CITRUS INDUSTRY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 12484, 19 October 1938, Page 5

CITRUS INDUSTRY

ACUTE POSITION QUESTION BEFORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPLY EXCEEDS DEMAND The acute position of the citrus fruit market was mentioned by the Chairman, Mr D. A. Ivory, at last night’s meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. He said the matter was one of considerable moment to the district and the Chamber would be very willing to assist the growers in any *way that it could. Mr Strange, Chairman of the Citrus Association Committee, explain- [ ed that the position was acute, and representations had been made to the Government but so far no action had [ been taken. The return to the growers was anything but satisfactory. Two grades of fruit were not being taken at the depot. He quoted particulars in regard to costs of growing, and curing and marketing fruit. The position was a very serious one for Lthe growers. The price should be fixed on a fair basis for the producers. [ Mr Jaeger stated he was assured | by the Hon. W. Nash that the ques- | tion of marketing would receive his early attention. Mr Bieleski moved —That the Chamber support the Citrus Association in its efforts to improve the | citrus fruit market.—The Chairman seconded. »

Mr Strange said the value of the, lemon was not generally known, and if the people were conversant with its many uses the consumption of fruit could be greatly increased. Mr Christian made a suggestion that advertising should receive attention.

Several speakers urged that an advertising campaign would tend to increase consumption of a very valuable fruit.

Mr Jaeger made a suggestion that the Tauranga Citrus Association should have agents in each of the principal towns and they could be paid on a commission basis. The hawking system was detrimental to the citrus industry and should be stopped. Mr Strange replied that the Citrus Association had agents in various towns, but the direct trade had falleii. The supply to-day exceeded the demand.

Mr Bieleski’s motion was put and carried unanimously. Mr Strange said the help of the Chamber of Commerce and the remarks of members were appreciated by the Citrus Association. He would submit the matter again to the Hon. Mr Nash.