Marketing of Lemons

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19998, 25 July 1939, Page 16

Marketing of Lemons

Sir,- I have read the letters on the above‘subject that have appeared in the Herald during the last few days and I think the marketing of lemons as it directly affects Gisborne and the surrounding districts is open to criticism and • immediate improvement. Mr. . Grey has stated that a local firm last year paid 4s 6d per case for lower grade lemons. He was probably one of the pro* ducer-sellers and his statement should be accepted. Mr. . Pearson seems to doubt it, and refers to a paper report that lemons last year! at Tauranga were offered for sale at 3d per dozen, and that orchard-I isls threatened to cut down their | trees. 1 think they would pause be- j fore doing so, as they should know; the number of years required to cultivate a good bearing tree. I am not going to argue the pros | and cons.’ of the Government control; of lemons, which no doubt was adopted for a good purpose, but to refer to the local marketing as it affects the consumers here, We seep

various orchardists advertising lemon? at prices varying from 5d to 9cl po: dozen at gate, and also shops offering them for sale at 2s per dozen. L there any need for such a high price? I am told on very good authority thsl the price being ipaid is as low as the figure quoted by Mr. Pearson ns it applied to Tauranga last season. 1 understand that first-grade lemons are being bought at about 4s per bushel case and that the selling price ex the local curing and grading store is over and above 15s per case. If my figures are not reasonably right, I will welcome correction; if correct, I hope no time will be lost in finding a remedy for what appears to be local exploitation. F. E. WILSON.