Splendid Oranges Rot Beneath the Trees

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 247, 19 October 1936, Page 6

Splendid Oranges Rot Beneath the Trees

SHIPPING SERVICE WOULD BRING THEM TO DOMINION

PLIGHT OF NORFOLK ISLAND Splendid oranges are at present rotting beneath the trees in Norfolk Island, all because there is no shipping service to bring them to the Dominion where they would be readily consumed. That is the unfortunate position explained to the “Times' ’ on Saturday by Mr. L. Ireton, who is back in Palmerston North after four years spent in plantation work in the island that has been termed with moro justico than most the paradise of the Pacific. Mr. Ireton said the lack of a steamer service to New Zealand was keenly felt in the island, where thero was strong feeling that the best solution of the problem was to have the administration taken over by tho Government of New Zealand. Tho Norfolk Association was making representations to that end. Norfolk Island was an ideal place for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, but the only shipping servieo was to Sydney, where tho competition of Queensland fruits made profitable return to tho islanders a difficult thing, on account of freight disparities. Norfolk island was only two or three days away from Auckland, according to tlie speed of tho vessel that might take tip tho running, and was in a position to supply the Queen city with beans, peas, etc., in July. Oranges could be shipped to New Zealand from July to Christmas time, and would be of excellent quality. Last year a special consignment of 3000 cases found a ready sale, but a special boat had to bo provided. This had not been possible this year. If a regular service were restored (a boat ran to Norfolk Island from Now Zealand some years ago), there was little doubt the move -would bo warranted by traffic. The island was a delightful place in which to live, and should appeal to retired couples, who, with an income’' of £2 a week could live thero in comfort. Many New Zealanders were included in tho population. Tho inhabitants of the island had however declined in numbers in recent months owing to tho difficulty of marketing produce. Some New Zealanders would leave the island but are unable to, having insufficient money for the fare via Sydney. “Oh the other hand, many who have left tho island would go back if thero were a shipping service to New Zealand, which would make a world of ditTcrenco to the island," said Air. Ireton. “I myself would go back next week if a boat started running. Tourist traffic to tho island could be greatly developed, as every attraction is offered."