 24 May 29 T’ville (Opt ) Mch. 30 Apl. 27 June 1 Cairns . .

Mch. 31 Apl. 28 June 2 Pt. Moresby Apl. 2 Apl. 30 June 4 Yule Is. . .

May 1 Pt. Moresby May 2 Dedele . . .

Apl. 3 May 3 June 5 Samarai . .

Apl. 4 May 4-5 June 6 Woodlark Is.

Apl. 5 June 7 Samarai . .

Apl. 6-7 June 8 Pt. Moresby Apl. 8 May 6 June 9 Cairns . . .

Apl. 10 May 8 June 11 Brisbane Apl. 13 May 11 June 14 Sydney . .

Apl. 15 May 13 June 16 Timetable for March, April and May trips subject to Commonwealth Government approval.

Burns, Philp & Co.

Ltd., , Agents.

Per s.s.

Mataram.

Sydney, dep. . Mrh. 31 May 13 June 24 Brisbane . .

Apl. 2 May 15 June 26 Tulagai . . 1 Makambo . 1 Apl. 7-9 M. 20- -22 July 1 -3 Gavutu . .

J 3u’u . . . . 10 May 23 July 4 Aola . . .

Re re . . . } Apl. 11 July 5 iCaukaul . . ) May 24 Here . . . ( Teneru . . . Anl. 12 May 25 July 6 Lunga . . . . Apl. 12 July 6 Kookoom .

May 25 — Mamara .

Domma . . f Apl. 13 July 7 Lavoro . . • Apl. 1 14 July r.

Yandina Banika . .

Apl. it May 26 July 9 Loataie . .

Ufa . . . .

Faiam . . ( Apl. 15 — July 9 Y. Pepsale .

Kaylah . . | Apl. 15 May 26 July 9 Meringe . . • A1 16 -17 Jul. 10- 11 West Bay .

Ma y 26 86mata . . ( Marovo . .

May 27 Rendova 1 July 12 Kenelo . . ( Apl. 18 Manning St.

May 28 Jack Harb. 1 Hagthorn S. 1 M. 29 -30 Vila .... r — Stanmore . i July Gizo . . . .

Apl. 19 May 31 13 Bagga .

May 31 Falsi . . . . Apl. 20 June 1 July 14 Gizo . . .

Tetipari . .

Russell Grot | Apl. 21 June 2 July 15 ip A. 22- -23 June : 3-4 Jul. 16- 17 Mwiara . .

June 5 Tulagi . . .

Apl. 24 June 6 July 18 Brisbane .

Apl, 29 June 11 July 23 Sydney, arr. . May 1 June 13 July 25 Timetable for March. April, May and June trips, subject to Commonwealth Government approval.

Burns, Philp & Co. . Ltd., Agents.

Per s.s.

Laperouse Sydney, dep. Mar. 7 Apl. 4 May 2 Noumea . . M. 11 -14 Apl. 8- ■11 May 6-9 Chepenhe . Mar. 15 Apl. 12 May 10 Vila . . . . Mar. 16 Anl. 13 May 11 Sandwich . 1 Sarmettes . V Mar. 17 Apl. 14 May 12 Norsup . • J Santo . . . M. 18 -20 Ap. 15- -17 M. 13 -15 Banks . . . . Mar. 21 — May 16 Epi . . . 22 Apl. in May 17 Vila . . . . Mar. 23 Apl. 20 May 18 Chepenhe . . Mar. 24 Apl. 21 May 19 Noumea . , . M. 25-28 Ap. 22- -25 M. 20 -23 Sydney, arr. . Apr. 1 Apl. 29 May 27 Messa series Mari times Co., Agents.

Sonoma Ventura Sierra Honolulu . . . Mar. 4 Mar. 25 Apl. 15 Pago-Pago . . Mar. 11 Apl. 1 Apl. 22 Suva . . . . Mar. 14 Apl. 4 Apl. 25 Sydney . . . . Mar. 19 Apl. 9 Apl. 30 Sydney, dep. Mar. 28 Apl. 18 May 9 Suva . . . . Apl. 3 Apl. 23 May 14 Pago-Pago . Apl. 3 Apl. 24 May 15 Honolulu . . Apl. 10 May 1 May 22 The Oceanic Steamship Co., Matson Line, Agents.

Aorangl Niagara Aorangi Honolulu . . . . Mch. 11 Apr. 8 May 6 Suva . . .

Mch. 20 Apl. 17 May 15 Auckland . . M. 23-24 A. 20-21 My. 18 -19 Sydney . . . Mch. 28 Apl. 25 May 23 Sydney, dep. . , Apl. 2 Apl. 30 May 28 Auckland . .

Apl. 6-7 May 4-5 June 1-2 Suva . Apl. 10 May 8 June 5 Honolulu . .

Apl. 17 May 15 June 12 Union S.S. Co.

Ltd., Agents.

Per t.s.s.

Tofua.

Auckland dp. Mch. 21 Apl. 18 May 16 Suva . . . . M. 25-27 A. 22-24 My. 20-22 Nukualofa . . Mch. 30 Apl. 27 May 25 Haapai . . . Mch. 31 Apl. 28 May 26 Vavau . . . . A pi. 1 Apl. 29 May 27 Apia . . . . Apl. 2-3 A.30-M.1 My. 28-29 Suva . . . . Anl. 7-9 My. 5-7 June ■ 2-4 Auckland, arr. Apl. 13 May 11 June 8 Union S.S. Co.

Ltd., Agents.

Monowai Makura Monowai Papeete . . , . Feb. 28 Mar. 28 Apl. 25 Rarotonga . . Mch. 3 Mar. 31 Apl. 28 Wellington . . Mh. 9-10 Apl. 6-7 May 4-5 Sydney . . . . Mch. 14 Apl. 11 May 9 Sydney . . . . Mch. 19 Apl. 16 May 14 Wellington . . M. 23-24 Ap. 20-21 My. 18 -19 Rarotonga , . Mch. 28 Apl. 25 May 23 Papeete . . . Mch. 30 Apl. 27 May 25 Union S.S. Co. 1 Ltd., Agents.

Prom Panama Astrolabe Strasbourg Recherche Papeete . . .

Mar. 31 May 8 June 19 Raiatea . . .

Apl. 1 May 9 June 20 Suva ....

Apl. 7 May 17 June 29 Vila Apl. 13 May 20 July 3 Noumea, arr.

Apl. 18 May 25 July 8 To Panama— Noumea, dep.

May 4 June 10 July 23 Vila May 10 June 17 July 30 Suva Raiatea (opt.) May 19 June 26 Aug. 8 Papeete . . .

May 20 June 27 Aug. 9 Messageries Mari times Co. , Agents.

Per s.s.

Makambo Sydney, dept Mar. 27 Apl. 24 May 8 Lord Howe X.

Mar. 30 Apl. 27 May 11 Norfolk Is.

Apl. 2 Apl. 30 May 14 Vila . . . .

Apl. 6-7 My. 18 -19 Bushman’s B.

Apl. 8 May 20 Male . . . I Tarigoa . . 1 Apl. 8 — - May 20 Second Ch. i Hogg Harb. . .

Apl. 9 May 21 Aoba Apl. 10 — - May 22 Vila Apl. 11 — - May 23 Norfolk Is.

Apl. 15 May 1 May 27 Lord Howe I.

Apl. 18 May 4 May 30 Sydney . . . .

Apl. 20 May 6 June 1 Timetable for March, April and May trips subject to Commonwealth Government approval.

Burns, Philp & Oo.

Ltd., Agents.

Tanda St. Albans Nellore Hongkong . . Feb. 28 Apl. 1 May i Manilla . . . Mar. 3 Apl. 4 May 4 Rabaul . . . Mar. 12 Apl. 13 May 13 Brisbane . . . Mar. 18 Apl. 19 May 19 Sydney . . Mar. 20 Apl. 22 May 21 Sydney dep. Apl. 15 May 13 June 13 Brisbane . . . Apl. 17 May 15 June 15 Rabaul . . . . . Apl. 25 May 23 June 23 Manila . . May 4 June 1 July 2 Hongkong . . Maj 7 June 4 July 5 E. & A, . Steamship Co. Ltd., Agents.

Per s.s.

Le Maire Saigon . . . A pi. 15 Jun. 26 Sep. 6 Batavia . . . A. 23 -26 Jul. : !-6 Sep. 13-16 Samarang . . Apl. 27 Jul. 7 Sep. 17 Pt. Moresby . May 7 Jul. 17 Sep. 27 Samarai . . . Maj£ 9 Jul. 19 Sep. 29 Noumea . . . M. 16 -2u Jul. 26 -30 Oct. 6-10 Vila .... . May 22 Aug. 1 Oct. 12 Habaul . . . M. 27 -SO Aug. 6 -10 Oct. 17-20 Samarai . . . Jun. 2 Aug. 13 Oct. 23 Pt. Moresby . Jun. 3 Aug. 14 Oct. 24 Samarang . . Jun.

IS Aug. 24 Nov. 3 Batavia . . . J. 14- -17 A. 25- -28 Nov. 4-7 Saigon . . . . Jun. 22 Sep. 2 Nov. 12 BURNS, PHILP & CO. LTD.

General Merchants Shipowners, Tourist Agents, Etc. at.

II II ft II 4,« Head Office - 7 Bridge Street, Sydney - Australia Code Address : " BURPHIL ”

Buyers of All Classes of Island Produce.

Regular Steamer Services From Australia, to New Guinea, Papua, Solomons, Lord Howe, Norfolk Islands, New Hebrides, Java and Singapore Burns, Philp (South Sea) Co. Ltd.

Island Traders & Shipowners

Registered Office: Suva, Fiji Also Branches at FIJI: Levuka, Lautoka, Ba, Labasa, Rotumah.

Tonga : Nukualofa, Haapai, Vavau Samoa : Apia.

Solomons : Makambo, Gizo, Faisi.

New Hebrides : Vila.

Gilberts Z Tarawa.

Norfolk Island. Nauru.

Code Address: "Burnsouth”

The B. P. MAGAZINE Features of MARCH Number—Now Ready COVER PICTURE (Colour) By B. E. MINNS Thrilling Stories. Travel. Adventure.

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BURNS, PHILP & CO. LTD. 7 Bridge Street - Sydney McLeod, Bolton & Co. Ltd.

Exporters, Importers, Eastern and Island Merchants and Agents

Pacific House. 249 George Street - - - Sydney

“Succeed im Service "

Shipping Services in The Pacific New Gu'nea-Solomons—Norfolk Is, Sydney-Papua Service.

Papuan Inter-Island Services.

S.S. Papuan Chief (Steamships Trading Co. Ltd.) makes regular round trips from Port Moresby to Kapa Kapa, Abau.Baibara. Samarai, and back by same route; then Port Moresby to Hlsiu, Yule Island, Kuklpi, Orokolo, Klkori, Dam and back via Orokolo, Yule Is., and Hlsiu—full trip occupying about one month.

A. K. Matoma (Burns, Philp & Co.) makes regular round trips from Samara! to Puni Puni, Baniara, Cape Nelson, Buna Bay, Mambare, and back by same route, trip occupying about 12 days.

New Guinea Inter-Island Service. 5.5. Maiwara (Burns, Philp & Co.) makes regular round trips from Rabaul to New Ireland and Bougainville ports. 5.5. Mirani (Burns, Philp & Co.) makes regular round trips from Rabaul to New Guinea mainland ports. 5.5. Duris, s.s. Durour, s.s. Wyalong (W. R.

Carpenter & Co. Ltd.) makes sailings from Rabaul every two or three weeks to various ports in the Territory.

Solomon Islands Service.

Solomons Inter-Island Service- M.V. Durambah (W. R. Carpenter & Co.

Ltd.) makes regular three-weekly trip around the Group, Noumea-New Hebrides Service.

Sydney-Fiji-Samoa-Hawaii.

Sydney-N.Z.-Fiji-Hawaii.

Auckland-Fiji-Samoa-Tonga.

Sydney-N.Z.-Cook Is.-Tahiti.

French Eastern Pacific Service.

By ships running between Dunkirk and Noumea, via West Indies and Panama Canal.

New Hebrides-Norfolk Is.

Sydney-Rabaul-Hongkong.

Saigon-J ava-Noumea Line S ngapore, Sourabaya, Lae and Salamoa will be called at only if sufficient inducement offers.

Royal Packet Navigation Cos. Ltd., Agents.

South Seas Cargo Service The “Clan” line of steamers runs a quarterly .service from England, via Suez, calling at Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, etc., and returning via Panama. Agents; Sydney, McArthur Shipping Cos. Ltd.; Fiji, Brown and Joskef Samoa, Morris Hedstrom Ltd.

Sydney-Fiji Service.

The Karetu will leave Sydney on her next trip on March 17, and will call at Lautoka, Suva and Levuka. The Karetu is maintaining a four-weekly service.

Union S.S. Cos„ Agents.

Ocean Island-Nauru Service.

British Phosphate Commission, 16 Spring St., Sydney, sends boats irregularly.

New Hebrides Inter-Island Service.

S.S. Malinoa (Burns, Philp (South Sea) Cos.

Ltd.) connects every 6 weeks at Vila with s.s. Makambo from Sydney, then'proceeds on southern trip, calling at the islands of Efate.

Erronmanga, Tanna, Aneityum, and returns to Vila—trip occupying 7 or 8 days. After 2 to 3 days at Vila, departs on. northern trip, calling at the islands of Efate, Mai, Tongoa, Epi.

Paama, Ambrym, Malekula, Abba, Malo, Santo, and returns to Vila—trip occupying 25 to 28 days. Vessel extends to Banks Group ever'' second trip, equivalent to about every three months.

Fiji Inter-Island Service.

T.S.S. Makatea (Burn, Philp (South Sea) Cos. Ltd.) makes regular fortnightly trips, under Government contract, as follows: Long Trip, 1,050 miles, Suva to Levuka, Tavenui Coast, Buca Bay, Devo, Rabi, Rotuma and back by same route, occupying about 10 days.

Short Trip, 560 miles, Suva to Levuka, Cicia Mango, Loma Loma, Tavenui Coast, Savu Savu, Levuka, Suva, occupying about 9 days.

T.S.S. Malake (Burns, Philp (South Sea) Cos.

Ltd.) makes frequent trips to Luvuka, Labasa and Lautoka, with transhipment cargo from Suva.

A.S. Makoa (Burns, Philp (South Sea) Cos.

Ltd.) makes bi-monthly trips from Levuka to Funafuti and trades with all islands in the Ellice Group. Round trip, about 1,800 miles.

S.S. Adi Keva (Fiji Shipping Cos. Ltd.) makes regular trips from Suva to Levuka and Lautoka, round trip occupying three days.

M.S. Sir John Forrest (Fiji Shipping Cos.

Ltd.) makes regular trips from Suva to Levuka, Savu Savu, Nabouwalu, Baulailai, Lekutu, Dreketi, Raduri, Labasa, and return by the same route, round trip occupying about 9 days.

M.S. Adi Rewa (Fiji Shipping Cos. Ltd.) makes regular trips from Suva to Ba and Lautoka. round voyage occupying four days.

Fiji Aerial Services. ’Plane leaves Suva every Monday, 7 a.m., arrives Lautoka, 8.45 a.m., returns Suva 11.30 a.m. ’Plane leaves Suva every Thursday, 6 a.m., making alternate weekly trips to Levuka-Labusa-Levuka-Suva and Levuka-Savu Savu-Tavenui-Savu Savu-Levuka-Suva.

Seaplane leaves Suva every Friday, 10.' a.m. for Cuvu and Lautoka, returning 4 p.m.

Seaplane leaves Suva every Tuesday, 7 a.m. making alternate trip similar to ’plane service.

Pearce & Cos., Suva, Managing Agents.

New Vessel for E. 8C A. Service A SUBSTANTIAL improvement in the service of the Eastern and Australian Steamship Company Ltd., between Australian ports and the East, via Rabaul, will be made in September, when the P. and O. liner, Nankin, at present engaged in the London-India service, will replace the liner St. Albans.

The line will then maintain its monthly timetable with three 7,000-ton vessels —the Tanda, Nellore, and Nankin.

Guinea Airways Ltd. is making a new issue of 15,000 shares at par, in the proportion of one share for every four held at February 20. Subscription is payable in full on March 16.

Malake Discontinuing Trips

To Wallis And Futuna

Owing to the presence of rhinocerous beetle on Wallis and Futuna Islands, which are French Protectorates, the steamer Malake, from Fiji, will not continue calling there. It is anticipated all communication with Wallis and Futuna in future will be carried on via Apia, Samoa.

Hurricane Strikes Keppel Island NEWS has been received in Fiji that a serious hurricane struck Keppel Island, situated in the north of the Tonga Group, on December 25.

Practically all the Government buildings were razed to the ground. The extent of the damage to crops has not yet been reported. 12 THE PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY, MARCH 17, 1931 Wholly Set up In Australia by Vn.*s & Walks*. Trade Compositors, 31 Cunningham St Sydney Printed by W. Hour*, 31 Cunningham St., Sydney, and Published by Pacific PnaiicAnowa Union House. 247 George Street, Sydney.