Shortage of Fresh Fruits

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 292, 10 December 1936, Page 6

Shortage of Fresh Fruits

DEMAND FOR REMOVAL OF EMBARGOES AND QUOTAS. i’er Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Resolutions requesting the Government to remove the embargoes on oranges and Australian fresh fruits and the quota restrictions on banana imports were passed at a protest mooting of Auckland fruit retailers of all nationalities to-night. There. was uc attendance of about 30 and when near the close of the meeting the chairman luled a speaker out of order on the grounds of creating a split in the united purpose of the meeting a small section objected and left. “We are grateful to the Government for stopping exploitation in our trade,” the chairman said. “1 consider it is honestly trying to help us, but it is our duty to acquaint it with the difficulties that are standing in the way of our livelihood and depriving the public of cheap fruit.” The convenor of the meeting, Mr. B. 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 prico be made after consultation among Government and merchant and retail representatives from the main centres, due consideration being given to tho condition as well as the size of the fruit.

“The recent position in Auckland lias been ludicrous, ’ ’ said Mr. Coleman. “Por eight weeks in the middle of th« season wo were without oranges and the Government should have met the emergency by tapping another source when the Matua was disabled. The fixation of price is unfair to us.”

Moving that the Government bo asked to take steps to remove the embargo on Australian fresh fruits, Mr. D. Hutton said it was unfair to storekeepers and the public when the market was robbed of cherries, apricots, plums and grapes, particularly at the Christmas season.

Drawing attention to the everincreasing cost of bananas, a third resolution requested the Government to abolish or review the existing quota restrictions to enable larger shipments to enter tho country to meet the increased demand.