H.—3oa,

IMPORTED FRUITS. The purchasing and distribution of imported fruits was carried out by the Division as previously. Supplies have been purchased wherever possible and at the lowest prices, but owing to war conditions a shortage of most fruit has been experienced.

Oranges. During the year under review approximately 334,000 cases, being a decrease of 56,000 cases compared with the previous year, were imported from the various sources within the Empire in the following proportions.

It was not found possible to import any fruit from Jamaica owing to the uncertainty of vessels calling there on their way from England, and consequently a very heavy call was made on Australia, the only source available for supplies during the early part of 1942. Unfortunately, Australian crops of late varieties were very light and the quantity available for New Zealand, although of excellent quality, was insufficient to meet the demand, and consequently the public were rationed so as to enable supplies to be obtainable for as long a period as possible. The importations from the Cook Islands Group amounted to 119,000 cases, compared with 127,000 for the previous season's, the decrease being due to the usual steamer making only four trips instead of five trips as in the previous season. The quality of the Cook Island fruit this season was the best since this Division took over control, and there is no reason why the standard should not be maintained. Unfortunately, the next season's prospects do not appear very sanguine, as the usual steamer will not be available for the orange trade, and although arrangements have been made for a relief steamer, the quantity which will be imported from the islands will be much smaller than last season. Every endeavour has been and will be made to secure additional quantities from Australia to compensate for the shortage of island oranges, but owing to the exceptionally high Australian demand for armed forces and essential civil needs, combined with a shortage of shipping-space and decreased crop, it is doubtful if full supplies will be available in New Zealand next year. Bananas. During the year under review a total of 23,847,660 lb. of bananas was imported, this being a decrease of approximately 10,500,000 lb. compared with the previous year. The importations were made from the islands in the following proportions

The decreased importation was caused firstly by a hurricane in Fiji and Niue early in 1941, and secondly by the " Maui Pomare " being laid up for nearly a year having new engines fitted. Niue was particularly hard hit by the hurricane and was not able to export a single case of bananas, even when the steamer called with stores, but has now almost recovered from the effect of the blow. Supplies are at present coming to hand more regularly and the Division is accepting all bananas on offer from the various islands, but unfortunately the outlook at present points to it being some time before full supplies will be available to the New Zealand public. GRArEPEUIT. In order to conserve sterling funds and also to help the sales of the New-Zealand-grown article, the importation of this fruit was kept down to a minimum, and whilst reasonable quantities of the local-grown fruit were available only limited importations were made. The imports for the year amounted to 2,750 cases,' of which Australia supplied 68-7 per cent, and the Cook Islands 31-3 per cent. It was not found possible to import any Jamaican grapefruit at all, owing to war conditions,

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Year ended Year ended 31st March, 31st March, 1942. 1941. Per Cent. Per Cent. Australia .. .. .. .. 64-2 63-39 Cook Islands .. .. .. .. 35-7 31-79 Fiji .. .. .. .. .. 0-1 2-00 Jamaica .. .. .. .. .. 2-82

Year ended Year ended 31st March, 31st March, 1942. 1941. Per Cent. Per Cent. Samoa .. .. .. .. 51-25 59-74 Fiji .. .. .. .. .. 18-92 24-38 Tonga .. .. .. .. .. 27-03 7-67 Rarotonga .. .. .. .. 2-8 5-26 Niue .. .. .. .. .. .. 2-95