FRUIT MARTS UNLOCKED.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1905, 13 November 1913, Page 8

FRUIT MARTS UNLOCKED.

RETAILERS BID FREELY,

NO TROUBLE WITH THE CARTING

Matters became almost normal at the Allen Street markets yesterday. Early in the day the Fruitbrokers' Association hold a meeting, to discuss the attitude of tho retailers in not bidding for the Willochra's fruit. As the outcome, It was decided to ask Mr. F. Townsend {of Townsend and Paul) to address tho buyers before the sale commonced. In doing so, Mr. Townsend stated that the Minister of Justice had promised ample protection to all buyers, be th European and Chinese. If necessary, they might even have police inside or outside their premises. They had no need to fear any intimidation, and could quite safely resumo ordinary business. In explaining the position of tho merchants, Mr. Townsend stated that it simply was that tho fruit was in Wellington,' and the public were crying out for it. Thero wore other means of disposing of it, but tho brokers did not wish to resort to these. He urged the buyers to resume business.

When tho sales commenced, the buyers were a little shy at first, but, later, thev were all bidding for the Willochra's fruit—Europeans and Chinese—and among tho buyers were those who at the previous day's meeting' had urged everyone to refrain from buying. Prices were not quite, so good as is ordinarily tho case, but, under the circumstances, they were considered satisfactory. Though the drivers are supposed to be on strike, and the Willoelira's fruit was handled by members of tha new union, the buyers had no great difficulty in getting their purchases away. . Many of the carters who had refused to work oil Tuesday were willing yesterday, and' the whole of tho fruit purchased was removed during tho day. , A troop of special constables was stationed in the vicinity of the markets, but their services were not required. .

A special meeting of the General Labourers' Union is to bo held at the Trades Hall to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock, "to consider what action should lie taken b>* tho union in tho present industrial crisis."-