SAMOAN COMMISSION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 28 September 1927, Page 5

SAMOAN COMMISSION

ADMINISTRATION’S PURCHASE OF COPRA. CONSIDERED UNFAIR. (Special to P.A—By Radio). Apia, Sept. 26. After outlining the case for the Citizens’ Committee before the Royal Commission, Mr Baxter( counsel roi the committee, called evidence. The first witness, Mr Brady, manager in Samoa tor Burns, Philp, Ltd., said he had taken no part in the political agitation, but- he objected te the Administration buying copra irom the natives. The price the Administration paid was higher than the merchants could give. The merchants had worked out the prices qn London returns, and all paid the same rates. The establishment of a trading station and stock cost £lOOO or more. For the Administration to compete with the merchants who were charged substantial license fees, was unfair. He submitted figures to show that the merchants paid fair prices. Mr. Meredith, cross - examining sought to show from witness’ figures that the profits of the merchants were greater than witness had contended- The net cost f.o.b. in Apia varied, but the purchase price was not varied. Witness said the Administration’s advances were practically a purchase. It was improbable there would be any surplus from London sales. His firm paid taxes and license fees to the Administration and was entitled to protection.