Mr NOCK (Riverina) (1:27 AM) .It seems that there is no opposition to this bill, and that there is no need for long speeches in connexion with it. The position of the citrus-growers has not altogether been brought about by quarantine restrictions, but is largely due to national policy. It cannot be denied that the effect of the embargo on New Zealand potatoes, followed by the retaliatory action on the part of the New Zealand Government, has brought about the serious dislocation that exists in the citrus fruit industry. I think, therefore, that there is an obligation on the Government to continue this small measure of assistance for a further period. We have been told that the exports of citrus fruits to New Zealand last year were the highest ever reached, but those exports were confined practically to the State of South Australia, except for a short period last year, when the embargo was removed in respect of citrus fruit grown in the Murray and Murrumbidgee irrigation districts. Although the suppliers of citrus fruits to the eastern capitals have had relief due to the shipments of citrus fruits from South Australia, which have given them an advantage locally, the growers of New South Wales have not bad their share of the market in New Zealand which they previously had. It has been found necessary even to remove a small quota from the local market. The honorable member for Robertson (Mr. Gardner) hit the nail on the head when lie said that that small quota if not exported would depress prices. Consequently, if this small bounty enables citrus producers to send away 80,000 cases to some overseas market other than New Zealand, it will be of advantage to those who sell their fruits on the local market. It is not fair that the exporters of citrus fruits should have to carry the baby in order to maintain the local market for those who do not export, but this small bounty will enable them to do so. They are endeavouring to get a start in the Eastern markets; last year some thousands of cases were sent in that direction, and the market has expanded. The Government oan justify the payment of a bounty of 3s. a case because the growers desire an opportunity to extend their markets abroad to relieve the pressure on the home market, thus enabling those producing for home consumption to get a fair price for their fruit.