Tab A
(Ponape District)
KUSAIE
(Cont'd)
diameter into boards and planks.
Local sale price of lumber
from this mill was reported as ranging from §.02 to $.06 per
board foot.
The island economy is not considered to have reached the
point of self-sufficiency. The I.T.C. or some similar company is necessary to provide wholesale procurement and distribution. The Navy now provides all export and import shipping.
There appears to be little possibility of developing canmercial shipping in the near future.
The settlement of land claims is progressing.
(f)
Rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation is essentially
time and effort formerly dedicated
improve the island's economy. The
has been of great aid in advancing
ings and homes.
(g)
completed, and release of
to rehabilitation should
sawmill at Yepan Point
rehabilitation of build-
Services.
(1)
Transportation.
A U.S. naval ship makes a field trip to Kusaie once
every 2-3 months.
As noted above, the council desires a trip
regularly every two months principally in view of the increase in copra production. An ex-Navy pulling whaleboat is
in commission at Kusaie.
Other craft include a small trading
schooner, and numerous koa or breadfruit outrigger canoes,
Many bicycles were noted in Lele village.
REPRODUCED FROM HOLDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
C.
Administrative organization.
Liaison between the Civil Administrator, Ponape District, and
Kusaiean governing officials is accomplished during field trips,
the last one of which prior to this inspection visited Lele in an
AG from 24-28 December 1948. The tasks of these field trips are
similar to those noted on page 18, Tab A.
The branch manager of the I.T.C. at Lele is an American trader,
familiar through long experience with the Kusaieans, and has been
found helpful to the village council and the CivAd Unit in an
advisory capacity on administrative matters,
The Field Trip Naval Officer from CivAd Unit, Ponape, is
admired and respected by the village officials of Kusaie.
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