INDUSTRY IN FIJI

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1931, Page 7

INDUSTRY IN FIJI

PINEAPPLE CULTIVATION.

VALUE OF MINOR CROPS.

“The pineapple industry in Fiji is being steadily developed along sound lines,” said Mr. A. J. Parker, Auckland, who returned from a business visit to Fiji by the Tofua on Monday. Coconut planters had not yet fully recovered from recent hurricanes, said Mr. Parker, and with the price of copra lower than it had ever been before business men in the Islands were now seriously turning their attention to “minor” crops to tide them over the depression which was beginning to be felt in Fiji. Prominent among these was the pineapple industry, which was . firmly established a few years ago. Factories were operating in different parts of the group and were producing a high-grade article. Questioned concerning the sugar industry, which has recently been threatened by the cheaper cost of production in competing countries, Mr. Parker said that although it was naturally feeling \the effects of the general depression it appeared to be in a flourishing state. “Although Suva has its unemployment bureau the position on the whole in the Islands is much more favourable than in Auckland, for instance,” said Mr. Parker, commenting on the general situation. The natives were suffering no hardship as they were able to grow sufficient food for their own needs, and by doing an occasional day’s work were able to buy the other necessities of life. Mr. Parker was enthusiastic- in his praise of Fiji as a scenic resort. “In addition to the neighbouring islands which may be reached by launch or steamer, numerous overland trips are arranged,” he said. “The splendid roads in Suva make motoring a delight.”