USING THE SCIENTISTS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 411, 21 December 1932, Page 4

USING THE SCIENTISTS

There appears to be a desire on the part of the Australian authorities to resolve the deadlock which has resulted from the fruit emb arero. This is hardly surprising in view of the fact that the balance of the fruit trade between New Zealand and the Commonwealth is substantially with Australia. In announcing the imposition of a prohibitive duty against fruit and fruit trees imported from the Coniimonwealth, the Hon. Downie Stewart stated that every effort had been made by negotiation to settle the difficulty but without success. The Australian authorities, however, contend that their embargo against New Zealand fruit imports has been imposed solely as a safeguard ftgainst fireblight and that' they would be only too ready to encourage fruit trade from the Dominion if it were not for the fear that fireblight infection may be carried into the Commonwealth. On the face of it, this is a sound reason, but if we probe a little deeper into matters, it may be discovered that the chief reason underlying the Australian action is the desire of the Australian growers to prevent competition from New Zealand. In fairness, it must be said that this desire so far as Australian fruit is concerned, is equally strong on the part of the New Zealand growers. In these matters, it is very often found convenient to use the scientist. In Australia;, imported potatoes have been found to be affected by disease and as a result, all New Zealand potatoes have been excluded although it is said that the disease, if it exists at all, is not of the least importance. The prevalence of fireblight in some parts of New Zealand may quite conceivably provide a similar excuse for shutting out unwelcome competition. In these matters, unfortunately, it is the general public who bears the brunt of the argument. The main effect of prohibitive tariffs such as those which have been imposed on both sides of the Tasman, is to raise the retail price to the consumer. Once again, the interests of the consumer are the last to be considered. If the Commonwealth's embargo has been imposed purely as a protective measure there is some justification for its action, but it requires a singularly trusting

nature not to perceive in this matter the hand of self interest. It should be remembered also that the balance of the fruit trade is on the side of Australia, and that the Commonwealth has considerably more to gain or lose in this matter than the Dominion. Mr. Downie Stewart has apparently imposed the embargo in the hope of persuading the Fe- | deral authorities to relax their 'prohibitive duties against New j Zealand imports. This course has been taken only after extensive negotiations and it is, after all, a legitimate bargaining measure. Apparently its force has already made itself felt in Australia if the outery raised by the Federal growers may be taken as any indication. In the meantime, it will raise the price of citrus fruits in New Zealand and the consumers on both sides of the Tasman will have to pay for the argument. Australia is now showing an inclination to discuss the matter further and it is to be hoped for the sake of those who are forced to pay, that the dispute is speedily settled.