FRUIT MARKETING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 185, 7 August 1930, Page 10

FRUIT MARKETING.

INVESTIGATION OPENED.

RETAILERS' DIFFICULTIES.

DISHONEST PACKING METHODS,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day. The inquiry by the Industries and Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives into the marketing of fruit and vegetables was opened to-day in Wellington. Mr. Campbell, Director of Horticulture, said he considered that if the methods of distribution were improved, and fruit sold at a reasonable price, people could consume all the fruit grown in the Dominion. He thought that if the number of shops were reduced less fruit would be consumed. He had a lot of sympathy with the retailer in the prices he charged, because he had to face losses not common to other retailers. Another obstacle to the retailer was the fact that a certain amount of dishonest packing was done. The volume placed 011 the market daily _ made it impossible for a comprehensive inspection to be made, and one of the improvements suggested by the retailers was compulsory standardisation. That scheme was carried out in parts of Canada and the United States. It was essential that something bo done to prevent inferior fruit being covered by better fruit at the market. Mr. Campbell said that in some centres in England growers had an association and a standard and depended on the stigma of disqualification from the association to maintain the standard. It was essential that a minimum standard be fixed in New Zealand. Replying to questions, Mr. Campbell said he thought there was something to bo said for an open market. Mr. Tait, a grower, said if all growers packed as they did for export half of their troubles Would be over. He was not in favour of price fixation but was in favour of Mr. Campbell's proposal to fix a minimum quality. Growers wore not out for big prices, but only for fair profit over production costs. The cost of standardisation should be borne equally by growers and retailers. However, the system would be to the benefit of growers even if they had to bear the whole cost.