ORANGES AND POTATOES.

Southland Times, Issue 22492, 29 January 1935, Page 7

ORANGES AND POTATOES.

To the Editor.

Sir, —With reference to the remit passed by the Farmers’ Union in connection with the embargo on Australian oranges, I would like to point out that it is the fact that of all things, oranges, (which are without question beneficial to young children and invalids) should be chosen as a weapon to fight the duty on potatoes, that irritates the average thinking citizen. Why not confectionery, or wines, or clothing, all of which can be obtained at reasonable prices from local or other sources? Owing to this stupid embargo we have had to pay 3d or 4d for average size oranges, while hundreds of tons of prime quality fruit were rotting in Australia. This has made it impossible for the poorer people to buy oranges in cases of sickness and for their young children. In many cases the money has gone to Australia in the form of payment for cheap confectionery, to the detriment of the health of our children’s stomachs. In addition to this, at certain seasons we have had to pay 4d each for very inferior American oranges, and the semi-wild variety from the islands. Potatoes are in a different category as these are produced in large quantities in certain States of Australia, and there is therefore some justification for the Australian duty. But as the quantity of oranges produced in New Zealand is only a very small fraction of the demand, and is not likely to increase to any appreciable extent owing to climatic conditions, it is ridiculous to impose an embargo on such an article. I would suggest that some other article be used as a lever by the Farmers’ Union and their efforts then would be much more appreciated by the general public. An embargo on some of the articles I have mentioned would mean also more work for New Zealanders, and I feel sure that it would prove more effective than the present one, which is the last which should have been adopted by a country with our reputation for the well-being of her children. Oranges at a penny each would mean less “lollies eaten, better teeth and health generally, ana the goodwill of a large number of Australians who are also farmers. 1 am ’ etC " “ORANGES.”