AMERICAN FRUIT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 80, 16 March 1933, Page 11

AMERICAN FRUIT

EVADING OTTAWA PREFERENCES REDUCED SHIPPING CHARGES American fruitgrowers are making up for the tariff against American fruit, by having freight rates on their fruit reduced, to balance the amount of the protective tariff instituted at Ottawa. The Australian Apple and Pear Export Council has drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the fact, that tho effect nf tho preference granted to Empire apple and pear growers nt the Ottawa Conference, namely, 4/6 per cwt., is being nullified by reductions in the rate of freight on apples shipped to the United Kingdom from the United States of America. At the time of tho introduction of the Ottawa agreements, the rate of

freight on apples and pears from tho Pacific Coast of America to Great Britain was 90 cents per box. This rate has since been reduced to 75 cents, and it is now suggested that it be still further reduced to 50 cents. A reduction of 40 cents would entirely offset the preference granted to Empire producers.

The Apple and Pear Export Council expresses tho view that the British Government might be prepared to taka such action as may be necessary to ensure that the full effects of the preferences granted at Ottawa are not tradermined. It is considered that Australian exports of apples and pears are likely to be very heavy this year, and we could not afford to meet the competition which will eventuate because of the reduced freight rates from the United States.

In response to the council’s suggestion, the Federal Government has cabled the Resident Minister in London with a view to ascertaining what action can be taken by the British Customs.