AN ONION COMBINE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 1 September 1908, Page 5

AN ONION COMBINE.

A DOUBTFUL 'MOVE

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON,. August 31. Pea-haps Auckland has been- affected with American methods by the visit of the United States Fleet. At all events, a distinctly American proceeding, which is said to have taken place in Auckland this month, has been the formation of an onion combine by some merchants of the northern city (says to-night's "Post"). They are reported to have booked every inch of space available for the carriage of onions from San Francisco to New -Zealand, and proof of the correctness of the statement was afforded by the experience ot a Wellington wholesale firm (Messrs Laery and Co.), which sent two cablegrams to San Francisco, and received the reply "Space all secured." It is further reported that exorbitant rates have been demanded for future supplies of onions from that quarter, and Wellington and southern merchants, rather than submit. to the demands of the Auckland ring, have arranged to get over further supplies of Japanese onions, a pioneer shipment of which reached ■ Wellington some two weeks ago. ; This lot was promptly put on the i market, and they have been reported I upon very favourably by consumers. ' They are said to be milder in flavour and whiter in texture than the ordinary onion, so it seems that the action of the northern importers will result in a distinct benefit being oonferred upon the remainder of New Zealand, whatever the case may be so far as Auckland consumers are concerned.