ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19633, 11 May 1927, Page 12

ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

THE WAIPAHI'S FIRST TRIP.

BETTER PASSAGES EXPECTED. SAVING TIME ON JOURNEY. The Union Company's steamer Waipahi, which has been specially fitted out for the Cook Islands fruit trade, left Auckland on her first trip to Rarotonga last evening. To celebrate the entry of the Waipahi into the service, the company entertained a number of local fruit importers on board the vessel yesterday afternoon. In welcoming the guests, Mr. D. Carter, Auckland manager for the Dnion Company, spoke of the Island fruit trade as he remembered it over 40 years ago, when a number of schooners owned by Auckland merchants were employed in bringing fruit from the Islands to this port. The first steamers employed were the Janet Nicol and the Richmond. When the Union Company took over the trade it bought the Richmond and after changing her" name to Haupiri, transferred her to the coastal trade. Since then various steamers had been utilised in the service, chiefly the Flora, and latterly the Ngakuta. The Waipahi had been fitted out at considerable expense. It had been converted into an oil-burner, and was much better ventilated for the carriage of fruit. It was hoped better passages would be made in future, and that the fruit would reach Auckland in an improved condition.

Mr. Harvey Turner, on behalf of the guests, expressed approval of the Union Company's action in picking out one of its most modern cargo steamers and fitting her out specially for the fruit trade. It would enable the people of New Zealand to obtain fruit in much better condition than formerly.

Other guests spoke in similar terms and a number of toasts were honoured.

The Waipahi is expected to make the round voyage to the Cook Islands and back to Auckland in 18 or 19 days. Owing to her increased speed she will reach Rarotonga in 6£ days, against 7£ to 8g days taken by the Flora. She will also be a day faster on the return journey.

CHKISTCHURCH CONFERENCE.

EXPORT TRADE DISCUSSED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Matters bearing on the Island fruit trade were discussed this afternoon at a conference at which the Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, Mr. J. D. Gray, and the Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Mr. J. W. Collins, met representatives of the Fruitgrowers' Association, Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers' Association. The conference was not open to the press. Mr. Gray outlined the proposals of the Government in respect to shipping problems and freight charges. The meeting discussed the export trade from New Zealand to Pacific territories.