HEAVY LOSS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1940, Page 9

HEAVY LOSS.

SAMOAN BANANAS. I" 7000 CASES DUMPED.

REFRIGERATION FAILURE.

QUARTER OF CARGO SAVED.

When the refrigeration plant failed in • steamer bringing bananas to New Zealand from the Islands, 7000 of her 0000 eases were dumped at sea and the remainder was rushed to Auckland in a ripening but saleable condition. The fruit was unloaded immediately the ship docked this morning and some was sold at auction.

The trouble developed a short time after the ship left tho island of Nine and proved so serious that it became obvious that it would be impossible to save the 7000 cases of bananas that had been loaded at Samoa. These were jettisoned, a total loss. The, 2000 cases that had been picked up at Niue were removed to another hold with forced draught and the ship made good speed to Auckland to unload. Normally this ship touches first at Lyttelton, where the bulk of her cargo is unloaded for distribution in the South Island.

Tho entire cargo had been paid for f.o.b. by the Primary Products Marketing Board, which thus suffers a heavy loss. The bananas would have brought in tho vicinity of £1 per case when placed on the New Zealand market.

Owing to the long interval since the arrival of a big shipment from the Islands the New Zealand market is not well stocked lit the present time with bnnanns, but the shortage is not serious as there are numerous other soft fruits, such ns plums, peaches and apricots available. However, the shortage will be felt more in the South, which had hoped to be relieved by the shipment thnt was dumped.

Been use of the fart that the Nine bnnnmis were ripc.ning, only a few hundred cases were in fit condition to ecud to Wcllincton, and these were dispatched immediately. It is anticipated that the position frill be relie.ved when a larpe consignment next week at Auckland, and it is understood that these will be distributed throughout New Zealand.