SOUTH AFRICAN JAMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 8

SOUTH AFRICAN JAMS.

NOT FAVOURED BJT TARIFF.

REPLY TO FRUITGROWERS.

The Auckland "Wholesale Merchants' Association has written to the Minister of Customs in reply to assertions made by a deputation of fruitgrowers, jam manufacturers, and fruit merchants, to the Minister of Education, the Hon H. Atmore, in Auckland recently. The association's letter is as follows:—

"The deputation stated that whereas Australian jams paid a duty of 2d per lb, South African was admitted free, which is incorrect, as South African jam was already dutiable at 2d per lb also. It is considered grossly unfair that any deputation of responsible representatives of local industries should make a statement for publication not in keeping with fact, the effect of which must tend to mislead the public in favour of one side as against tlio other. It must not be overlooked that South African jams are not under-selling the locally-made jams, and their popularity cannot be due to price consideration. "Special mention was made of marmalade, and the fact that local fruitgrowers were finding a difficulty in disposing of Poorman oranges, owing to the importations of marmalade from South Africa. We wish to point out that if Customs figures were taken out it would be seen that South Africa did not supply even 10 per cent of the marmalade imported into New Zealand during the last two years. The statement that South African jam is made by cheap labour is also challenged. The facts are that jam-making and fruit-canning processes are performed by white girls under white supervision, in the most modern sanitary factories, even a daily inspection of the girls' hands being a regulation. "It is felt that there is a ease to be made out from the New Zealand consumers' point of view, and that the remedv for any alleged hardships occassioned" to the fruitgrowers and jammakers in New Zealand is not to be found in agitation for higher tariff, and most certainly not in making misleading public statements which can be refuted so easily."