FRUIT EMBARGO

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1935, Page 2

FRUIT EMBARGO

NORFOLK ISLAND TRADE. MINISTER’S EXPLANATION. Representations made by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce advocating the removal of the existing embargo on the importation of citrus fruits from Norfolk Island were replied to in a letter from the Minister of Customs (Mr. Coates), which was read at a meeting of the chamber. The chamber had pointed out that since the embargo was placed upon citrus fruits from Australia, of which Norfolk Island formed a part, the shipping service between the islands and New Zealand had been discontinued, resulting in the loss of a very valuable trade from New Zealand to the island. In the last two years New Zealand’s exports had considerably exceeded its imports to the island.

In his reply the Minister of Customs said the question of New Zealand’s trade with Norfolk Island was regarded as part of the trading relations with the Commonwealth, and was one which could only be decided when a definite agreement had been reached with Australia. The representation made by the chamber had been noted and would receive careful consideration when the negotiations with the Commonwealth Government representatives, who were expected to visit New Zealand in the near future, took place.