Declining Fruit Industry
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
In Cook Is.
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, April 10.
rE orange season in the Cook Islands commenced in April with a ship ment of 9,000 cases from Rarotonga There will probably be one further small shipment from this island. The total estimated crop of the entire Group is approximately 60,000 cases.
An average of 70,100 cases of oranges was exported annually from R a J°tonga alone, during the years 1921 to the average for the whole Group being 12 cases. This fell to 55,058 cases in 1939.
Crops in the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki are declining rapidly, but the trees at Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia are not so badly affected.
During 1921-30 the average total trade figures (imports and exports) amounted to £248,400 per annum. In 1939 the total was £130,248 and in 1942, £138,092.
Exports of bananas in 1943 amounted to 4,805 cases as against an average of 60,340 cases yearly during the years 1921 to 1930, and 46,265 cases in 1939.