CITRUS IMPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23103, 30 July 1938, Page 16

CITRUS IMPORTS

GOVERNMENT ACTION GRAPEFRUIT SUPPLIES LIMITED RESTRICTION POSITION OF LOCAL GROWER [BT TF.r,K(. R AVII—-OWN CO It K KSIM >N lIK N'T 1 T.\rr? AX< ■A, l 'riila.v Advice lias hocn received hy the Tanranga Citrus Association from the Minister of Marketing, the lion. \\ Nash, that the Marketing Department is refraining from ordering grapefruit by the next overseas vessel in the hope that the New Zealand article will then of necessity find a more ready market. "The position "ill he very closely watched," says the Minister, in a letter to the association, "and in every ■way encouragement will lie given for selling the local fruit. It is doubtful whether we should absolutely exclude the imported California!) article, hut rnCrely considerably restrict quantities as asked for from time to time." Tlio Minister stated that in connection with the marketing of New Zealand grapefruit he had noted representations made by the Tauranga Citrus •Association concerning prices obtaining for local supplies. "Undoubtedly there is a definite demand for Californian grapefruit, which could not he substituted by the use of the New Zealand article," said the "Minister. "This can bo borne out by the fact that already there is a duty of over 7s tid a caston the imported line and prices range in tho vicinity of to oos, while New Zealand grapefruit are in the vicinity of 9s to 10s a case."