LICENSING OF FRUIT SHOPS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22358, 23 March 1938, Page 11

LICENSING OF FRUIT SHOPS

PROPOSAL TO BE SENT TO

GOVERNMENT

“The executive appreciates the large attendance of members, which shows that the fruiterers are realising the good work the executive has done, and the need of greater co-operation between the retail fruiterers for the protection of their businesses,” said Mr F. O. Bentley at an extraordinary general meeting of the Canterbury Fruit Buyers’ Association, held in the Young Men’s Christian Association, to receive the executive’s report on an interview with Mr F. Picot, Director of Internal Marketing, and to discuss the licensing of shops and early closing. The secretary, Mr C. Capes, in presenting the report, said there was no question that in the selection of Mr Picot the Government had made the best choice. The Government would control the importing of bananas, grapes, and citrus fruits, and Mr Picot had assured the executive that there would be ample supplies at lower prices than in former years, said Mr Capes, The report was adopted. The question of urging on the Government the advisability of licensing fruit shop? was discussed. Mr Bentley said there was no question that there were too many fruit shops in the city, and the business was certainly overcrowded. The time had come when the genuine fruiterers should have some protection against other businesses selling fruit as a side line, and who were not legitimate fruiterers. After a general discussion, the following resolution was carried, with only two dissentients;—“ That this special meeting proceed immediately to ask the Government to license fruit and confectionery shops in the Canterbury district" A proposal for earlier closing of fruit shops was considered for some time. It was decided that the matter be left over for further consideration as to the decision on the closing hours and the best method of securing them.