FRUIT TRADE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20507, 25 May 1938, Page 8

FRUIT TRADE

BTATE CONTROL BYBTEM DECLARED TO BE SATISFACTORY STATEMENT BY RETAILERS (By T*l**rspn.—Press Association) Y WELLINGTON, Wednesday '* We are satisfied with the way the Government Is controlling the sale of foreign fruit, and believe that with a little time the system will work perfectly/* said Mr C. A. Holland, president of the Wellington Fruit Traders* Association. secretary. Mr J. Wrfaalesworth. laid that bananas were only controlled since April 1 and oranges since May 1. but during that time prices have been stabilised. Mr Holland said that retailers were satisfied with the control because it placed them In a position where they knew what they were doing, and could satisfy their customers. Previously they had cheap bananas one week and jear ones the following week. That was not satisfactory either to the retailers or public. He believed that control would keep fruit at a priec that would be within the reach of all snd. spread over a period, the public would get a better deal than was the s ase previously. Control was giving •etailers a steady supply, and the Internal Marketing Department was always ready to accept suggestions from :he trade for improvements. Speculation Checked Mr Wrigglesworth said there were certain difficulties still to be overcome nut the scheme was not a failure be;ause of that. Contingencies were being met as thev arose, and the department had dealt with the disposal of undergrade fruit by allowing it to co to auction for what it would bring, consequently the fixed price was not leading to any waste. Mr Holland said the scheme was rhecking speculation. There, was a large difference between the price to growers and the price to consumers, but an investigation of packing and transport costs would show that merchants were not making excessive profits. The average retailer wanted to gef a steady supply at a reasonable prire. so that he could hold his customers. Without control that was impossible.