AN EXPERT ON THE FRUIT DUTIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2170, 26 September 1895, Page 21

AN EXPERT ON THE FRUIT DUTIES.

Inyebcaegill, September- 21. Asked his opinion respecting the proposed fruit duties, Mr J. C. BUckmore, the Government pomologitt, stated that the rate of Id per b from November to April would be no protec-

tion to New Zealand fruitgrowers whatever, as during November, Decembsr, and January Tasmania had no apples or pears to export. From the second week in February and duriog March and April Hobart shipped to England, and did not if quire the New Zealand market. By taking off the duty duriog May, Juno, and July we were playing nicely into ths hands of the Tasmanian fruitgrowers, as then thoy had an enormous surplus — principally culls from the gMidiog of English shipments — which they were glad to sell at alinoaS any price. Mr Blaokmore euggebts that the duty might bo reduced from the middle of Aagust to the end of Ootjber. To rcduoe it during May, Juue, and July would make Now Zeahnd ports— especially the southern ones — r dumping ground for surplus Tasmanian fruit, thus rendering it unprofitable for noithern growers to ship supplies Eouth.