Banana Prices
p. 27 · Read in the full issue
Would a Strike Help?
Letter to the Editor IWAS impressed with the article by “Leatherneck”, in August “PIM”, headed: "Why Not a Strike of
Copra-Growers?”
In Rarotonga, we have practically stopped making copra, and are giving our coconuts to pigs and fowls, which provide a better return than copra making; however, we grow bananas and oranges. Unfortunately, fruit prices are controlled by the NZ Minister of Mar keting, and growers have no say in the price of their own produce.
Prices now being paid are so low that there is general dissatisfaction among all planters—so “Why Not a Strike of Banana and Orange Growers” in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands?
A Pacific Island Banana-Growers’ Asso ciation is what we want. Then we could organise and stop selling bananas unless the buyer, or rather the NZ Minister of Marketing, is prepared to pay growers at the rate of 8/- for every 100 lb. net of packed bananas—cases to be supplied.
I am, etc..
Banana-Grower.
Rarotonga, Cl. 4/10/1941.