THE -FRUIT BUSINESS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13877, 1 February 1909, Page 5

THE -FRUIT BUSINESS.

t CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 31., At- a meeting: oF^the Fruitgrowers' Association ladr night, there was a lengthy discussion. o» -the alleged illegality of, the . actions i©f. r fruit auctioneers in refusing, any^bids except from fruiterers, and it was alleged that in several instances fruit was sold at lower prices to fruiterers than the price bid by persons not- connected w.ith the trade. It was further, alleged that the fruiterers agreed amongst, themselves ' what price should be paid for .'different fruit, and . that iio Tbids beyond the price arranged , were made. £ It was stated that' a fruit ring existed, and that growers were suffering from the operations. Municipal markets and the introduction of fruit, hawkers were stated to be the only remedies for the present unsatisfactory state of things under which the consumer paid higher prices for 'fruit. --•JRur secretary was instructed to confer with . the Town , Clerk in order to ascertain the position occupied by the auctioneers and to place the, matter before him.