FRUIT SHORTAGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 10, 10 December 1936, Page 11

FRUIT SHORTAGE.

CONCERN AT AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCfvLAiND, Dec. 9. Resolutions requesting the Government to remove the embargoes on oranges and Australian fresh iruits and the quota restrictions on banana imports were passed at a protest meeting oi Aucklanu fruit retailers of all nationalities to-night. There was an attendance ot about 80, and when near the close of the meeting the chairman ruled a speaker out or order on the grounds of creating a split in the united purpose of tne meeting a small section objected and left. “We are grateful to the Government for stopping exploitation in our trade,” the chairman said. “I consider it is honestly trying to help us but it is our duty to acquaint it with the diriiculties that are standing in the way of our livelihood and depriving the public of cheap fruit.” The convener of the meeting (Air S. Coleman) moved the first resolution requesting the Government, in view of the shortage of oranges during the present season and the hardship, thus caused, to allow adequate supplies in future seasons and that any fixation of price be made after consultation among Government and merchant and retail representatives from the mam centres, due consideration being given to the condition as well as the size of the fruit. . . . , . , , “The recent position in Auckland has been ludicrous,” said Mr Coleman. “For eight weeks in the middle ot the season wo were without oranges, and the Government should have met the emergency by tapping another source when the Alatua was disabled. lne fixation of price is unfair to ns. Moving that the Government be asked to tako steps to remove the embargo on Australian fresh fruits, Air D. Hutton said it was unfair to storekeepers and the public when the market was robbed of cherries apricots, plums and grapes, particularly at tlie Christmas season. Draw.ng attention to the ever increasing cost of bananas, a third resolution requested the Government to abolish or review tlie existing quota restrictions to enable larger shipments to enter the country to meet the increased dema:id.