FIJI’S INDUSTRIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 413, 3 November 1930, Page 9

FIJI’S INDUSTRIES

GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY INCREASING PROj UCTION SUVA, Oct. 11. The Government evidently recognises that something must be done to tide Fiji over the prevailing depression. Further taxation is not regarded with favour. While the colony has still a credit balance with the Crown agents, it is felt that the surest way to prosperity is to increase the productiveness of the colony. To this end the Director of Agriculture convened a convention of representatives of those interested in land matters, including some six or seven country associations.

The Governor opened with an address, in which he emphasised that the depression was but temporary, and that if everybody put their shoulders to the wheel, prosperity \ ould soon return. He spoke of the need of co-operation among all planters and rattlers, and said he hoped to sec means of transport and conununication speedily improved. He promised on behalf of the Government that everything that would help to forward the landed interests would be done so far as funds would admit. Tho address greatly heartened all concerned.

Resolutions were carried advocating a convention of association throughout the colony, and advocating a subsidy of 4d per lb. on all exported butter, which is already protected by 4d import duty. The copra section of the convention strongly opposed such an impost and advised that, the dairymen, by developing the production of their cows, had the solution in their own hands. The motion was accepted as simply an expression of opinion from the dairying community. Another motion affirmed the opinion of the copra industry gave cause for disquietude and that the possibilities of securing increased returns to producers should be explored, such as by increase of yield, the reduction of production and transport costs, and tho introduction of a system of Government grading. It was also agreed that a more active campaign in the control of noxious weeds should be pursued. The Governor also spoke in similar vein at the annual Suva Show, when he urged an increase in production as a palliative to the low market prices prevailing. A striking exhibit at the show was one by the Department of Agriculture, showing the work being done by the department to control and destroy pests and diseases in coconuts and bananas, and the steps being taken to control such pests as lantana, and clidemia hirta. and others. The best means to prune, to bud, to grow coconut trees, were all shown with practical illustrations. Rice and other food crops were shown in varying stages. The Governor has promised to push on with the new road round the island of Viti Lcvu, and generally to try to have transport opportunities Improved.