POINTS FROM LETTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 237, 6 October 1936, Page 14

POINTS FROM LETTERS.

FRUIT RETAILERS' HOURS. T'he letter signed 'by It. A. Kealey, president New Zealand European Fruit Retailers' Association, may possibly mislead the public as to the executive standing in the trade, and to many fruit retailers' views regarding earlier closing. The position regarding the former is that some months ago a movement was started in Auckland to form a Fruit Retailers' Association, the main objects being to secure better co-operation between wholesaler and retailer, to press for better grading and packing of fruit and produce by growers, botli overseas and local, and to endeavour to obtain some standardisation. in the prices of imported fruits. As these were all matters of vital importance to fruiterers, including Chinese and Hindus (and to the public), it was felt that success could only be attained by extending membership to both these races, and they readily lent their assistance to the project. However, after formation, it was found that there were a few objectors to the Asiatics, and these eventually formed an association of their own, with Mr. Kealey as president. While that association represents only a portion of the "shop" retailers of fruit in the Auckland metropolitan area, and only one or two of the larger ones, it is rather difficult to justify its existence as a "Xew Zealand" body. Wellington, it is understood, has one association embracing all races, and it is doubtful whether a European body exists in any of the other centres. Perhaps Mr. Kealey can incidentally explain the influence of his association throughout the Dominion, otherwise he should in future substitute the word "Auckland'" for "Xew Zealand"' in the designation of his body, and so refrain from misleading the public as to his real official status i:i the trade. The trading hours are entirely in the hands of retailers themselves. At present there is only one legal method of altering tlie trading hours, viz by requisition. If Mr. Kenlev is so certain that these hours are going to be reduced, why does lie not adopt the legal method and ascertain the views of those concerned by obtaining their signatures to such a requisition, and making proper legal representations to the right quarters? There is a feeling in the trade that a few are endeavouring to have shorter hours brought in by Act of Parliament, irrespective of the feelings of a large number of their fellow tradesmen, or of the public generally. EUROPEAN FRUITERER.