ISLAND FRUIT

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 273, 17 November 1902, Page 3

ISLAND FRUIT

A controversy lias arisen between lUr Kroafeld, Island merchant, of Auckland, and the Agricultural Department, in regard to a shipment of 78 cases of oranges which arrived here by the s.s. Hauroto from Tongatabu, Friendly Islands, lately. Mr Kronfeld wired to the Secretary of the Agricultural Department and to the Premier stating that the oranges were slightly affected with fruit tly, and asked permission to pick over the fruit, and not destroy it (the same privilege as accorded ta Cook Island fruit), pointing out that the Friendly. Islands were unier British protection. The Premier replied that he had referred the matter to me Minister for Agriculture, and Mr Kirk, G-overmaent Biologist, who was also wired to, replied: "I regret that I cannot interfere. Picking over is allowed from islands annexed to New Zealand, but only pending proclamation • Cook Island Act rendered' necessary by annexation."

Mr Kronfeld then saw Mr W. J. Napier, who sent the following wire to the Premier: "There Is intense public indignation here at action of officers of Agricultural Department re Island oranges, which is sending fruit up to famine prices. If inspector finds one or two fruit flies he condemns whole cargo. I would' ask you to Instruct officials to exercise commonsense and to have all fruit picked over, only the infected fruit being: condemned to destruction. Your officials seem determined to ruin our Island trade by their ridiculous exercise of power. The present administration of tnis department is such that the people will shortly refuse tc obey the law and will not destroy the fruit. In this climate fruit is now a daily necessity for the mass of the people. The absurdity of the action of the inspector is evidenced 07 the fact that they will allow Island fruit to be picked over, only condemning infected fruit, whereas fruit coming from other British islands is wholly condemned in the mass, picking over not being allowed. Hope you will speedily request Agricultural Departmant to stop the present mischievous and nonsensical obstruction to our food supply."

This morning Mr Napier received the following telegram from the Premier:— "1 have received your telegram re action of officers Agricultural Department, ami have forwarded the same to the Minister of Agriculture, and have asked hini to cause enquiries to be made and to avoid friction, as far as possible. 6y carrying out the law in a fair ari*d impartial spirit, gauged by common sense."

A grand concert in aid of the St. George's Rowing Club building fund was held, in the Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell, on Friday evening1. There was a large attendance. The following items were rendered:—Song, "Queen of the Earth," and "The Yeoman's Wedding" (encored), Mr H. G. Chevie; song, ''Killarney" (encored), Miss McGuire; whistling selection Messrs Leslie and Smithson, (encored); song, "The Gladiator," MfPercy Lee; songs, "The Night Has a ,Thousand Eyes" and "My True LOve," Miss May White; songs, "A May Morning" and "Aye Maria" (encored), Miss Gertrude Hunt; song, "For the King" (with violin obligate by Miss S. Lewis), Mr D. C. Ingram; quintette, "The Yellow Kid* Patrol." Misses Lily Barker, E. Murcott and Messrs H. Fountain, J. Lawrence and* E. Sturmfell; violin solo, Miss S. Lewis (encored); song, "Idle Words" (encored), Miss Ivy Ansley; recitation, "Kissing Cup," Mr Keenan (encored);! fancy club swinging, Mr Edmonds (encored); Mr Hay Absolum wast very successful in his comic items* ■being, repeatedly encored. During the evening a tableau, "On the Horns of a Dilemma," was staged by Misses' Lusk and Messrs Southall and Innes. The concert was a great success, and was well conducted by Mr R. Leslie Hunt, to whom £he thanks of the club are due.

"The Dandy Coon" entertainment in Parnell, which was to have been given for parish purposes, is now to be produced in aid of the sufferers by the Elingamite disaster. A full house should result on Tuesday, No vember SI. >

At a meeting of the Auckland Pro vincial Polo Association held at the Auckland Racing Club's rooms, the Waingaro, Auckland, Clevedon, and Remuera Clubs were represented. The following officers were elected: —President, Dr. A. C Purchas (Auckland); vice-presidents, Mr H. F. Robertson (Clevedon), and Mr Jas. Taylor (Cambridge); secretary, Mr R. H. Wynyard (Auckland);; treasurer, Dr. Maitland (Auckland);; committee, Messrs. N. Banks (Cambridge), H. C. Tonks (Auckland)^ CL Dawson (Waingaro), A. Schmidt (Clevedon), Dr. Maitland (Remuera). A design for a cup was decided upon. It was decided to hold the tournament during the last week in February at Auckland, and the date of the annual general meeting was altered to the same time.

The formal opening of the West End Lawn Tannis Club's lawns took place on Saturday afternoon. Mr. C. J. Ptirr (president) addressed the members and friends and declared tbe> lawns open for play. A large concourse of visitors were present, ans the Hungarian Band played a choice selection of airs, including' "Tannhauser," "Geisha," Belle of Kew York," "Poet and Peasant," "Maritana," and others. The afternoon proving fine, everything- c-ouduend to a most successful function. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the committee and members of the olub. Quite a large proportion of new men*. bei-s were present, and judging- by Ja first day's play the "West, Ecd" stfea to be congratulated on the acqu'/sition of several useful players.