NORFOLK ISLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1933, Page 8

NORFOLK ISLAND

CONCERN AMONG MERCHANTS APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT' AUCKLAND, February 21. A request ‘that the Government should release Norfolk Island products from the embargo placed on Australian fruit was contained in a letter sent to the Minister of Customs, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce on Friday, after a meeting of merchants interested in the trade* The letter was signed by the newly-elected president, Mr Harvey Turner. The letetr stated that the matter was regarded ms ■ one -of considerable urgency and that the chamber would like to have action taken in time to enable the Morinda to continue through to Auckland on the regular run from Sydney this week. I.C was stated that the withdrawal of the Morinda involved a further, loss of export trade from Auckland and 1 New Zealand, which would go to Australia. Between 200 'and 300 New Zealanders mainly engaged in banana growing ‘ were now settled at Norfolk Island, and they would he without direct services to. the Dominion. In this respect it was considered the Government had a moral obligation, :in that it was responsible for the inauguration of the Norfolk Island service with the Hinemoa and later with the Maui Pomare. Moreover, Auckland shippers had gone to considerable expense in establishing trade connections with Norfolk Island, and the position that had developed would prejudice credits outstanding. Very few, if any, of the Norfolk Island product's competed with New Zealand lines, the principal export being bananas, the letter added. In addition, the loss of revenue to the Government and the Harbour Board i ll light iand port charges, as "’ell as the loss of business to merchants who had supplied stores to the Morinda were, serious considerations. It was lelt that' when the embargo was imposed on Australian fruit it was n°t Vlu Government’s intention to inrhuh Norfolk Island.