PUBLIC INQUIRY WANTED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 936, 1 April 1930, Page 7

PUBLIC INQUIRY WANTED

fruit and vegetable MARKETING MINISTERIAL SUPPORT A public inquiry into the marketing af fruit and vegetables in the four principal centres of New Zealand is to be recommended to Cabinet by the Hou. J* Donald, Minister of Industries and. Commerce. He told a deputation yesterday afternoon that he did not have the slightest objection to a public inquiry and be ■fished to refute certain insinuations that because he was interested in a large fruit business he was not in favour of such an inquiry. The deputation, which was introduced by Mr. J. S. Fletcher, M.P., consisted of representatives of fruit growers and retailers. It asked the Minister that the proposed departmental inquiry into the marketing of :fruit and vegetables should be made .open and conducted by representatives of those concerned. Mr. W. G. Shearer, president of the Auckland Retail Fruiterers* Association, said that when the Wellington Fruitgrowers’ Association petitioned parliament for an inquiry it was assumed that it would not be a private one. The importance of a public inquiry was stressed at a later meeting of the Wellington retailers. Men pf experience in the handling aud marketing of fruit and vegetables were needed for an inquiry. However efficiently the departmental officers might conduct the inquiry, they would not be able to handle the subject as successfully as those in the business. The extra expense of a public inquiry would be worth while, as the improved marketing conditions would be a great benefit to the public. money could be saved Mr. H. G. Staley, secretary of the H*sociation. said the public inquiry Should be conducted by representatives of the retailers, brokers and growers with an independent official chairman. All the facts should be brought to light. Legislation would have to be overhauled to put right many of the present evils of marketing and it was only right that the public should know the reason for this. Thousands of pounds could be. saved to the public in the handling 3nd marketing of fruit. Mr. B. Bunn, who represented the growers of the province, said that, they would appreciate a thorough investigation. If the industry were to progress on sound lines it would be hecessary to change the methods of marketing fruit. The difficulties of growers and retailers would be overcome by standardisation. The Minister agreed that the standardisation of fruit would be a step in the right direction. A good deal of both local and Island fruit which went on to the market would be better kept off it. Regulations concerning this would be good for growlers, retailers and buyers alike. A public inquiry was a matter of finance. He would bring it before Cabinet and give the deputation a reply as soon as possible.