MORE ORANGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22725, 11 May 1937, Page 12

MORE ORANGES

IMPORTS INCREASED 270,000 CASES IN SIGHT SIX MONTHS* SUPPLIES LARGE AUSTRALIAN QUOTA []]Y TEIiEGItAI'H —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Monday A total of at least 270,000 cases of oranges, including 180,000 cases from South Australia, will be imported by New Zealand in the next six months. This quantity is equal to the average annual imports from all sources during the last eight years, according to a statement issued to-night by the Hon. M. Fagan, acting-Minister of Customs. The total represents a minimum, as quantities from the Cook Islands may exceed the estimate, and other sources of supply be drawn upon. "In order to ensure adequate supplies," Mr. Fagan said, "whatever quantity of oranges is required to meet the necessities of the people will be imported into the Dominion. "As a commencement, it has been decided, after a full investigation, to bring in 180,000 export cases (approximately 270,000 bushels) of South Australian oranges during the period from May to November. This increased quantity is in conformity with the recommendations of the Fruit Marketing Committee. In the same period a minimum of 90,000 cases is expected from the Cook Islands. "The following table shows the quantities in cases or bushels imported into New Zealand during the past eight Cases Bushels 1929 .. 242,197 363,295 1930 .. 278,846 418,269 1931 .. 292,294 438,441 1932 .. 208,130 402,195 1933 .. 200,577 * 301,315 1934 .. 281,907 422,860 1935 .. 270,221 4.05,331 1936 .. 325,535 485.305 Question of Price "If it is found either that this largely increased quantity is inadequate or that the price to the consumer is unreasonable," said the Minister, "steps will be taken still further to increase the supply and the question of price will also receive the attention of the Government. "A large quantity of Cook Island oranges is due in the Dominion on May 25. In addition, it was anticipated that the Mariposa, due to arrive at Auckland from the United States on "May 14, would bring between 3000; and 4000 cases of oranges, but advice has now been received that the shipment will consist of 6250 cases. This shipment will help, very materially in easing the immediate situation. "With respect to statements appearing in the press regarding orange supplies from Australia," the Minister stated, "official advice was received on April 23 from the Commonwealth Government, through the Australian Trade Commissioner, that no oranges were available for export. The commissioner stated that the orange season in Australia did not really commence until June, and that oranges would not in any case be available for export until the middle of May. It will, of course, be obvious that the New Zealand Government cannot control the availability of oranges in the countries which supply our requirements. Alleged Monopoly

"With respect to a statement made that ono Christchurch firm and another in Auckland hold a monopoly of the importation and distribution of oranges from Jamaica, the position is, so far as the Government is concerned, that it is open to any importers in the Dominion to import fruit from that source without restriction. As to quantity, the Government in no way interferes between importers in New Zealand and exporters in Jamaica. With respect to statements made to the effect that certain firms have a monopoly of shipping space, thus enabling them to control supplies of Jamaican oranges in that way, the Government has no control in this matter, but is willing to make representations to shipping companies with a view to assisting any legitimate importer.

"It is expected that the first shipment of South Australian fruit will be available on Monday next," said Mr. Fagan, "and these oranges will arrive in the South Island, Bluff being the first port of discharge. Importations of South Australian oranges for both tho South and North Islands will thereafter come to hand regularly until the close of the season. "In dealing with this matter full regard has been paid to the public interest and the Government will see to ic that the Dominion's requirements of oranges will be satisfactorily .'catered for. It has been arranged that the Marketing Department will give particular consideration to tho question of supplies for country districts."