Fiji Rice

Price for Radi, 1945

From Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Dec. 12.

THE Controller of Production and Marketing has announced that Government guarantees to purchase padi during 1945 at £l2/10/- per ton in Viti Levu and £l2 in Vanua Levu. The Government will provide bags or, alter natively, will purchase the suppliers’ bags at fair valuation.

It is considered that the prices are fair, and it is hoped that the guaranteed sale of the padi will create an incentive to the growers to produce a,ll they can. Large production is desirable by reason of the very small quantity of rice now being imported.

Food Prices

RECENTLY, Ihe Competent Authority gazetted maximum retail prices for nearly 50 items of vegetables, fruits and fish. Variations are being gazetted each week, as dictated by the supply, according to seasonal conditions.

In a large majority of items, deductions were made on previously ruling rates.

Obviously there has been some dissatis faction in this new move, but in other sections it is felt that the fixing of prices for vegetables and fruits has been long overdue.