THE COCOANUT INDUSTRY

Waipa Post, Volume 36, Issue 2146, 19 April 1928, Page 3

THE COCOANUT INDUSTRY

A VAST SOUTH SEA INDUSTRY.

LONDON IS THE GREAT ENTREPOT.

In the last quarter of a century the resources of the widely scattered islands of the South Pacific Ocean have attracted attention of both settlers and capitalists, in each case mostly British. Many millions of money have been invested, and a noted pioneer in the coconut cultivation and trade was the late Lord Leverhulme, whose plantations covered many thousands of well-improved acres.

In the years before the War the Germans were particularly active in cultivating coconuts on their islands, and German. New Guinea, now controlled under mandate by Australia, was exceedingly well developed. The French have been energetic in the New Hebrides, and other island possessions of the South Pacific. The Dutch, also have become prosperous in the industry, while the Japanese, with characteristic enterprise, are speeding up their efforts in those islands north of the Equator which passed into their hands under mandate.

While the. high prices of copra (dried coconut), up to £BO and often times much more per ton existed the coconut industry got a great uplift, alnd a wide publicity and romantic hopes, were indulged that the trade of copra would become one of the most important items of the world's general trade; these prospects attracted much American enterprise and consequently much American capital has been invested in many islands. Torday the coconut industry has spread in a wonderful manner, and in truth it might be said twelve coconuts grow where one did. The export trade, estimated in 1921 as of a value of £12,000,000, is now nearly double that, though, per ton,, copra varies in price from £2O to £3O. The copra trade may be summed up as solid and promising, for the uses of coconut oil are increasing, and there will always be a demand in the world's markets. London has always been, and remains, the great entrepot for this product.

The ramifications of the copra trade are perhaps the most interesting of any industry in the world, by reason of the necessary dealing with natives. The average person who eats margarine or uses soap or other commodities made from coconut oil little comprehends or appreciates the efforts and intricacies involved in producing and buying the wonderful coconut.

A quarter of a century ago coconut plantations were irregular, unfenced areas and were carried on with little thought of system. Our native chiefs had palms planted in and about a native village, and they grew and produced, or failed, no attention or care being given them. It is all very different in these days, when plantations are well fenced, improved and scientifically managed, for a planter must know how to produce a profitable palm; that is, one sound, healthy, and vigorous. Twenty-five years ago planters made good money, but a plantation could be bought cheaply; indeed, in more than one case a native chief has sold a plantation of some hundreds of acres for a case of tobacco or gin, One excellent and improved plantation in German New Guinea which changed hands for a case of tobacco is now valued at £70,000,

In these enlightened days coconuts are made to grow on hill and in dale. Gone is the idea that palms grew only by the sea. Now plantations extend miles inland, and as long as they are open to the sea air they flourish abundantly. Modern management is strictly scientific and systematic. A manager must understand the art of proper draining, and how to combat the ravages of insects and pests, and how to doctor and nurse sick palms. The coconut palm is a very human thing; it thrives or languishes according to the care and the foods it receives. A record is kept of every palm its birth, growth, and bearing, its ailment's, and treatment. In a sense, it requires everyday to have its pulse felt and its tongue examined. If a palm is not vigorous, with fresh green, sprightly leaves, it is sick. A beetle may be gnawing at its heart, it may be anaemic. Small boys, called 'monkeys,' are sent to search for beetles, and their sharp eyes soon find them out, and for every small bottleful they bring in there is a reward, usually a fig of tobacco, for small native boys are incessant smokers. Should it be the case that a palm is anaemic ,a strong tonic is administered, and under this treatment it quickly revives. Hundreds of natives are employed on the plantations, besides white managers, overseers, clerks, and tradesmen. The natives are employed in clearing, draining, and planting, and in 'gathering' coconuts (they are never 'plucked') and in cutting up the pulp or flesh of the coconut and placing it on shallow trays to be sundried. A' modern plantation suppoi-ts a homestead, almost a small village in

the residences, hospitals, offices ,stores, workshops and sheds. Fleet's of vessels, large and small, are even engaged in the transport of copra, and big ocean steamers call regularly, at least once a month, at numerous ports where much of the copra is stacked and bagged. Sometimes the copra is just poured into the holds of the vessel, carrying thousands of tons, and no sooner does the vessel get out to sea when copra 'bugs,' creepy, smelly, little creatures, ovei-run cabins, saloon and decks. As the vessel gets away from the Tropics they suddenly disappear in the most magical manner. . Life on,, a plantation is not monotonous, there is_ plenty of work to be done, white folk make themselves comfortable in cool ,roomy bungalows and in these days of wireless they can get in contact with the great outer world by a moment's effort. Native employees have their dancing grounds and by law must be allowed freedom to indulge in this pleasure at certain times. They mxisj/t be well lodged, liberally fed, and when sick must be doctored. Government inspectors are continually visiting plantations and heavy penalties are inflicted for the neglect, or ill-treatment, of natives.

An interesting detail in fo^""" >f;ri '" with the cultivation of the coconut, lies in the fact that if this industry fs not under the especial protection of a patron saint, it can at least claim its "apostle." On the tiny island of Kabakon, of the Duke of York Group of (German) New Guinea lived a remarkable man an Austrian, Herr August Englehardt, who was styled-thf "Apostle of the Coconut." Englehardt was a man of the most aristocratic appearance, though he dressed like a native with lava-lava or loin cloth, on particular occasions adding a wristlet watch and a walking stick. The 'Apostle' spoke English fluently, and was a student of Shakespeare. Exceedingly charming, and hospitable he was a king governing a large number of native workers. He maintained a fine bungalow for the use of visitors but lived in a small hut himself, living entirely on coconut and sleeping without covering on a bed of fine sand. He vigorously denounced the late war, much to the disgust of the German planters of New Guinea, and was by them ostracised. He died towards the end of the war period, leaving one of libraries of books; to be found in the whole of the South Seas.