ISLAND FRUIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18772, 28 July 1924, Page 6

ISLAND FRUIT.

There has been a demonstration in Wellington of the condition in which cargoes of fruit from the Cook Islands sometimes arrive—the importers say often arrive. Granted that what was revealed was deploy able, it is not easy to draw definite conclusions from this instance. Accompanying explanations show that a variety of causes contributed to the unfortunate result. Delays from bad weather were a coiitribuir ing factor; these cannot be avoided. Bad picking and bad packing are blamed in part. If self-interest does not cause those responsible to take more care, it is indeed difficult to say vwhat can be done about 1 it. The importers declare again as they have before, that a faster and more suitable boat should be put into the trade. That sounds reasonable, but there must first bo answered the question certain to come from shipping companies—will it pay? While all these queries await settlement, several facts ask for no proof at all. The public gets less fruit, and pays more for what it consumes, than would be the case could all this loss in transit be eliminated. There is a market waiting to expand. New Zealand is the natural buyer of fruit from the Cook Islands. The population is growing. The desire for fruit, and appreciation of its importance in diet are on the increase. In the season when Dominiongrown fresh fruits are scarcest, a generous Bupply from the Islands, especially of the citrus varieties, would be exceedingly welcome. The weak link in the chain exists. Saturday's demonstration shoWs how it curtails supplies and cuts into profits. It is easy to realise how desirable it would be to have different conditions. To say definitely how they should be secured is not nearly so simple. The whole subject ssems worthy of careful investigation in the effort to benefit Island growers and traders, and to assure the New Zealand public more fruit and better fruit.