HIT BY DEPRESSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 8

HIT BY DEPRESSION

PRODUCE OF THE ISLANDS • BEETLE DAY" DISCARDED L Per Pi-ess Association. ] WELLINGTON, May 5. The islands have not escaped, the consequences of the prevailing economic conditions. The natives are not greatly affected, as their wants arc few and nature itself provides for necessities. Low prices of the principal products have not a most serious effect on the European trading eonxmunity and planters’ price of copra is at an unprofitable level and there is no present prospect or an improve ment. There is a glut of Island fruit on available markets. The banana trade with New Zealand is appreciated but supplies could be enormously increased if a demand existed. The same may be said of orange crops. The only profitable product at the time is cocoa bean the quality of which is equal to the world’s best. Unfortunately, the area on which it can be grown in Sarnia is restricted and cannot be enlarged. His Excellency made some inquiries into the possibility of adding to the products and industries of the Islands, particularly in regard to tung oil, the commercial exploitation of frangipanni and the growing of teak. Some fine teak trees were seen and there appeared to be every reason why systematic planting, and eventual milling, should be a profitable proposition. The fight against the thinocerous beetle in Samoa is carried on in those plantations? where labour is directed and controlled. The natives, however, are iwt pursuing the common enemy in any systematic way. a. jcw years ago there was “beetle day” each week, the natives being required to devote a day to beetle hunting. With the rise of disaffection this salutary practice lapsed with most deplorable consequences cf the native plantations. Should copra, again become profitable many will Ktterly rue their present neglect, as regular and organised de-: struetion is The only defence against this destroying insect.