SAMOAN NEWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 118, 19 April 1932, Page 7

SAMOAN NEWS

BIG BANANA CROP. COCOA PLANTERS’ LOSSES. (Special to Press Association.) Received April 19, 10.5 a.m. APIA, April 14. The Samoan correspondent of tho Press Association writes:— “The supply of bananas is now far in excess of tho demand. Largo areas planted last year aro now in full bearing, and planters are reckoning up their losses instead of their gains. One planter applied to tho fruit inspector for 600 cases to fill for the Maui Pomaro, and he was allotted 75 eases. The price of copra in London has fallen considerably; so far tho local price has not been lowered, but a cut of i cent, per lb is expected. “Considerable damage was done to the cocoa crops through heavy rains causing black pod. Some planters claim as high as from 25 to 30 per cent, loss. The local price remains firm at from £SO to £6O per ton. “A regatta will be held on tho King’s Birthday, and the Apia Turf Club will hold a race mooting during tho afternoon. In tho evening thero will be a ball at Government House, Vailima. An art union is being arranged with the object of raising sufficient money to save the Apia public park from going back into bush. “Over a month ago two long-term prisoners escaped and havo since been joined by two others. The Police Department are finding it difficult to locate them, as the bush affords excellent cover. No doubt the prisoners are kept well informed of tho police movements by tho people of villages in the vicinity of their hiding places.”