The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1936. ORANGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 280, 26 November 1936, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1936. ORANGES

'pi E value of oranges as a part of human diet has been recognised for a considerable time; but their consumption has enlarged in recent years in consequence of the deeper interest in food values. It is regrettable, therefore, that the use of this important food is confined to those who are in receipt of more than average incomes; for to flic man who is receipt of a “living wage’’ it is next to an impossibility for him to supply his family with even a fail’ supply of oranges. Yet there are oranges in the islands and in Australia going to waste. If the market were left free and not subject to control, oranges would probably be as cheap in New Zealand as they arc in London; that is to say. they would be retailed at about two a penny. The best oranges which come on to the New Zealand market are those sent from South Australia: but it is unfortunate that Hie Commonweal!h Government, cannot so order its trade that it. can provide, a market for New Zealand’s produets in exchange for the produets of South Australia’s orange groves. It must be galling for the growers of this excellent fruit in South Australia to know that they are producing the best that goes io the market and yet that market is denied them by their own people and Government as a result of Australia's attitude to New Zealand: for it must be remembered that it was a retaliatory measure on the part of the Now Zealand Government which brought about the curtailment of the New Zealand market to Commonwealth orange growers. The orange shortage is indeed a political creation. Despite the inability of the Government to carry out, a planned marketing of so simple a product as oranges, there are still people who believe in a planned economy. A planned economy means the adoption of a plan by Parliament, and its being implemented by persons who have nothing to win nor to lose by either success or failure. ’lhe absence of Ihe quickening of individual interest is regarded as one of the main blessings of a planned economy; and the fact that it is under the control of “the representatives of the people" is supposed to ensure that the interests of the people shall remain paramount, and be preserved. Yet, the simple matter of trading between Australia ami New Zealand in such products as potatoes and oranges finds Parliaments inadequate to the occasion.