(Copy)
(Confidential)
From Harbor Master
306
I have seen Mr. Kernstone of Sternberg & Co., who is building the steamer referred to by the Colonial Secretary.
Mr. Kernstein states that his trade is that of collecting copra (coco-nuts) at Pelew, Gilberts Island, and New Britain, of which are forwarded to Europe, for the purpose of making oil, in vessels chartered at Sydney. These vessels visit the islands for the purpose of collecting their cargoes.
There seems to be a large trade in coco-nuts, five firms being engaged in it, each firm dealing...