DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1926, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[nv TEI.KC.EAPa —I*KH PRESS ABHOCIATION.j FRUIT FOII. N.Z. INFERIOR TO EXPORT GRADE, XAFTER, June IC. .Speaking at the annual conference of the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers in Hastings . this morning, Air T. C. Brash, president the New Zealand Federation, said that there was among growers anti consumers an increasing conviction that the industry should seek to supply a better grade of fruit to the local market. The consumer was increasingly inclined to ask why the fruit he bought in his own country was so poor, when that sent to England was making such a name for itself. That complaint was made against the dairying industry Ho years ago. hut the consumer had rebelled, and the butter now supplied to the local markets was equal in quality to the best exported. The same remarks applied to the sale of meat.

Air Brash said that something must he done to standardise Ihe quality oi fruit sold locally. An offending Anting clause iu the Fruit Control Ad made local hoards at present impossible, hut lie hoped an amendment would ho made this session.

Referring to the need ol organising. Air lirasli said there was growing up in New Zealand an increasing army of local agents of London merchants, and they were seeking to get shipments for I heir principals. The grower did all the spade work in producing the fruit, whereas the agent reaped n very profitable reward for doing practically nothing.

The speaker concluded with a plea for united support of the Federation's trading enterprises.

FRUIT .MARKETING. HASTINGS, .Tune 10. Speaking at. the annual Provincial Conference of Fruitgrowers, Air ft. IT. Williams said that they were in the industry to make ii pay. Assuming they could produce the best limit in the world, why couldn't they get a better price on the London market? He urged that the question of refrigerating machinery on ships and the handling of fruit should he investigated. with a view to placing the pro duce on the London market in the best condition. The marketing ol limit in Britain was most important, because they were not getting a fair run. They rend that while their limit was not reaching payable prices, buyers were selling and making from HO to 100 per cent, profit. There was something wrong. Air Williams said that the matter should lie brought to the notice oi tile Prime .Minister, who could bring it before the Imperial Coiilerenee. Air Williams continued : " Nearly everything noeessary could he got within the Fm|lire, hut England throws open her markets to the lorciguer, who responds hy placing a high protective tariff on exports. Air Coates should he asked to bring this up, also, at the imperial Conference, with a view to preference being given to Empire products for six months ol the year. A total of Bio remits is being considered for sending to the Dominion Conference.

BEEF CATTLE. PAL.MERSTON X.. June 16. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Hereford Breeders’ Association was held to-day. Mr Gregor McGregor ( Wanganui) presiding. The president stilted that the type and character of the Hereford breed represented throughout all the leading herds of the- Dominion constituted a national asset, and gave confidence and encouragement to all who had invested in this class of cattle. Ihe increase in the consumption of beef over oilier meats lias been most noticeable, and has been commented upon hy butchers in both Islands. An "eat more bed " campaign was slnrlcd by tin- .Meat Producer-' Board -ome two or more years ago. and has had a remarkable elfcet oil the consumption of beef. The public appear to lie convinced that good beef is a tip-top dietic proposition, with the result lluil (hero is no lack: of ciiqoirv for best finished sorts, which make-, lor the stability and success of the industry. The growth and development of heel cattle warrants more interest being taken in these classes lor A. and P. Societies. There appear,-: to he insulheieut men coming forward to take the place ol those who periodically drop out. II il could he arranged that wherever possible a junior could accompany ;;t judge iu his deliberations, il would serve to assist in keeping up the ranks. M r F. K. Short (Fei tiling) .is the now president, and At.essrs ('. A. I. Lovett (Tedding). Gregor .McGregor (Wanganui), and A. Swift fTaihape) were elected to fill vacancies on the Council.

UNEMPLOYED. NEW PLYMOUTH. June T 9. An unemployment bureau was . j]>•"•--cd at the Mayor's od’ioe on Monday, last, and has up to tile present ieceivod only twelve applications ior work, although when the deputation united on the Mayor on May 31st, the ITuion secretary said there were 105 names ~n the register as unemployed. DA I It Y COWS. HAW ERA. dune IS. That a stronw demand exists for dairy cows of the riirlit elass was shown at .a local clearing sale when 130 cows submitted averaged over -Cl3 sterling. The highest price secured was £23 10s. musical prize. HAWERA, June 19. I.eah Hanghton of Hawera, aged IG, ha- been granted an exhibition hy the Associated Board of Music. London. Only four were granted for the Domin-