DUTY ON LEMONS.

Evening Star, Issue 19663, 16 September 1927, Page 8

DUTY ON LEMONS.

IO IKS EDITOB.

Sir, —It will probably interest your readers to know that consumers in tho South Island aro not accepting without strong protest tho Minister’s proposed practically total prohibition of imported lemons to New Zealand. The writer has received communications from members of the brokers associations throughout the boutu Island asking that a very strong protest bo forwared to the Minister. Christchurch is emphatically protesting; this morning, Wellington has telegraphed us that the fruitgrowers and the merchants aro considering making strong protests against the increased duty, and they ask the South Island to join the issue with them in their efi'orts; and tho following telegram was sent by our association to the Hon. Downie Stewart: —“South Island fruitbrokers passed resolution strongly protesting against gross injustice placing prohibitive duty on lemons. Such proposed duty moans prohibition. Customers trust more nurture consideration will be given this vital question.— Reilly, president Brokers’ Association.” Further, each individual fruiterer is making a strong protest by telegram, as wo all realise that tho 100 per cent, increase can not possibly benefit anyone. It means that tho country is going to lose Id per lb duty that has already been placed upon imported lemons. Further, .imported lemons are a medical necessity, and aro going to ha cut out of the New Zealand market for livo months in tho year at tho time when they arc most in demand. On behalf of tho consumers (principally invalids) and tho public generally, we feci that wo would be lacking in our duty if we failed to make emphatic protest.—l am, etc., E. Oswald Reilly. September 16.