Low Returns For Cook Is.

Tomatoes

From Our Own Correspondent.

RAROTONGA, August 11.

T'OMATOES this year have not so far -I- been quite the success hoped for and growers who planted heavily to recoup themselves for losses over orange and banana crops due to the hurricane are highly disappointed at receiving only 1/6 a case “in the shed.” On the previous steamer 2/- was paid, and on the boat before that 3/-.

Dissatisfaction has often been expressed at the wide difference which frequently occurs between the price offered “in the shed” by local fruit buyers and the amounts realised on fruit consigped direct to New Zealand. For instance, when the beach price for tomatoes was 3/-, several growers who consigned their produce got back, after deducting freight and other charges, a net profit of 10/- per case. As has been pointed out, a profit of 200 per cent, for middlemen is excessive. Primary producers seem to “get it in the neck” both ways.

Mr. R. H. Brown, manager of Messrs.

Burns Philp (S.S.) Co. Ltd., Apia, Western Samoa, paid a visit to the company's branch in the Tokelau Islands in August on board H.M.N.Z.S. Leith.