CHINESE BOYCOTT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1932, Page 3

CHINESE BOYCOTT

EVERYTHING JAPANESE

“A PATRIOTIC GESTURE.”

AUCKLAND, March 8,

The Chinese in Auckland are strictly boycotting the shipment of Japanese oranges which arrived by the Melbourne Main and were sold ■in the markets this morning. This, it is stated by Mr Andrew Chang, a prominent member of the Chinese Nationalist party in Auckland, is only a part of the boycott. Everything Japanese is to be shunned by the Chinese. In the markets this morning, when the Japanese fruit came up for sale, all the Chinese who had been clustered round the buying benches disappeared, and left the competition to the white rivals. The latter did not discriminate.

This is the second shipment of oranges which the Chinese have refused to deal with. One old Chinese, with a wealth of gesticulation, said this morning: Chinee by buyee Japan fruit. If price be onlee a sheeling a case, still the same. We buy no Japan goods.” He also said that the boycott would apply to more than fruit.

One of the wholesale dealers said that the fruit was in good condition, and of a kind that' the public wanted. Moreover, at present the market was short of oranges, and in consequence it was expected that there would have

been a ready sale for them. Mr Chang said that even, though hostilities had ceased, the boycott would not automatically stop. “It is a patriotic gesture on the part of the Chinese living out of China, and it will continue for years,” he declared. There is strong feeling, in Australia and New Zealand. We intend to avoid everything Japanese, whether it he matches or wooden dolls.”

A prominent member of .the Auckland Retail Fruiterers’ Association said that the effect of the Chinese refusal to hid for Japanese fruit was to reduce the price of the fruit considerably.