BANANAS WILL BE SCARCE IN CITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18545, 20 August 1928, Page 9

BANANAS WILL BE SCARCE IN CITY.

LOSS OF MAUI POMARE’S SHIPMENT AFFECTS POSITION LOCALLY

Bananas are likely to be very scarce in Christchurch towards the end of the month in consequence of the jettisoning at sea of practically the whole of the cargo of bananas which the Government motor ship Maui Pomare was bringing from the islands. The Maui Pomare had a cargo of over 5000 cases of bananas, which were intended for the South Island, but, owing to the failure of the refrigerating apparatus, only 200 cases were found to be fit for human consumption, and the remainder were thrown overboard. It was intended that the vessel should call first at Dunedin and land 2500 cases, and land the remainder at Lyttelton. In consequence of the loss of the great bulk of the cargo, the vessel changed her course, however, and proceeded to Auckland, where she arrived y esterday. Supplies of bananas in Christchurch at the present time are very short, and, as the next shipment, which is from the Cook Islands, is not due until Aug ust 29, the local market will be bare at the end of this week, and the Cook Island bananas will probably realise high prices. If the Maui Pomare’s .shipment had come to hand in good order, bananas would have been comparatively cheap in price. It is announced that an inquiry into the cause of the trouble is to be held.