REPLY TO CRITICISM

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 98, 20 January 1943, Page 3

REPLY TO CRITICISM

Marketing Of Apples And Pears Criticism of the marketing of apples and pears by Mr. A. Bennett, whose remarks were published in yesterdays “Dominion," was replied to last evening by the Minister of Marketing, Mr. Barclay. "Mr. Bennett's statements regarding the order of marketing of varieties is quite wrong," said the Minister, "and the Internal Marketing Division, in fact, can only place first on the market those varieties' which are the first submitted by the growers. In point of fact,, the varieties mentioned by Mr. Bennett are the ones which were marketed first by the division —Red Astraehan, Hawthorndon and Beauty of Bath were placed on the Wellington market on December with only three half cases of Gravenstein. Irish Peach, I’earmain and Duchess, have been marketed even earlier in the South Island. Jargonelle pears were also the first pears marketed on December 24 and were then the only variety available. William Bon Chretian not coming on to the market till January 11In all cases with early varieties tins season, the Internal Marketing Division has given priority in supply to civil, military and Allied forces' hospitals. Mr. Bennett’s charge of either neglect or inefficiency therefore is groundless. . In regard to overwrapped pears, tins would be due to a grower in Nelson being over cautious that Ins fruit should be properly packed to reach Wellington in good condition. Jargonelle pears, being an early variety, bruise very easily and also mature quickly in warm weather. Such varieties must be sold prompt!}’ and not left unopened in hot weather. Fruit is not grown near “Wellington city and transport delays arc frequent at these times between the orchard and the markets and often a delay of an hour in transport may mean a hold-up for one full day's marketing. It is, however, completely contrary to fact to suggest that the division is not marketing every case of fruit as soon as possible after receipt from the grower.”