Vegetable Prices.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1922, Page 4

Vegetable Prices.

HINT AT A “RING.” AUCKLAND. May 7. The suggestion that a ” l ing ” exists among the Chinese fruiterers for the purpose of keeping down the auction prices for vegetables, and pel-imp.-freezing out European market garden competition, has arisen as to the result of a reported statement recently bv tin. Minister of Lands, who said that lie believed it was common for cue Chinese buyer to do the buying of vegetables for all tlie Chinese fruiterers ii Wellington auction markets. Th isuggestion iu its relation to the Auckland markets was referred to Mr Turner, of the Turner Fruitgrowers, Lid., who declared emphatically that flier, was no sign ill Ami'daml of] any such combination among the Chinese buyer, at the auction marts.

“ Competition lieie is very keen, stated Air Turner. ‘ * We have Chinese. Indian, and European buyers, whe run each other very closely, and the sales are attended by dozens of Chinese buyers, who frequently run each otlie. up to top prices when there happen. l to he a choice line put un.” Sneaking generally, Air Turney r, m ark id that competition of Indian and European in Auckland precluded any such combination among tl|o Chinese as wn s suggested by the Hon. I). 11. GutliriO. He added that though the Chinese wore h|pge growers qf vegetables they were also large buyers in the open market.