COOK ISLAND ORANGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20673, 19 September 1930, Page 16

COOK ISLAND ORANGES.

QUESTION OF PRICES. REPLY, TO CRITICISM. Statements marie by " Consumer" in a letter published in the Herald yesterday with regard to the discrepancy between the prices paid for CooS Island oranges by tho public and the prices received by the natives were replied to yesterday by Mr. Harvey Turner, of Turners and Growers, Ltd., and a member of the Auckland Fruit Importers' Association. In replying to " Consumer's" remarks with regard to the profit made out of shipments of Mangaian oranges, Mr. Turner said his firm in May purchased practically tho whole of its requirements f.o.b. at good prices to the natives. There was only one small Mangaia consignment on a commission basis and that had netted 5s 9d a case. "Consumer" had stated that each case of Mangaian oranges contained at least 12 dozen oranges. The Mangaian oranges this year, however, were of a large size and did not average that number, even when tho bad fruit was counted. In the best cases there would be only eight to nine dozen oranges. Mr. Turner said he could prove liis firm had not made any undue profits out of oranges this year. They had bought them ex tho Waipahi, with the exception of tho Rarotongan orapges, which came from traders. The oranges were grown in a wild state and the prices received by the natives were clear net profit after deducting the cost of the cases. A large proportion of the fruit arrived bad and the retailer and tho wholesaler had extra expense, which added materially to the price of the saleable commodity. An average shipment cost about 12s a case landed at Auckland. When weather and other conditions were unfavourable the proportion of bad fruit was 30 to 40 per cent. This resulted, after repacking, labour and cartage charges had been met, in a market price of about 20s a case. The retail prices which ruled in Auckland were not the importers' concern and his firm was satisfied tho retailers were on the average not making unreasonable profits. Mr. Turner said ho would challenge " Consumer" to prove ho was not a public servant who had been interested in trading ventures in the Islands and to appear openly before a public body such as the Chamber of Commerce or to c'.iscuss the matter under his name in the Heiiat.p. His firm would present its figures if tho writer would do likewise. In conclusion, Mr. Turner said his firm's fruit was bought at considerably higher prices than stated by " Consumer," while it had not bandied any of tho lines referred to. in the letter.