Fiji Bananas

Government Control In New Zealand

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Apr. 1.

CONSIDERABLE interest has been aroused in Fiji at the announce ment that the New Zealand Government intends to take over the purchase and marketing of bananas.

The N.Z. Labour Government con siders that the price paid by the public is too high and it will take over the marketing itself to supply the public with cheaper bananas. It will buy the fruit f.0.b., Suva, at a price to be fixed from time to time by the N.Z. and Fiji Governments.

It is unlikely that the change will make much difference to the price paid to Fijian growers, but against that it is anticipated that there will be a greater demand for Fiji fruit in New Zealand, with a consequent higher re turn to growers, as the fruit quota to be shipped will be increased.