SAMOAN BANANAS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20962, 27 February 1930, Page 6

SAMOAN BANANAS.

SYSTEM OF SUPPLY DISCUSSED. EXPANSION LEAGUE’S CRITICISM. At the meeting of the executive of the Otago Expansion League on Tuesday evening, after the delegates on the committee which has been interested in.the fortunes of the fruit vessel had given the report, a discussion took place on the present most unsatisfactory position. The vessel was planned originally to increase the trade between the mandated, territories and the southern portion of the Dominion, but was finally defiected to supply a market, already welt stocked with tropical fruit, to the detriment of the southern provinces, who were compelled th purchase from a trust their requirements at enhanced prices to those previously paid.

It was contended by the State Department interested that it was good business to sell in the highest market—a contention against which nothing, could be urged were the vessel carrying the fruit also privately owned. But the southern people could not - see why such a change was necessary when, on every occasion on which the vessel reached the southern ports, a good payable price was secured for her cargo. As it was now. the changed itinerary would leave a longer period between the despatch of the fruit from the Islands and its arrival in Dunedin than formerly, and extra- profit would have to be paid to the Auckland merchants who now handled the produce. One of the principal objects aimed at by the various organisations which had endeavoured to foster and increase this business was a cheaper supply of fruit to the public. The action of tire Government Department which controlled Samoan affairs had rendered this hopeless, 'and it now remained to be seen whether the people of the south would continue to pay the higher rates or use lesser quantities of fruit.

It was stated that there were two departments of State interested in the vessel, and while the Cook Islands Department had arranged to sell the fruit in the south, the Samoan fruit was sold in the north. It seemed, under the circumstances, that, as Auckland already possessed shipping facilities with the Islands, no good - purpose could bo served by running the Maui Pomare in opposition thereto, and it was suggested that the best thing that could bo done if the south were not to be assisted in securing cheaper fruit, would be for the State to sell the vessel and withdraw from the venture.