TROPICAL FRUITS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 112, 14 May 1927, Page 8

TROPICAL FRUITS

SOUTH ISLAND MAKKETS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

. DUNEDIN, 12th' •■ May. ±tus afternoon representatives of the Otago kxpansion League, the Dunedia L-nainber ot Commerce, the Manufacturers Association, and the Fruit-brokers' Association met Mr. J. W. Collins, Secretary of the Department of Industries'and Commerce,, and ■Mr. J. D. Gray, Secretary of the Department of External Affaire to discuss the new Government service for the supply of tropical fruits. The problem ot the best possible means for supplying the South Island with tropical Irmts, particularly bananas, under the new system follows the purchase of a new motor-ship by the Government. Dunedin interests have awaited, with, anxiety au .official statement as to the method and centre of distribution. This; wag made oy the tMJverntnerit representatives at the PreK renCe 'ana k^ r communic*ted to the

The itinerary of the new vessel wag discussed, together with the possible r3 quirements of the South IslaEd markets for .tropical fruits, particularly ban* jias " said Mr. Collins. "If the South I*, land is able to absorb the full cargoes it will be very satisfactory to the Samoa" Government Administration. It will be quite acceptable to the Administration; and the. authorities if the \Soutu Island Ma,HV° Ui th! r m Pl rtion of the-North Maud absorb the whole of the Samoan banana output, thus leaving the northern Port'oi Pf" the North Island to be catered lor by existing services. Further in. quirjes are likely to be made Z to £ fiSftHSssr^^ of the tw? *■*

Pares, freights, and employment wer« w-i d? c«f ed'.l?t-the position was left untU further .information was available! Ike present itinerary is to make Lyttelton the hrst port of call on the inward trip, and Wellington and Lyttelton ports of call on the outward trip. The vessel will accommodate thirty paßsengers, and the roundtap will occupy 21 days. Ten .trips will be made each year. The vessel is not expected^to be available for trade until the close of the year, because of delay S.'fi f f- cry caT d by tte coal ■***•• Its first trip on the new run will piob» ably be made early in 1928."