SAMOAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1932, Page 2

SAMOAN NEWS

FRUIT CROPS DAMAGED

PRISONERS BREAK CUSTODY.

(By Telegraph —Per Press Association,

WELLINGTON, April 19. The Samoan correspondent of the Press Association writes:

Tlie supply of bananas is now far in excess of the demand. The large areas planted last year are now in full bearing, and planters are reckoning up losses instead of gains. One planter applied to the fruit inspector for 500 cases to fill for the Mam »omare. He was allotted 70 cases.

The London price for copra has fallen considerably. So far the local prices has not been lowered but a cut of f cent, per lb. is expected. Over a month ago two longterm prisoners escaped, and have since been joined by two others The police department ia finding it difficult to locate them as the bush affords excellent cover. No doubt the prisoners are kept well informed of the police movements by the villagers in the vicinity of tile biding placets. A Yailima art union is being arranged with tile object of raising sufficient money to save the Apia public park from going back into hush. The headquarters of the Resident I Commissioner for Snvaii have been moved from Faganialo to Tuasivi, Faasalelea.ga. This has been done as a matter of economy. Fnrtaleleaga is the more populous district and nearer Apia. Considerable damage was* done to 'the cocoa crops through heavy rains, I causing black pod. Some planters claim 'as high ,ms 25 to 30 per cent. loss. 13 lie local price remains firm at from £SO to £(j() pe r ton. A regqtta will be held on the