Quality Of Cook Islands
p. 76 · Read in the full issue
Bananas.
WITH reference to the article on Cook Islands bananas, on page 60 of this issue, it is now reported (Janu ary 16) that the bananas which arrived in New Zealand were sold at less than 11/- per case. When it is remembered that the actual charges on the shipment of bananas from Rarotonga to Wel lington exceed 5/6 per case, it will be seen that the merchants who handled the fruit have involved themselves in a loss.
It is stated on behalf of the buyers that C.I. bananas are the poorest which arrive in New Zealand—frequently im mature, bruised, and badly-packed. The say that it will be necessary for considerable improvements to be made in the growing and handling of C.I. bananas before it will be possible to take them to the N.Z. market under conditions which will return the growers anything like 5/- per case.