N.S.W. ORANGES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 236, 5 October 1936, Page 9

N.S.W. ORANGES.

DOMINION IMPORTS. SUPPLIES OF CHEAP FRUIT. GROWERS STATE THEIR CASE. An explanation of the high cost of oranges and mandarins ill New Zealand and an assertion that their State could supply the fruit in New Zealand at 1/ to 2/ a dozen is made in a statement signed by representatives of the citrus industry in New South Wales, who are paying a visit to the Dominion. It is pointed out that most of the year prices in New Zealand range from 2/ to 4/ a dozen for oranges and 1/ to 2/G a dozen for mandarins. December to March. The representatives state that at the present time New Zealand depends for its supplies of oranges from December to March on high-priced fruit from the United States and the West Indies, while ample supplies of choice quality fruit are available in New South Wales, only a few days away. These could thjis be landed in a fresh condition. "The embargo was placed by New Zealand on the grounds of the danger of the introduction of Mediterranean fruit fly," continues the statement. "It should be borne in mind that New Zealand has imported fruit from New South Wales for over 50 years. Fruit fly has been known to exist in New South Wales for about 40 years, and the fact that fruit was imported during that time and the fly has not become established in the Dominion seems to indicate that the precautions taken have been entirely satisfactory. It is considered that the climate of New Zealand is not suitable for the establishment of the fly. The Australian and New South Wales Governments have power and are willing to enforce regulations that will prevent infected fruit from being shipped, this can be done, and New Zealand therefore amply safeguarded, is confirmed by resolution passed at a conference of pathologists, entomologists and other scientific officers held at Canberra in June, 1934, and at which New Zealand was represented by Dr. G. H. Cunningham. Balance of Trafle. "The question of the balance of trade has been raised at times, and in this connection it should be pointed out that an increased quantity of oranges could be imported from New South Wales for the same amount of money that is now being spent overseas in obtaining the present supplies. "In requesting permission to import oranges and mandarins into New Zealand, the growers of New South Wales have no desire to flood the market with cheap fruit or to enter into competition with similar fruits that may be grown j locally or imported from the Cook Islands. They are desirous of participating in any quota that may be permitted by New Zealand in order to supply the requirements of the New Zealand markets. The continuance of the embargo not only deprives the growers of New South Wales from enjoying the friendly business relationships that existed for so many years, but it also deprives the New Zealand public from securing ample supplies of fruit at reasonable prices."