FRUIT GUARANTEE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 90, 13 October 1934, Page 14

FRUIT GUARANTEE

ANXIETY AT NELSON

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

NELSON, October 12,

After several seasons of small returns many fruit growers in the Nelson district, in common with other parts of fhe Dominion, have suffered considerably, quite a number having reached a position in which it is only just possible for them to carry on. As a result an early announcement of the Government's attitude1 in regard to the renewal of the guarantee for next season is awaited with some anxiety.

Various fruit growers' associations have' moved in an effort to gain an early announcement, the latest being the Eedwoods Valley Association. The meeting was unanimous in expressing dissatisfaction with the present position, and there was some fear that the Fruit Board might meet official qualifications too readily. It was emphasised that the present, situation of the industry could not possibly stand any further curtailment of Government assistance; more especially because an increased dependence on brokers' advances might make the present control system hard to maintain. The following resolution was carried unanimously:—"That in view of the facts that as no definite information is available on guarantee deliberations other than rumours of drastic conditions, that there is a' possibility of future guarantees becoming loans only, and that the present guarantee is insufficient, this association requests the Fruit Control Board to fully discuss the question with growers before coming to a decision."