A SHOCK TO TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 33, 8 August 1933, Page 9

A SHOCK TO TRADE

ARSENIC AND APPLES

In the interests Of public health, Or on some quarantine ground, trade can bo much interfered with. This is truo not only concerning trans-Tasman trade, but • also concerning interstate trado in Australia herself. Melbourne advices dated August 2 state:—Tho decision of the Queensland Public Health authorities to enforce a regulation forbidding the sale of apples boaring trace of arsenical spray has placed Victorian apple-growers in a serious position. A deputation Of growers from the Doncastor district interviewed the Minister Of Agriculture" (Mr. Allan) today, and sought the cooperation of the State Ministry in inducing the Queensland Government to review the regulation. It was explained that 10,000 cases of applesi were eithor waiting on Queensland wharves for admittance or were on the Way to Queensland. The Queensland market was valuable, it was stated, and continuance of the restriction would prejudice Victorian orchardists seriously. If it was continued, it would bo nocessary to wash all apples sent to Queensland. As tho quantity of arsenic remaining in tho tracesof spray was infinitesimal, this precaution would bo unnecessary and^ would involve a waste of money. / ' Mr. Allan agreed to seek 'tho repeal of the regulation. Ho consulted the Premier (Sir Stanley Argylo), who communicated by telephone with the Prcmior .of Queensland (Mr. Forgan Smith). * Mr.. Forgan Smith promised that th 6 representations would receive attention immediately. . .;