ISLAND FRUIT TRADE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 101, 20 July 1927, Page 13

ISLAND FRUIT TRADE

ANOTHER LIGHT CARGO POSITION UNSATISFACTORY the present condition of the fruit trade with the Cook Island group appears to be far from satisfactory is further borne out by the arrival of another light shipment by the Waipahi this morning. Interviewed by a representative of THE SUN, officials of the Union Steam Ship Company stated that it was an unprofitable trip. At present on her third trip, the Waipahi, which was specially fitted for the Island fruit trade, including flie installation of patent cooling ventilation, has not justified expectations. DISCONTINUANCE RUMOURED Although declining to give any intimation with regard to the intentions of his company in connection *with this trade, the local manager of the Union Steam Ship Company stated that up to the present results had not reached their expectations. It can be assumed that, unless satisfactory arrangements for future cargoes can be made, there is a strong possibility, as rumoured on the waterfront, of this special service being discontinued. That the shortage of cargo on the present trip is due to price-fixing operations in the Island is scouted by local traders. Mr. Harvey Turner, of Messrs. Turner and Growers, Ltd., stated that owing to one of the islands not having been notified of the itinerary of the vessel, cargo was not available, and this somewhat affected the shipments available. Arrangements regarding the itinerary of the vessel’s next trip would shortly be made, said Mr. Turner.