ISLAND FRUIT

Southland Times, Issue 21219, 21 October 1930, Page 7

ISLAND FRUIT

TRADE WITH NEW ZEALAND. NATIVES DISSATISFIED WITH METHOD. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, October 20. Commissioned by Mutual Films, Ltd., of Wellington, to take a series of pictures dealing with native life and other objects of interest, Mr J. A. Wardell, of Wellington, cinematographer, returned by the Makura to-day at the conclusion of a six months’ trip to Raratonga and Cook Islands. During his absence Mr Wardell exposed about 12,000 feet of film. This was unloaded from the Makura to-day and will be forwarded to America for sound synchronization. Inquiries are being made at present and it is possible that the work may be done in New Zealand instead. While in .the islands Mr Wardell spent some time investigating the possibilities of trade and the outcome of his visit will be the establishment of a canning factory at Rarotonga. He says in connection with the fruit trade that the natives are very dissatisfied with the method of trading with New Zealand. In many cases, he, adds, they have received only a few shillings for their product, in fact hardly sufficient to pay for the. case in which the fruit is packed. The natives were appealing to the Government for investigation and it was suggested that they would not continue to trade until they were assured of a square deal. Exploitation has been freely alleged.