WEAK IN GEOGRAPHY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 17 November 1927, Page 8

WEAK IN GEOGRAPHY

LONDON GREENGROCERS. LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF EMPIRE. London. N0v..15. Giving evidence in opposition to the Canadian and New Zealand requeet for the application of the Merchandise Marks Act in the compulsory marking of foreign apples and pears, retailers representatives pleaded that greengrocers were not good on geography 'and most believed that California was within the Empire. One woman shopkeeper was disqualified in a competition because her “Empire” window display contained Almerra grapes. She said. “Well, its in Spain and so is Gibraltar.”

The supporters emphasised America’s competition with Canadian apples.

Mr Manhire on behalf of New Zealand, stated that America was keeping apples in the British market throughout the 12 months.

Mr Hall asked on behalf of the retailers if it would be in the interests of the Dominions to label poor Empire fruit beside high grade foreign. Mr Faraker: There would be a difference in price. I do not think labelling detrimental.

Another retailer asserted that New Zealand was trying to bring the other Dominions into line with her wrappers. It was a question of jealousy and of using tho British retailer as a catspaw. Mr Hall: Whatever we may say about patriotism it is tho fourpenny touch that goes! The- chairman: Is there not a scrap of sentiment? Not one in a thousand. A mother with five kids does not buy sentimentally, but to get the best value for her money. The- meeting adjourned.