Deadlock In Fruit

Trade

Administration and Planters Differ From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga. Oct. 8.

THERE were three shipments of toma toes from Rarotonga during the last few months. The shipments were of 6,000, 9,800 and 6,000 cases respectively; the prices received for the fruit varied somewhat: £1 per case for the first ship ment; 16/9 for the second; and 16/6 for the last.

There is, however, a certain amount of local dissatisfaction about the operation of the “super-cargo system’’ during the prevailing* limitation of shipping space.

It is alleged that some Cook Island super cargoes plant extensively themselves and fill a considerable portion of their allotted space with their own fruit, and that of relatives and friends. It is alleged, also, that they fill the remaining space with cases purchased at a price considerably below the known market rate, from grow ers who have no alternative but to sell at this lower price or lose their fruit.

This is a case in which the Government could do the natives a service by acting as marketing agents, returning the full market price to the growers less actual shipping expenses, and with a scheme of fair space allotment to all. r plant, or. not to plant, that is the question which still vexes the' minds of Rarotonga planters and Adminis tration.

A number of lengthy meetings have been held recently on the banana and orange situation, but we seem to be no nearer any solution.

The growers stand firm by their con tention that the present price of 5/6 per case for oranges and 5/- for bananas is not a profitable proposition for the labour involved in production. Meanwhile, the Administration continues to threaten that if Rarotongan growers will not plant and fill their allotted space on overseas ships, the whole of Rarotonga’s shipping space will be given to other island groups whose planters will work at the existing prices.

The growers express themselves un moved by the threat. They refuse to believe that other island groups are any more willing to work for the present prices than they. They feel also, that, with world-wide attention focussed on the Pacific Islands, the NZ Government would not leave them flat.

A ray of hope has stirred in the troubled bosoms of Rarotongans recently.

There has been news that Rarotonga has been under discussion in the NZ Parlia ment and the tone of the Prime Minis ter suggests a closer co-operation between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, with the possibility of representation in the „House. That would be a Rarotongan dream come true.

Mr. Fraser voiced the hope that if and when air transport becomes possible, members might be able to visit the island.

Cook Islanders hope foi* a visit from the Prime Minister himself and a chance to discuss their problems first-hand.

In the meantime, Rarotongan planters stand with fingers crossed looking up to the sky for signs and portents.

EDITORIAL NOTE.— I Territorial, if they are wise, will not seek “representa tion” in the Parliaments of Australia or NZ. Representation means taxation —and the post-war taxation of those countries, for years, is going to be crippling. Paci fic Territories which keep clear of close

political association with big countries have a good chance of avoiding heavy taxes: and light taxation in the post-war period will spell prosperity for any Paci fic Territory. “Unrepresented minorities” in the Territories may have much to endure: but at least they cannot be taxed.