ISLAND FRUIT

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 June 1938, Page 7

ISLAND FRUIT

PROTESTS AGAINST PRICES [per press association.] AUCKLAND, June 3. The second largest consignment of island fruit since the Government took over the control of shipments and distribution arrived in Auckland in the island trader Matua. It came from the Cook group and comprised 19,252 cases of oranges, 24G9 eases of bananas, 1552 boxes of tomatoes, 12G cases of mandarins, 37 cases of grapefruit, and 34 cases of lemons. The fruit arrived in fair condition, the estimated wastage being from 10 to 15 per cent. According to the condition of the fruit, the wholesale prices were fixed at 8/6 to 11/- a case, and it was estimated that the average price was aboue 10/a case. Complaints were later made by retailers that in spite of assurances by the Minister for Marketing (Hon. W. Nash) that oranges and bananas would not be sold at prices in excess of those fixed by the Director of Marketing (Mr. F. R. Picot), the oranges in the shipment were offered for sale at two city markets at prices showing an increase of from 20 to 40 per cent, on the fixed rates. Such fruit was offered to country buyers, who were unable to investigate the position, because they had to catch boats, trains, or motor transport services, and also to city fruiterers whose shelves were bare.

There were protests, however, and the increase was short-lived, the auction of oranges being suspended. Prices later reverted to the fixed rates in the manner that has been followed in other centres. It is stated that the excess amounts paid were later refunded or will be refunded to those who had bought oranges at the high prices. Fruit not intended for Auckland was practically all railed away by to-night. For Auckland oranges, it is stated retailers will pay at fixed rates equivalent to about 1/- a dozen for sound fruit. On that basis, retail prices should range from 1/3 a dozen.

AUSTRALIAN EMBARGO. [by cable —press assn. —copyright.] SYDNEY, .Tune 4. Mr. Lee Martin, who sailed in the Awatea last night, said he would consult with his officers, concerning the citrus fruit embargo, and it is possible the ban will be lifted.