Cook Is. Fruit Trade

“Kanna” to Replace “Waipahi”

Rarotonga, Jan. 25.

FRUIT prices for the January shipment were disappointing after the good returns received for the December picking, which went forward to New Zealand on December 6 and reached there in time for the Christ mas trade.

Prices for the January shipment of bananas ranged from 10/- to 14/- per case.

The first shipment of oranges is not yet in sight, although a ripe orange or two have been picked off trees growing in an elevated position, sheltered and exposed to a maxi mum of sunshine.

Packing-sheds have been painted, and the equipment is now being overhauled in readi ness for the orange season. Several packing sheds are being further improved by the lay ing of concrete floors.

Shipments of fruit for the New Zealand market go forward by the mail boats once monthly. The inter-monthly boat, which takes up her running about April or May, lands our fruit at Auckland. Previously the Union Company’s steamer Waipahi was put on the running for our fruit season, but latest advices state that she is to replace the Tofua, which is to be withdrawn from the Fiji-Samoa-Tonga service.

We anticipate that the s.s. Kanna will re place the Waipahi on the Cook Islands-Auck land run.

Tariff Protection Sought From N.Z.

The free entry into New Zealand of oranges from sources in the Pacific, outside New Zea land-controlled territory, appears to be a little disheartening to the native growers here.

The poor prices now ruling for all pro ducts exportable from these islands show no signs of improving. There is no stimulus urging the native to work his plantations up to the highest pitch of production.

The questions of protection on the New Zealand market for its own territories and marketing are always to the front for dis cussion amongst our growers.

It is believed that the local administration is disturbed at the effect upon the Cook Group of fruit going into New Zealand from sources in the Pacific, which, but for the tariff barrier surrounding Australia, would have an outlet in the Commonwealth.

The Resident Commissioner, Judge Ayson, who is at present in New Zealand, will no doubt place the position fully before the New Zealand Government.