Current Opinions of Fruit

Control

From a Special Correspondent

Rarotonga, Nov. 21,

“T HAVE yet to see any materialisation of the rich and spacious promises made* by those who introduced fruit con trol a year ago. Instead of the land flow ing with milk and honey—which we were lead to expect—we are immersed in a tide of fermented orange juice, from fruit which the Government is unwilling, or unable, to export from the outer islands.”

A European Planter.

“If Government no can do better, better we go back same before.” —A Native Grower.

“Everything O.K. this time. Plenty money in the pocket and not pay the kaiou (old accounts).” —Second Ditto.

“Let people say what they like — we don’t care. The Government have taken over the fruit and they’re going to keep it. Growers have received better prices for their oranges this season than they have for many years, and the figures prove it.”—A Prominent Official.

“Fruit control has already made a big difference to the prosperity of these people and will make a yet bigger one.

One can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, or inaugurate a fruit control system without a few mis

takes. But give the Government a chance, they’re doing their best under difficult circumstances. Business has shown an upward tendency now that growers are paid out in cash for their produce, and can spend where they like.”

A Retail Storekeeper.