ORANGES NEEDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22723, 8 May 1937, Page 12

ORANGES NEEDED

ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH SUPPLIES FROMI AUSTRALIA CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Friday A vigorous attack on the enibai'go on the importation of Australian oranges was made by the council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce at its meeting last night. Members were emphatic in declaring that oranges were no longer a luxury, but were absolutely essential to the health of the community.

It was decided to urge the Government to remove the restrictions in 01 der to ensure an ample supply of oranges during the approaching winter. Mr. W. Machin said he had had a large amount of correspondence with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Industries and Commerce on the subject. Some weeks ago he submitted that the restrictions should be lifted, a3 abundant supplies of oranges could be landed at 18s a case; yet he was being forced to buy Californian oranges at from 46s to 56s a case. He gave chapter and verse" to the Minister and asked if the Government would allow the public the benefit of cheaper oranges, as they would not interfere with anv industry. "It seems a ridiculous situation," added Mr. Machin, "when we have small retailers coming to large stores and buying oranges at retail prices to retail again to their customers. I was assured by the Prime Minister ami by the Minister of Industries and Commerce that all is well, and that we have got more oranges than we have been in the habit of getting. They told me that there was a sufficiency of „ ; oranges and that all was in order. "In reply, I suggested that, instead of signing letters written by subordinates, the Ministers might look into the matter themselves. This is not a, class matter. People of every section of the community need oranges."