ISLANDS FRUIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 June 1938, Page 6

ISLANDS FRUIT

BIG SHIPMENT REACHES AUCKLAND I DEPARTURE FROM FIXED PRICES. REPAYMENT OF EXCESS AMOUNTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. June 3. The second largest consignment of Island fruit since the Government took over control ol shipments and distribution arrived in Auckland in the Islands trader- Matua. It came from the Cook Group, and comprised 19,252 cases of oranges, 2469 cases of bananas, 1552 boxes of tomatoes, 126 cases of mandarins, 37 cases of grapefruit, and 34 cases of lemons. The fruit arrived in fair condition, the estimated wastage being from 10 to 15 per cent. Complaints were later made by retailers that despite assurances by the Minister of Marketing, the Hon W. Nash, that oranges and bananas would not be sold at prices in excess of those fixed by the Director of Internal Marketing, oranges in the shipment were offered for sale at two city markets at prices showing an increase of from 20 to 40 per cent, on fixed rates. Such fruit was offered ■ to country buyers who were unable to investigate the position because they had to catch boats, trains or motor transport services and also to city fruiterers whose shelves were bare. There were protests, however, and the increase was shortlived, the auction of oranges being suspended. Prices later reverted to fixed rates in the manner that has been followed in other centres. It is stated that the excess amounts paid were later either refunded or will be refunded to those who bought oranges at high prices.

Fruit not intended for Auckland was practically all railed away by tonight. For Auckland oranges, it is stated, retailers will pay at fixed rates the equivalent of about Is a dozen for sound fruit. On that basis retail prices should range from Is 3d a dozen.