FRUIT GROWERS ASK FOR BETTER PRICES

Chronicle (Levin), 5 March 1947, Page 8

FRUIT GROWERS ASK FOR BETTER PRICES

NELSON, Mar. 4. At a representative nieeting of fruit growers from the Nelson disLi'ict held at Tasman, .styong disapproval was expressed at the Government 's delay in replving to the request by the industry for an inereased jirice for the current season's crop. The following resolutiuu was adopted unanimously:, "This nieeting of Nelson fruitgrowers is gravely dissatistied with the failure of the Government to annou-nee a satisfactory price by February 2(5 as promised by the Staliilisation Commission. The meeting demands, firstly., the withholding of any contemplated further issue of price orders on the present ridiculous basis; secoiully, a minimum guarantee of nine sliillings; thirdly, an adjustment of price orders to a value relative to other products. The increasing extent to whieh fruit is being sold outside the marketing scheine, is ample evidence that a price increase is warranted. The alarming proportions that the black market trade is assuming, endanger tlie suecessful establishment of a permanent marketing organisation. In view of the above ive ask that immediate action be taken." A provincial meeting of growers is to be called to discuss the question of setting up a marketing seheme for Nelson provinee.