FRUIT PROM FIJI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18549, 6 November 1923, Page 11

FRUIT PROM FIJI.

GRIEVANCE OF BUYERS.

UNSUITABLE SAILING DATE. STRONG PROTEST VOICED. [from our own correspondent.] SUVA, Ofct. 31. The Fiji fruit buyers have a grievance. It is impossible to get the natives to cut fruit during the Christmas week, and this was strongly represented to the Union Company in several ways. The company, however, has finally replied that it could not alter the date for the sailing of its steamer, namely, December 28. This will mean that little if any fruit will from here to New Zealand in December.

The members last night carried the following resolutions: — " That this association views with great disapproval the action of the Union Steam Ship Company in declining to meet the wishes of the shippers in regard to the sailing of the fruit steamer in December, and would record its opinion that in arriving at this decision, the interests of shippers, who are the supporters of the service, have not been in any way considered." >

It was decided to forward a copy of this motion to the local manager of the company, to be forwarded by him to the head office.

" That in view of the action of the Union Steam Ship Company in regard to the sailing date of the fruit steamer in December, fruit shippers should approach some other company, with the idea of J ilacing their steamers to carry on the ruit trade to New Zealand."

It was resolved that the secretary' and Mr. Davis cable to the Canadian Mercantile Marine, with a view to arranging for its boat in December to call at Fiji, and take 12,000 to 14,000 cases of bananas to New Zealand ports.