THE CITRUS FRUIT EMBARGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21993, 30 June 1933, Page 5

THE CITRUS FRUIT EMBARGO

ro THE EDITOR. Snt, —As I come across each fresh example* of Governmental interference in business I feel more indignant, but when the fruit merchants and the consuming public are put upon, as they undoubtedly are in the so-called, embargo of citrus fruit from Australia, then I feel : a® a warhorse must look when scenting battle from afar. Since reading the letter addressed to you by “.Citrus” I have reread the report of the deputation that waited on a sub-committee of the local Chamber of Commerce earlier this week. If the fruit merchants and retailers have stated their case fairly, then a state of affairs exists in which the Cabinet has interested itself in a manner that is very difficult to credit. The authorities have taken pains to present a pathetic case showing benevolent endeavours to assist the fruitgrowers of New Zealand by treating with America to take a few applCs and pears —coals for Newcastle —from this country. To do this they have created an _ embargo on Australian fruit because it is known that some of the Australian States were at one time affected by some sort of pest or other, aud America does not like the idea of New Zealand importing from Australia on this account in case the pest is passed on. This sounds quite well, but the pest in question cannot thrive in this country as has been proved. When the embargo was first raised the issues were quite clear and everyone thought them just, but now that the Commonwealth officers have expressed their willingness to overcome the very obstacles that, stood in the way our Cabinet calmly stands to one side and says that it is discussing certain matters with America, the while .employment and support of 'thousands of our people are jeopardised. Facts and figures were produced by the deputation showing that this farcical embargo injures shipping companies, railways, carters, labourers, and countless others to an astonishing extent. Surely it is high time something was done to prevent a continuation of this state of affairs and let US think about our own people instead of those who are virtually foreigners.—l am, etc., Dunedin. June 29. Warhorse. TO THE EDITOR. Sir— l quite agree with “ Citrus ” regarding the exorbitant prices paid for oranges at the present time, “ Citrus ” will find that prices will go still higher while the embargo exists. In another month or so the supply of Cook Island oranges will be ended and “ Citrus ” will have to depend on American oranges. How much longer are “ Citrus,” the public, and the struggling fruiterer going to stand this injustice? The fruiterer is deprived of no fewer than eight saleable fruits which the public require, namely, navel i oranges, plain oranges, mandarins, passions, lemons, pines, grapes, and encumbers. I am afraid the outlook for the fruiterer and the public is very gloomy as far as cheap oranges and lemons are concerned whilst the embargo exists. Island oranges which arrived in Dunedin on Thursday in very bad order, showing from 33 1-3 to SO per cent, waste, were offered to the fruiterers at 16s 6d per case. Repacked cases were on sale at 25s per case. As the fruiterer must live and pay overhead expenses if possible in the present circumstances, the chance which “ Citrus ” has of buying cheap oranges is as vague as the fruiterers’. —I am, etc.,. Fruiterer. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is pleasing to observe the note of optimism which ran through the letter signed by “ Hold On ” in connection with the .embargo on citrus fruit. Perhaps I am correct in assuming that “Hold On” is pi possession of the reasons why the embargo is not being lifted, and will, through the press, give the public the correct reason and so clear up any misunderstandings under which the fruiterers may be labouring. To say that the fruiterers do not understand the' position may be correct, but may I add that perhaps our own Government does not understand the position? The question of the shipping of potatoes from New Zealand to Australia was taken up by the Australian delegate, Sir Massy Greene, during his conference with the New Zealand Government regarding a trade agreement. We have heard so much about the powdery scab, etc., hut it is clear that if we can ship potatoes free of disease from an area not affected by the scab, Australia would admit them, but we cannot do so. In any case at the prices ruling in New Zealand at the prpsent time—£s per,ton—it would not pay to ship potatoes, to Sydney or Melbourne when they cam be bought in Tasmania and Victoria more cheaply than on rail at New Zealand sidings. While New Zealand is holding on and will not * throw in her hand,” householders are being deprived of the opportunity of purchasing the fruits of their choice, the Australian Washington navel orange, at reasonable prices, and are forced to buy American oranges. Furthermore, thousands of pounds’ worth ot trade that we can never hope to recover is being thrown away; businesses, Wholesale and retail, are being wrecked; and storemen, carters, and clerks are being paid off. —I am, etc., Excello.