PRICE OFFERED FOR BANANAS

Southland Times, Issue 23394, 29 December 1937, Page 2

PRICE OFFERED FOR BANANAS

Rarotongan Growers Disappointed BUYING AGENTS FORGO COMMISSIONS (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 28. The correspondent of the United Press Association,- writing from Rarotonga, states that there was concern in Rarotonga when it was known that New Zealand merchants were offering only 5/- a case in the wharf shed for bananas due to arrive in New Zealand in the Matua during the Christmas holidays. The price offered would return growers 2/- a case for their fruit delivered to the wharf, which the natives refuse, notwithstanding the fact that the continuance of the call of the Matua at Rarotonga depends on fruit shipment. . The Resident Commissioner called a meeting of the interested parties and as a result.buying agents for New Zealand merchants undertook to forgo their buying commission and even advance 6d a case in the hope of recovering it from their principals. The administration agreed to forgo certain inspection and other fees, which with traders’ concessions, brought the price to growers to 3/- a case. ‘ In most districts the growers responded well. The hope is freely expressed in the Cook Islands that the Government will take over control of bananas like the control of oranges, which prqved of great benefit to the native grower; • , • ■ Fruit shipped in the Matua comprised 3739 cases of bananas, 139 sacks of coco-nuts, 35 boxes of lemons and 25 cases of pineapples.