RAROTONGAN FRUIT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3862, 20 March 1928, Page 7

RAROTONGAN FRUIT.

REVISED SYSTEM OF HANDLING.

A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE

WELLINGTON, March 12.

Interviewed on his arrival from Rarotonga by the Makura to-day, Sir Maui I’omare (Minister for the Cook Islands) expressed the opinion that a revision of the existing system of handling the island fruit as agreed upon at a conference held in Rarotonga a few days ago would result in a decided improvement to the trade. For a considerable time past, the Minister said, he had not been satisfied that the fruit industry of the Island was being conducted on the very best lines, and lie had therefore decided to visit-' Rarotonga in company with delegates from the various firms both in the North and in the South Island who bandied the fruit in the Dominion, and to get the various interests together at a conference at Rarotonga. New Zealand fruit merchants bad, he stated, complained about the quality of the fruit as it arrived here. The conference, alter several long sittings, unanimously agreed that a system of central packing sheds, to be erected by the growers in accordance with specifications laid down by the administration and properly equipped with grading machines and other up-to-date equipment, should be established. It was also decided that all the sheds, approximaiely six in number, should be under the personal supervision ' control of European fruit inspectors, who would have under them a trained staff of native assistants for grading and packing. The new arrangement would involve additional charges for inspection, but on the other hand would substantially reduce the present loss due to wastage through improper packing, etc. The new system would not fail to produce much more satisfactory results than the existing practice of growers packing their own fruit in the many small sheds on the Island,’ where proper inspection was almost impossible.

The Minister said he was convinced that before the wastage (which occurred from the time the fruit was packed until it reached New Zealand) could be re- • duced to its absolute minimum. It was essential that better facilities should be prwided for handling the fruit carried on the Union Steam Ship Company’s steamers. In this connection representa- ■ tions were being made to the company, and it was hoped that something in the desired direction would be accomplished. In regard to the conference itself Sir Maui Pom'are said that one of the most pleasing features, in addition to the fact that a scheme satisfactory to all parties had been agreed upon, was the spirit of reasonableness exhibited by all parties—the European and native, fruit growers, the representatives of the various Island districts, the local-traders, and the delegates representing the New Zealand fruit merchants. Concessions had been made by all the parties, and old differences had been stink in an honest endeavour to make it possible for the Administration and the Government to formulate a policy which would be in the best interests of all. The conference had been the means of removing many misunderstandings. The nat've had heard the point of view of the New Zealand fruit merchants who bought their fruit, and the merchants had seen the Ctise from the native vie'wpoint. The Minister felt that the better mutual understanding which now existed would go a long wav towards promoting harmony in the trade, and be was very nleased with the work done at the conference. He bad been greatly assisted by Judge Ayson, the Resident Commissioner, who had the interests of the native and European population deeply at heart. The commissioner well deserved the trust and confidence placed in him by the people of Rarotonga and in the outlying islands of the group. ■' Judge Avson has come with the Minister on a short business tvin. to New Zealand. and while hero will confer with* the Minister in regard to a number of matters which were discussed at the conference, and which reauire concluding.