RAROTONGAN FRUIT TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1379, 4 March 1912, Page 6

RAROTONGAN FRUIT TRADE.

PART OF CAEGO LEFT BEHIND. The fruit merchants interested in the Karotongan trado wero disappointed to learn on tho berthing of tho Maitai (from San Francisco, via Tahiti and Earotonga) that three-fifths of the fruit cargo had been left on tho wharf at .Earoronga, because, tho boat was two days lato in reaching that port, and it was raining at Earotonga. Thoso interested are loudly lamenting for two reasons—firstly, because of the recent hurricane at Fiji, bananas are likely to bo very scarce, those from Earotonga would probably have realised u'ood prices, and, secondly, because tho fruit so picked, boxed, and conveyed to port will be wasted, as there is no other boat to pick it up and bring it on to New Zealand ports. The boat did not arrive at Earotonga until February 23, though duo two days earlier. Work was commenced at 1 p.m. on that day, but owing to rain coming on the work of loading fruit was discontinued at 1 p.m., after which the vessel left for Wellington, presumably becauso it was not desired to loso more time owing to tho mail contract.

A note from a Native grower of fruit to a local firm reads:—"Sir,—On the Friday, 23/2/12, the Maitai arrive here to liarotonga. At 1 o'clock they start work, but at 4 o'clock the rain coming and the cargo not sond again on board because too much rain, and please find how many forward on board, but eomo left here." I can't help!" A letter from the shippers states that three-fifths of the cargo had been left bohind, and that it is extremely unfortunate if the growers arc to suffer so materially lweause tho vessel is behind timc-tablo date. There should, it is urged, be more give and take as far as mail dates are concerned with this service