Serious Inconvenience

And Heavy Loss

Effect of NZ Strikes on Fiji- Samoa-Tonga Activities

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, March 30 THE semi-paralysis of shipping in New Zealand ports—where the anti-Red Government has forced a showdown with the Communist-dominated Unions, like wharflabourers, seamen, transport workers and miners—has had a bad effect on Fiji’s trade. Certain supplies for which we depend on New Zealand have been cut off, and large quantities of our produce cannot be shipped.

Mr. A. B. Ackland and Mr. L. F. Gar nett, representing the producers and shippers of bananas in Fiji, flew to New Zealand to discuss the shipping and marketing problems connected with the Colony’s banana industry. They were met in Auckland by Mr. C. Harvey (Director of Agriculture) who was returning from leave.

At present it is doubtful whether ship ping will be available for some weeks to lift further bananas from Fiji for the New Zealand market.

It was quite a sight at the Suva market to see innumerable bunches of bananas, which had been cut for shipment, being sold for 2/- a bunch. Of course, the middle-man bought rapidly and sold the same bananas at a nice profit in the town.

Another effect ha-s been the lack of beef, mutton and pork on the market —the housewife is becoming accustomed to be ing told that there is nothing until the next Matua —whenever that will be. Even with the assistance of air freight by TEAL Solent, the meat problem is one that will be more and more difficult until the Matua returns to the run. Easter meant "chicken for dinner” in the majority of households.

Rumour on the beach has it that one of Suva’s leading hotels, which depends on imported foodstuffs—its freezer being filled regularly from the Matua—has sufficient supplies for a few days only, at time of writing.

There are many reports of serious in convenience and loss in Tonga and Samoa, as a result of the shipping dislocation.

Accumulation In Auckland

AUCKLAND, April 2.

THE hold-up of ships sheduled for Island ports—especially the USS Company’s small liner Matua —has caused, and is causing, enormous incon venience and loss.

The planes for the Islands are carrying their full load of urgent passengers and cargo; but the accumulation of waiting passengers and cargo for Fiji„ Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands is increasing every day.

The circumstances of some of the passengers, who had expected to leave here for their homes weeks ago, are dis tressing. Cost of living here, in hotels and boarding-houses, is very high, and their funds are running out, and there is little prospect of early relief.

The departure from Fiji of Mr. and Mrs.

E. H. Griffiths —he has now retired from the general managership of the CSR Company in Fiji—was noted there with general regret. Our Suva correspondent says: "They were charming, friendly people, who took their full share in the social and other duties of our limited European community, and everyone liked them.”