FIJI GOLD OUTPUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23966, 16 May 1941, Page 5

FIJI GOLD OUTPUT

SLIGHT FALL LAST YEAR FURTHER PROSPECTING Cold exported from Fiji in 1940 totalled 107.3320z., against 108,1140z. in 1939 and 17,1070z. in 1936, when production commenced. The value of last year's gold export was £1,024,923, or only £260,268 less than the value of the Colony's principal export commodity, sugar.

Commenting upon the industry, in the annual report of the Suva Chamber of Commerce, the president, Sir Maynard Hedstrom, said a large programme of development work had been planned at the Yatukoula mines, but progress had been delayed owing to the difficulty of obtaining machinery and, in one case, a valuable shipment of machinery was lost through enemv action. The companies had also been faced with some difficulty in securing regular supplies of mining materials. Mining interests were investigating an area known as "Waimotu" in N a tew a Bay, which jnight possibly justify development. From the prospector's point of view it was interesting to find signs of gold on Yanua Levu many miles_ distant from the workings at Mount Kasi. BYCROFT, LTD.

98 YEARS IN OPERATION "With a background of 1)8 years of progress, we can well afford to be cheerful when looking forward to the coming years," said Mr ft. T!. Hutchinson, chairman of directors of 'Bycroft, Limited, at the annual meeting yesterday. The chairman said thr question uppermost in the minds of shareholders would be the effect on the company of the disturbing conditions under which the world was suffering. The company had been in existence for !)B years, through wars and depressions, but it now had the best equipped biscuit factory in New Zealand and the second largest flour mill.

Referring to a large contract being: carried out by the firm, Mr. Hutchinson said greater efforts could be made if Home extension of hours was granted, instead of the present, restriction. However, the company hoped to work extended hours in the near future. It was not looking- for more profits, but the interests of shareholder# would be protected. The retiring director, Sir Ernest Davis, was re-elected. MERCHANDISE TRADE FURTHER RISE IN TEA Ac'ivc conditions have been maintained in the distributing trade throughout, the early part of the month. Mid-month tobacco deliveries were made to tlio country yesterday and city and suburban orders go out to-day. A heavy consignment of goods from the South arrived earlier in the nrbnth, but difficulties in the deliveries of many everyday lines from Great Britain have increased. Ten.—A rise of about Id per lb in the Colombo tea market last week was followed by a further hardening of 3 «d to id per lb on Tuesday. Two leading local packs of tea have recently been advanced id per lb. Dates.—A small shipment of pitted Sair dates has just, been landed from Australia, these being ex consignment stocks which arrived by the direct steamer in December. Costs are slightly higher than previously, but in view of developments merchants have good reason to be satisfied with this fortuitous business.

Walnut Meats,—Further shipments of new season's walnut, meats are expected to arrive from India soon. Meantime, local stocks aro light, and future landings will not he sufficient to last, the trade until the end of the year.

Dried Fruits.—Steady arrivals of Australian dried fruits are corning in. and are being distributed as fast as possible to meet orders. The variety of fruits available is also increasing, and new season's lexias are now to band.

Acids. — It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain supplies of tartaric acid from Great Britain, and the limited quantities available for export from Amerca now appear to be exhausted. Citric acid can still be obtained from both countries, but at increased costs. Paper Bags.—Following an advance in price of kraft paper early this month, the price of paper bags has been increased by approximately 5 per cent. Brazil Nuts.—Since prices for new season's Brazil nuts, both unshelled and shelled, were announced at the beginning of the year, the market has been steadily advancing, and present rates represent advances of over 20 per cent and to per cent respectively. Apparently the crop is a short one this year, and there was little or no carryover from last season, prices to the retail and manufacturing trades will be increased accordingly. Fiji Pineapples.—There has been a rapid expansion in the .Fijian canned pineapple trade, exports rising from S7,o(iolb in 1037 lo .V_>O..V.:<lb in Item. Last year there was a fall to -ls7.7SMlb, due, it is stated, mainly lo the difficulty of finding a market. In this connection the annual report of the Suva Chamber of Commerce states: "Fortunately there has been a very large increase in local consumption of canned pineapples during the past six months, and it is possible this increase will be maintained. Local consumption however, will not go fur in absorbing any increased output. Owing to the difficulty of finding an export market, it is unlikely I hat there will be any substantial development in this industry until a return to normal condition*, when It may be hoped export markets will be found." SYDNEY PRODUCE PRICES (Heed. 0.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 15 The wheat market Is sluggish. Silo grain is onoled at :is ll'id a bushel; bagged, -Is :i' a d; flour, £l2 Kls a ton; bran and pollard. I'O; poiaioes. Tasmanian. £0 10s; others. CI; onions, brown, £ll 10s; whites. Cl 7; maize, white, -Is a bushel; yellow, ,'ls lOd. MINING YIELD Grey Fiver (West. Coast). —10007. from 1:!2,121yds for the week ended May 14.