POOR GRADE FRUIT?

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 124, 29 May 1939, Page 14

POOR GRADE FRUIT?

AT INCREASED COST. IMPORTS INTO NEW ZEALAND. DEPARTMENT CRITICISED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) TIMARU, this day. Strong criticism of the Internal Marketing Department in so far as imported fruits are concerned was voiced at a general meeting of thy South Island Fruiterers' Federation, held at Waimate during the week-end. There was considerable discussion in iegard to the marketing of oranges. Imnanas, lemons an<T other imported fruits. The general opinion was that consumers were not getting value- It was stated that oranges of a quality previously unknown on the Xew Zealand market were being introduced at a eos-t far in excess of the nominal value. The same thing applied to bananas. Fruiterers related **»ari«ni»* experiences and unanimously agreed that the quality had receded since imported fruit came under the control of the Internal Marketing Department. The general feeling at the meeting, as expressed in a statement released later, was that the federation should not embarrass the < ioveiitiient. If anything it was anxious to assist. Matters, however, had reached .-uch a pitch that it was imperative that some improvement should take place in the near future. When speaking of lemons, delegates said the Marketing Department must have been aware always of the shortage of that fruit in May. Strong criticism centred on the Department's action ill allowing an acute shortage of lemons, accompanied by existing high juices. The formation of a new union, taking in fruit, confectionery, dairy and cake shop employees, was discussed, but delegates considered that because the question of hours and wages would shortly be considered by a Conciliation Council, it would not be wise to issue anv statement concerning the issue. Counter demands to meet the position were formulated, the Christchureh Fruit Buyers' Association l>eing congratulated for its work in that connection. The licensing of fruit shops so as to give a more efficient service to the public was the subject of spirited debate. It was decided to make a more thorough investigation before reaching a definite decision. Air. -I. A- Adams, of Christchurch, was elected president to the federation, and Mr. K. (iuttine. also of Christchurch, secretary. A strong committee, with two representatives of each affiliated association, was appointed.