Exports
p. 57 · Read in the full issue
Alarming Fall in Fiji Banana Exports
NZ fruit importing interests are disturbed by the serious fall in banana exports from Fiji this year. Exports fell from 28,000 cases in April, 1953, to 17,000 cases in April, 1954, and from 28,000 cases in May, 1953, to only 14,000 cases this year.
Only about 13,000 cases were an ticipated for June shipment—as compared with 35,000 cases last year.
Decrease can be accounted for partly by the very dry conditions of last summer throughout the Pacific, but the importers are not satisfied that this is the whole story. Further
falls in exports could have an un desirable effect on shipping services to Fiji from New Zealand.
During the recent meeting of the Council of Chiefs in Suva, the Gov ernor drew their attention to the fall. “I am confident, however, that you will see to it that the necessary extra effort required of banana-growers is made at once in order to maintain the high reputa tion of their fruit,” he said.
H Port Moresby parish Priest, the Rev. Father Father, is at present receiving a visit from his mother.
This is Mrs Father’s second visit to Moresby and while there on July 19, she celebrated her 87th birthday.