FRUIT AND'VEGETABLES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 126, 21 February 1919, Page 5

FRUIT AND'VEGETABLES

MINISTER SUGGESTS A MARKET, j Representations -have, been made to the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Russell) regarding the need for better arrangements in Wellington for the': sale of fruit, vegetables, and fish, Yesterday a; deputation representing some of those interested in the matter interviewed the Minister. Mr. Russell,-in reply, said that in his , opinion the City Council ought to exercise the powers it possessed under Section : of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1908. This' section gave. tno municipalities; power to establish markets for the salo'of foodstuffs.' A market would make it possible 1 for the vendor and the con : .sumer to get into close touch with the . grower, and the City Council would he able to a very large extent to get control of the retail trade for the benefit of the .public. The Minister also expressed the opinion that the sale of fruit by auction should be brought more directly under the control of the City Council. While ti'e present system of administration of the Auctioneers Act in general was probably, suitable, the ' more the control of the sale of fruit was brought under the direct control of the- civic authority the .bttter it t would'be, lie thought', for the growers', the retailers, and the public. " . ■ Section 312 of the Municipal Corporations Act provides that a city council may establish a-njarket and "for such purpose, may acquire land and erect, thereon all such, buildings and, provide all such things as are necessaryi or convenient for holding markots thereon, and mav make all .convenient approaches thereto,"