ISLAND FRUIT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 59, 1 June 1927, Page 13

ISLAND FRUIT

PRICES AND SPACE IMPORTERS DEFENDED Criticism in connection with the Cook Island Fruit Trade as it affects the New Zealand Importers’ Association was the subject of a reply by Messrs. Harvey Turner (chairman) and H. Fisher (secretary) of the Importers' Association this morninpr. With reference to prices, Mr. Turner said that in reading past articles in THE SUN on the subject the public would naturally infer that oranges were being purchased very cheaply in the Cook Islands. They Avere last year, but he knew of no firm either in Auckland or the South Island which actually showed a profit the Avhole year’s transactions. This year as soon as the price-fixing committee was formed in Rarotonga, only small quantities of oranges had been exported. The prices paid by the last mail steamer Avere 10s 6d. f.0.b., at Rarotonga, including Gd commission. Wharfage, freight, etc., amounted to about 4s a case, and on the last shipment after everything had been Avashed up the importers in New Zealand were slightly out of pocket. The market in Wellington opened at 18s a *ase. but owing to the bad condition of the fruit a large proportion A\ r as sold at any cost. Only independent natives sent fruit by the last sailing of the Waipahi, and the small quantity received was on a consignment basis. This meant that there Avas a practical boycott by the price-fixing committee, and also meant that the independent natiA r es would reap a reAvard from the others’ folly. Prices in Auckland ranged from 16s to 20s a case for original packages, so that the natives Avould net about 12s a case, f.o.b. Far from the natives being forced to sell at any price offered they always get the opportunity of consigning fruit on their own behalf, and the local importers’ experience during the last few years had been that the business had developed on the “Heads i Avin, tails you lose” basis in fa\-our of the natives. A BETTER FOOTING

Instead of the nati\ T e not getting the amount of space they required, the position Avas that the booking of space had been left to the trading companies. The natives asked for space when the market Avas likely to be good, and refrained otherwise, which made the position difficult. Strenuous efforts had been made by Wellington and Auckland importers to have the business placed on a better footing, and the Union Steam Ship Go. had proA'ided a most suitable steamer, which Avould deli\ T er the fruit in good condition if it was shipped right. Several deputations had conferred Avith the Cook Island Department, and Mr. Collins, of the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Cook Islands Department eventually agreed to impro\*e the packing and grading facilities, and make more stringent inspection of these departments, particularly in the outer islands. They also agreed that regulations should be brought into force providing for certificates coA’ering packing and grading. Unfortunately they have failed to carryout their agreement, and there had been no certificates. A DISAPPOINTMENT It was particularly disappointing to those interested in improving the general conditions of the trade, as it was only by landing good cargoes in good condition that the trade could be carried out on a satisfactory basis and the public given good fruit at reasonable prices.

The present high prices are due to the price-fixing and the boat coming in not full, stated Air. Turner.