IMPORTATION OF BANANAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21328, 1 November 1932, Page 13

IMPORTATION OF BANANAS

Sir, —From your columns we have been given to understand that times arc improving, and with the improvement demand for all commodities is on the increase. Business houses confirm this, and yet the Government is considering restricting banana importations on a rising consuming market. The consumer seemingly is not to bo taken into consideration, even though, in return for bananas, clothing, butter, meat, timber and other articles are sent to the Islands. Tho balance of trade is in many cases in favour of New Zealand. I cannot see any lasting benefit accruing to the growers under any form of restriction, as restrictions always tend to deflate the supply, even below the basic figures. This has been proved lately. Plantations hav«i been abandoned, ending in the shipments being below the number agreed upon. For the sake of all, excepting, perhaps, tho merchants, no restriction should be made. Arc wo not endeavouring to keep down tho cost of living and to give tho people the benefit? It would be interesting to know upon whose figures the Prime Minister based his statement made in the House. Who knows how many cases of bananas we will require 12 months hence ? Whatever may bo tho position, it seems the Government is intent on protecting the merchants, and that to-day, when we are at the lowest consuming point. Ex-planter.