MARKETING CONTROL

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 8

MARKETING CONTROL

Government To Take Over N.Z. Lemon Crop

AVERAGE PRICE OF 6/6 A CASE By Telegraph —Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 12. It is reliably stated that the Government has decided to take control of the marketing of the whole of the New Zealand lemon crop. The move lias lollowed long-standing applications by the growers for assistance. Widespread inquiries from growers over the weekend revealed that from May 1 they expect their fruit to be bought by the Internal Marketing Department'at an average price of 6/6 a ease. Under the purchasing system which has been arranged lemons will be classified into three grades and the price of 6/6 represents the approximate average for these grades. It does not mean that growers producing the highest quality lemons will receive no more titan 6/6, nor that the lowest quality will be bought at this price. For lemons of the former type the growers believe they will be paid up to about 2/6 a case more than the average price and fruit of poorer quality are expected to yield under 6/-. At its present stage, lemons are the only citrus fruit to be embraced by the ■scheme. The growers have also asked for assistance with their grapefruit and sweet orange crops, but it is stated that these fruits have not yet been made 'the subject of detailed and exhaustive negotiation.