CITRUS FRUIT TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 31, 5 August 1936, Page 10

CITRUS FRUIT TRADE

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Some time ago through the columns of your journal I endeavoured to draw the attention of the lemon industry to the position as affecting Wellington, without result. The citrus growers, among other growers, have been in conference in this city during the past week, and I trust that during their presence here, they made an inspection of retail shops, and noted the particular absence of first-grade New Zealand lemons, and that they also became cognisant of some of the poorer quality offered for sale in some of the shops.

Unfortunately many growers have a very fixed idea that any fruit will do for the people of New Zealand. This is amply borne out as far as the lemon industry is concerned, when we see as late as December, 1935, five grades of lemons gazetted by the Government to be placed upon the market. Undoubtedly Wellington receives a great preponderance of the lower grades, One good brand of lemon does not appear here now, nor do many 'first grades of other packing concerns reach here for some reason. " Lemons marked second and third grade have been selling from. 12s to 13s 6d per case. These lemons are often quite wrongly graded and in the public interest this demands immediate 'investigation.' Last week I saw lemons marked "Fancy" sold to retailers at 16s per case that could only be classed as good third grade. These lemons were later exhibited at the citrus growers' conference by the secretary ' of the Retailers' Association. This is by no means an isolated case, and proves conclusively that action is needed. The regulations are here. Why not have adequate inspection and a few prosecutions to remove at least this part of the-trouble?

When obtaining ■protection from the past Governments, the growers stated quite definitely that they could supply a first-class lemon to the public of New Zealand at the price of one penny each. Where are they? I believe the industry should receive a measure of protection, if it can supply the public requirements.', Apparently it cannot, and the people should not be compelled because of its failure-and the price question to have to purchase lowgrade fruit. What price do growers receive from the curing, grading,' and packing proprietary concerns? Australian lemons are shut out. , Calif orniari, with their heavy duty and wholesale price of round about 60s to 635.. per. case now," are prohibitive. I suggest that the Industries and Commerce' Department send an official out to retail shops. "The position requires immfediate action.—l am) etc.,

J. W. HANSON.