DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6027, 9 January 1885, Page 3

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER.

[nUBB AiBOOATIOH TXLXOBAX.] DUNEDDT, January 8. A deputation of fruit importers waited upon the Premier to-day. The first matter brought under notice -was the question of compensation for loss for apples destroyed by the Government in consequence of their being affected by the oodlin moth. It was stated that although the apples for Otago came from the same orchazd as those for Auckland, some of the Auckland apples were allowed to be landed, while the whole of those for Otago were refused. Aβ a consequence the applee had to be sent to Melbourne, entailing a loss of 50 per cent, on the actual cost to the importers. The Premier said the Government had no power to give compensation, but if Parliament were approached the claims of the fruit importers would no'doubt be carefully considered. -The deputation next urged that Adelaide grapes be admitted to the colony. The prohibition had been imposed under the impression that Adelaide grapes were affected by phylloxera, which was net the case. The- Premier eaid he was surprised to learn that the from Australia had been prohibited fox two years. He would at once communicate toe deputation's wishes on this matter to Mr Larnadv who had charge of the Customs and Marine departments. The newspapera were wrong in saying that Mr Larnachwas Minister of Mines only. That waa merely part of hie duty.