THE ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 76, 28 March 1908, Page 7

THE ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

Considerable disaffection exists amongst Island fruit traders at the present time regarding the arrivals in Auckland oif boats from Fiji and Tonga. At the present time the boats from Fiji and Tonga arrive generally with a very small interim, and as a result of this "clashing," it is estimated that a loss accrues to traders of from f 1500 to £2000 every time the boats so arrive. That the Fiji boat cannot very well be altered is fully recognised by the traders, because this service has to connect with the Vancouver boat, but the bone of contention is that the Tongan boat has no direct or British mail service to connect with, and it is a matter of much disaffection that the Tongan service is not so altered as to allow df a clear seven days between the arrival of any boats from either Fiji or Tonga or the Cook Islands. The trade from both places is identical, and the policy of the boats arriving simultaneously is suicidal both to exporters and importers. If tbe boao arrived as suggested a glut in the market would be obviated, and-the supply of fruit would be fresher and more consistently regular than at present. It is hoped that the Union Steamship Company may be brought to realise the importance of the question and that they may be induced to introduce a system of arrivals and departures of their Island boats, which will be satisfactory to all parties.

The above sentiments were given expression to at a meeting in Mr. J. B. Birch's office in Queen-st. at which Mr VvT. T. Stuart, a gentleman who has carried on business in Fiji and the Islands for over 40 years' was present. Mr. Birch has also a business, and residential ac* quaintance with the Islands of over 30 years, and the views expressed may be regarded as indicative of the general opinion.

A meeting of those interested to further consider the matter will be heid shortly.