DRIED FRUITS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 195, 31 May 1934, Page 7

DRIED FRUITS

GROWERS SEEK PROTECTION. EXPEDITION FROM ABROAD. (Per Press Association). DUNEDIN, May 30. At a meeting of representatives of Otago and Canterbury fruit growers, held this evening, the following resolution was carried:

"That this meeting, representing the fruit growers of Otago and Canterbury, views with great alarm the losses occasioned by Government subsidised competition from Australia, and competition from Africa in canned and dried fruits. It recognises that the position is likely to be very much worse in the future, and it resolves that the very strongest recommendation be made to the New Zealand Government that the producers arid manufacturers of New Zealand should have sufficient protection, to ensure that their livelihood is assured. "The position is s becoming so serious that manufacturers and producers Lave no possibility of carrying on successfully. We believe that the situation not only jeopardises the position of present producers to the extent that orchardists may have eventually to walk off their orchards, but it also necessarily holds out no hope for expansion, and we are convinced that the two industries are interdependent. "In view of the present unemployment situation we believe that it would be disastrous to have these important industries wiped out. We respectfully ask for Government intervention on our behalf, and we suggest that the combined industries of fruit growing and canning be allowed to expand under a quota system—that is, that only such a'quantity of canned fruits and jams be allowed into New Zealand as will, with local production make up the total $ requirements ot New-Zealand. " "We feel that we must have the security of a permanent policy to. build our industry." - ... '. Arrangements are being made made for a deputation of fruit growers to wait on the Minister for Lands.