STATE MARKETING SCHEME

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22269, 7 December 1937, Page 15

STATE MARKETING SCHEME

TO THE EDITOR OF TH» PRESS. Sir,—The Labour Government's handling of the new marketing scheme a? it affects the fruit trade will be v/atched with much interest, if not anxiety. Some years ago a vote was taken on the question of control, and the fruitgrowers turned down the proposal by a big majority. In Canterbury, where there are 500 registered orchardists in and round the city alone, five growers only voted for control. In Auckland province, with 800 in and round the city, 100 voted for the proposal. There have always been three parties in the fruit trade, the grower, the auctioneer, and the retailer. A fourth party butting in can only cause confusion, irritation, and loss. The licensing system proposed is quite a good idea. This means that if we object to the marketing regulation, our licence may be taken away and we will have to sell out or lease our orchards. As regards our local fruit markets, I fail to see where we can improve them. Some growers grumble at a recent increase in selling charges; but what service is there to-day which has not been increased in cost? Take a workman's home, which cost round about £6OO three years ago. We find it now costs £IOOO to build, and charges are going up in every direction.—Yours, etc., E. FREEMAN. December 4, 1037. .