Growers Oppose Change

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 1

Growers Oppose Change

C.V.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON, Jan. 7. A big majority of Hamilton orchardists opposes the Government’s proposal to allow orchardists to sever their relations with the Apple and Pear Board. The proposal would result in depreciation of the value of every orchard in New Zealand, the president of the

South Auckland Fruitgrowers’ Federation (Mr A. Wheeler) said today. Discussions are being held between the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys) and the Fruitgrowers’ Federation. At present, apple and pear growers are not permitted to sell fruit for resale. Al) their apples and pears are bought | by the board, which distributes the fruit to retailers i throughout New Zealand. Growers may sell produce at the gate only for direct consumption, and are limited to two cases a sale. “Most New Zealand orchar- ' dists are not satisfied with the I board and would much pre-

fer to be able to put their fruit on the auction market.” said Mr Wheeler.

“But they a:e not prepared to opt out of their responsibilities to the board until a first-class alternative way. of trading has been found.” "he board's system, although not completely satisfactory, was te-sonably good, he said. It had taken half a century to establish, ar.d if orchardists i overthrew it now they would notf get another good system in their lifetime. A* least 80 per cent of New Zealand orchardlsts were reI luctantly in favour of the | board, Mr Wheeler said.