REGISTRATION PLAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 226, 23 September 1932, Page 3

REGISTRATION PLAN.

GROWERS OF TOMATOES.

MR. FORBES TO CONSIDER.

REGULATION OF IMPORTS.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The Prime Minister to-day promisee , a large deputation of tomato and stone fruitgrowers that he would consult with the Minister of Agriculture regarding the possibility of introducing a bill to provide for the compulsory registration of tomato growers. He also promise.! to look into the question of regulating the importation of tomatoes from Rarotonga and the importation of cucumbers and vegetables from Australia. The deputation included representative* of Auckland growers. Mr. C. Pope, Dominion president of the Tomato and Stone Fruitgrowers' Council, said that if the bill were passed it would enable the growers to organise to fight diseases, improve the quality of their product, go in foe national advertising, subsidise research work and prevent wasteful competition. Mr. G. A. Green said injury was done the growers of cucumbers and marrows, especially in Auckland, by the importation of these vegetables from Australia. He also referred to the danger of diseases being introduced by the continued importation of Earotongan tomatoes. Messrs. S. W. House and E. Turner, on behalf of the Auckland growers, asked that steps be taken to regulate imported tomatoes and- vegetables. After promising to look into the matter of a registration bill, Mr. Forbes said that Rarotonga was part of New Zealand, and its relationship with the main part of' the Dominion was similar to that of Stewart Island. It was difficult to put an embargo on produce from one part of the Dominion, but he would look into the question, as much capital was invested in the industry in New Zealand.