CITRUS FRUITS.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20898, 4 July 1933, Page 11

CITRUS FRUITS.

SUGGESTED LIFTING OF EMBARGO. GOVERNOR-GENERAL ASKED TO INTERVENE. Believing that the high price of citrus fruits at present, because of the embargo on their importation from Australia, will have A detrimental effect on the health of the people, and that a shortage of citrus fruit at a price within the reach of all would prove calamitous in the event of an epidemic of influenza, Dr. H. T. J. Thacker on Thursday last telegraphed to the Acting-Prime Minister urging that the embargo be lifted temporarily. Having failed to obtain a reply from Mr Coates, Dr. Thacker yesterday telegraphed to his Excellency the Governor-General and to the president of the New Zealand section of the British Medical Association on the subject. Following are the texts of these telegrams:— His Excellency Governor-General, Wellington.—Having failed in appeal to Acting-Prime Minister, kindly induce your Cabinet to remove, temporarily, the embargo on citrus fruits. Large section of our people under-fed and under-clothed. Influenza would spell havoc—Most respectfully, Henry Thacker. President, British Medical Association, Wellington.—Citrus fruit embargo. Kindly interview Minister Health to act quickly in lifting embargo. Many citizens are under-clad and under-fed. Influenza would mean disaster.—Henry Thacker. Mr J. McCombs, M.P., has telegraphed to the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr Coates, supporting Dr. Thacker's representations regarding the temporary lifting of the embargo on citrus fruits, particularly oranges. In his telegram Mr McCombs expressed the opinion that he did not think that the temporary lifting of the embargo would prejudice, but rather would help, the negotiations with Australia.