The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1942 ORANGES AND LEMONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 98, 31 August 1942, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1942 ORANGES AND LEMONS

THE prevalence of influenza, colds and kindred ailments has thrown a searching light upon a shortage of citrus fruit and the high prices charged for what fruit is obtainable from retailers. It is common knowledge that oranges and lemons are of inestimable value to sufferers from colds and influenza troubles, and, if it were at all possible, the fruit should be available at reasonable prices during the winter months. Seasonal conditions, of course, are beyond the control of man. This year, for instance, citrus trees were, badly affected by the long spell of dry weather experienced early in the season. For that reason trees which normally would be heavily laden are "flying light" this season. But, when that has been admitted, there is. still room for speculation why prices should, be at the present level, which puts oranges and lemons beyond the reach of many people. State control of the industry is being blamed for the high prices, and some critics have inferentially charged the system with responsibility that should be placed upon the dry weather which interfered with the citrus crop. The chief bone of contention by many critics is that the control system now in force prevents people from buying oranges from small orchardists, or the neighbour who may be fortunate enough to possess one or more trees. Because of this supposed: prohibition, it is urged, people are obliged to pay the high retail prices fixed by the Internal Marketing Department. This belief is erroneous. There is nothing to prevent any owner of an orange tree from selling his fruit at any price he may wish. There is one exception to this, however, and it is most important. He cannot sell citrus fruit to a retail shopkeeper unless his orchard is registered, is certified to be free from disease, and the fruit conforms t.o the standard set by the department. There is much to be said for and against control, but when it is known that disease, especially in lemons, is easily transmitted to clean trees, it will be admitted that extreme care should be taken to ensure not only that the. consumer obtains healthy fruit but that orchardists are protected against the carelessness of growers who, if discipline were not exer c ised, would allow their orchards to become a menace to the citrus industry as a whole. It is widely believed that the grading standard set by the department is too high. Fruit which is healthy in every respect, and which would be eagerly used by the public, is excluded from retail shops be c ause it does not measure up to prescribed standard. This bears heavily, on commercial orchardists, who are obliged to discard fruit which might advantageously be offered to the public. It is always commendable to set a high standard., but there would appear to be reason why the Internal Marketing Department should review its regulation affecting the size of citrus fruit.

CRAWLING AGAIN

ANONYMOUS letter writers, of which unfortunately this district seems to be able to boast quite a number have once again left their skulk holes and are broadcasting their filthy literature. Samples which have: been exhibited to this office reveal the mentality of the writers, who seeking to wound unseen and to besmirch in a manner which will not injure their own miserable skins, succeed only in revealing the depraved nature of their own minds. The practice can be ranged with the most detestable features of the Nazi Gestapo, and the vulture-like actions of the secret service for persecution which the Axis countries delight in setting up for the dissemination of fear. They belong to the forces which offend decency, and against which the whole Empire is fighting in order to make for a cleaner world. It is some consolation to reflect that these inane and stupid epistles fall unheeded, in this country where ninety-nine point nine of us can still pride ourselves on being able to look each other straight in the eyes without harbouring any serpentine motives which will lead to the shooting of venom from ambush.

COMBINED SERVICE OF PRAYER

Helping Soldiers' Wives Pupils of the Wanganui Collegiate School have, for over 12 months, been helping to do the gardening lor wives of soldiers overseas. Most of the boys participate in this patriotic gardening and take a keen interest in the' work. Thursday is the day set aside for the effort, school commencing early so that the major part of the afternoon can be free. In wet weather, when digging is impracticable, cl'ixiping, trimming or tidying is done.

IN accordance with the request of His Majesty the King, for an Empire wide service of prayer on September 3rd (Thursday) details have been arranged for a public service in the Grand Theatre at 12.30 p.m. on that day. An advertisement in to-day's issue extends an invitation from His Worship the Mayor to the burgesses to attend, and also requests the business houses to close for an hour in order to make it possible.

Not the Culprits We have been informed by responsible members of the Mo-untetl Home Guard Troop, tha.t the complaint recently voiced in these columns regarding the habit, of certain troopers riding on the footpaths, blamed the wrong persons. The rea'l culprits were seen by severa'l Home Guardsmen, galloping round the neighbourhood of Kopcopeo, and were in actual fact a pair of young boys who had apparently just learnt to ride.