THE MAUI POMARE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3961, 11 February 1930, Page 72

THE MAUI POMARE.

BANANAS NOT’ MARKETABLE. AUCKLAND. February 5. Approximately 400 cases of bananas, claimed to have a marketable value of £6OO which arrived by the Maui Honiara from Norfolk Island this afternoon, were rejected by the fruit merchants in Auckland to whom they were consigned. When the green fruit was unloaded from the ship it was found to be in a soggy condition. and a mutual agreement was reached not to take delivery. Spedding. Ltd., agents for the ship, have been advised by the merchants of their intention to claim for the full value of the fruit. The three firms to whom the fruit was consigned are Radley and Co., Ltd.. Turners and Growers. Ltd., anil A. B. Donald. Ltd. It is stated that the bananas in all the eases were soft, and that they have practically no marketable value. The ship also carried about 100 cases of passion fruit and oranges, these being in good condition. At the present time the bananas would have found a good sale in Auckland owing to the short supply available. They were intended for sale at the markets to-morrow, and it is claimed that an all-round price of 30s a case would have ruled. In their present condition the bananas are estimated to be worth at the most 2s a case. About 310 of a total of 400 cases were consigned to Radley and Co., Ltd. “We claim that the bananas were ruined 24 hours after the ship left Norfolk Island."said Mr G. S. Radley. " From what we know, no use was made cf the refrigerating machinery, the air vents and fans being relied upon to keep the shipment cool. Bananas will not stand heat, and it is evident that they we, e ‘cooked green.’ They must have heated rapidly, as there is no sign of any mellowing of the fruit." “ The condition of the fruit is n attributable to any defect in t machinery or the ship.” said a repre.tative of the agents. He would not > inent on the allegation that no iiw •

made of the cooling machinery. He f'< ther stated that the Maui I’omare I.au been delayed considerably during the voyage. The ship left Norfolk Island on Saturday afternoon, and the usual two and a-half days’ trip took four days. The ship experienced bad weather, and this nvght have had some influence on the condition of the fruit.