Banana Control Resented

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 7

Banana Control Resented

SMALLER QUANTITY SHIPPED Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Strong disapproval of the Government control of the importation of bananas, which became effective on the arrival of a shipment of 3000 cases from Fiji by the Niagara to-day, is expressed in a private cablegram received in Auckland from Mr. W. J, Wigmore, one of the largest planters at Rarotonga. In addition to areas at Rarotonga, plantations in the Society Islands are owned by Mr. Wigmore, who has been engaged in the industry for over 30 years. The cablegram stated that a large majority of the frowers had refused to ship bananas, as they did not approve of the new prices, regulations and arbitrary methods of the administration. The chief medical officer at Rarotonga is stated to have announced publicly that 75 per cent, of the natives were living in poverty and large growers were selling their supplies of bananas to relieve poverty. Commenting on the messsage Mr. F. R. Picot, director of internal marketing, said no trouble of this nature had come to his knowledge. He admitted that the quantities coming from Rarotonga might be lower in future, but this deficiency w'ould be made up with larger shipments from Fiji and Samoa. He gave a definite assurance that there would be no shortage of bananas in New Zealand after Easter, as all the available shipping space would be taken in order to ensure ample supplies. There had been an abnormal demand this season, owing to the particularly long summer.

The fact that there had been a partial strike of some sort at Rarotonga was admitted by Mr. E. C. Turner, of Turner’s and Growers’, Ltd., but full particulars were not available. Only 700 cases had been loaded at Rarotonga by the Matua, which is due to arrive at Auckland on April 18. This shortage, however, would be made up when the vessel called at Tonga, Apia and Suva, and the position was not regarded as serious.

The cargo brought by the Niagara was carried on the deck, as there are no special facilities for the carriage ot fruit. The shipment arrived in fairly good condition, but it is not expected to be sufficient to meet the demand until the arrival of the Matua. The fruii was loaded at Suva on consignment from the Fiji Government to the New Zealand Government.