LEMON MARKETING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20073, 20 October 1939, Page 10

LEMON MARKETING

ADJUSTMENTS URGED MUCH DISSATISFACTION MEETING IN AUCKLAND Citrus producers who attended a meeting in Auckland to discuss the lemon-marketing scheme claimed that most were in a critical .financial position as a result of the worst season for many years, and they urged adjustments to the scheme. The Gisborne, Tauranga and Kerikeri districts were represented, the Gisborne delegate being Mr. J. C. Hardy.

The following motion was carried unanimously:—“That this meeting of Auckland critrus growers, having experienced nearly six months’ operation of the Government marketing and control of lemons, expresses its strong disatisfaction with the returns received to date by growers and that, although it is realised there has been a number of difficulties to overcome in the inauguration of the new scheme, some major adjustment of the existing regulations is urgently necessary.’’

It was also recommended that the following system should be substituted:—First grade (fancy), comprising the present extra fancy and fancy grades; second grade (commercial), comprising good and small lemons; third grade, comprising minimum quality lemons. Peel and juice lemons, it was recommended, should be paid on weight at a price to be determined.

No specific decision was reached in selecting a range of prices, and, on the suggestion of Mr. F. R. Picot, a committee was appointed to discuss the position with the Citrus Advisory Committee, which could open negotiations with the department.

On account of the very depleted finances of lemon growers, it was decided that the Government should be asked to make available immediate financial assistance in such form and on such terms as would tide them over the present difficult period.