FRUIT MARKETING

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1930, Page 3

FRUIT MARKETING

COMPLAINTS JUSTIFIED

(By TeJegrapn—Per Press As*ociaUonj

AV ELLINGTON, October 14. The tepoii of the Industries and Commerce Committee on fruit market ing was presented to the House of Representatives to-day. The report stated that evidence taken from witnesses from all over the country bad amply confirmed the contention frequently put forward in the past by both the producer and consumer that the disparity between the. wholesale and retail prices was abnormally great. The evidence’ had also confirmed the complaint made by the Fruit Retailers’ Association of AYellington that unreliable packing, which sometimes amounted to a fraudulent practice, was common in respect of fruit and vegetables offered for sale throughout New Zealand, and that this packing had hampered free trading to. the detriment of the producer, retailer and consumer. The Committee recommended the adoption of a, system of standardisation of the fruit offered for sale, but that the system should be restricted both in its application and in regard to the produce to which it should apply. Outlining this system, the Committee recommended that it should apply to the apples, pears, lemons, onions and potatoes offered for sale through recognised commercial channels in cities and larger towns. The Committee also, recomjnonded the voluntary formation of fair-mar-keting organisations, failing, which the Department of Agriculture should consider the advisability of instituting a. similar scheme for the whole Dominion. The rules would provide for fair and honest packing and the issue of a registered mark for those belonging to the scheme. The use of this mark would he suspended .if any packages were found on inspection to be contrary to the requirements. Any powers not already existing under the existing legislation should, the Committee recommended, he provided for in the legislation which it advised should he introduced this season.

In conclusion the Committee pointed out that the subject was too comprehensive for a sessional committee to handle fully, and .suggested further investigation should lie made during the recess.