IMPORTATION OF CITRUS FRUIT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9139, 7 May 1908, Page 5

IMPORTATION OF CITRUS FRUIT.

Per Press Association. Wellington, May 6,

In reference to the cable message from Sydney, stating that fruitgrowers in New South Wales are protesting against the Dominion’s regulations in regard to the importation of citrus fruits, Mr T. W. Kirk, F.L.C., Government Biologist, said the regulations required a certificate stating that the fruit came from an orchard within a mile of which the fruit fly is not known to exist. Surely Australia will not admit that it has no orchards in existence that cannot comply with this requirement? With regard to the Minister’s threats and refusals, Mr Kirk pointed out thhat most of the Australian States some time ago absolutely prohibited the importation of potatoes from New Zealand, while Tasmania absolutely prohibited all vegetation coming in from New Zealand except cut flowers and willow cuttings. As for any relaxation of the regulations, Mr Kirk said, that was a matter for the Minister’s consideration.