BIG SHIPMENT OF FRUIT

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22419, 4 June 1938, Page 13

BIG SHIPMENT OF FRUIT

* FIXED PRICES ENFORCED AT AUCKLAND CONSIGNMENT FROM ISLANDS HANDLED BY GOVERNMENT (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 3. The second largest consignment of island fruit since the Government took over the control of shipments and distribution arrived in Auckland in the island trader Matua, It came from the Cook group and comprised 19,252 cases of oranges, 2469 cases of bananas, 1552 boxes of tomatoes, 126 cases of mandarins, 37 cases of grapefruit, and 34 cases of lemons. The fruit arrived in fair condition, the estimated wastage being from 19 to 15 per cent. According to the condition of the fruit, the wholesale prices were fixed at 8s fid to 11s a case, and it was estimated -that the average price was about 10s a case. Complaints were later made by retailers that in spite of assurances by the Minister for Marketing (the Hon. W. Nash) that oranges and bananas would not be sold at prices in excess of those fixed by the Director of Marketing (Mr F. R. Picot), the. oranges in the shipment were offered for sale at two city markets at prices showing an increase of from 20 to 40 per cent, on the fixed rales. Such fruit was offered to country buyers, who were unable to investigate the position, because they had to catch boats, trains, or motor transport services, and also to city fruiterers whose shelves were bare. There were protests, however, and the increase was short-lived, the auction of oranges being suspended. Prices later reverted to the fixed. rates in the manner that has been followed in other centres. It is stated that the excess amounts paid were later either refunded or will be refunded to those who had bought oranges at the high prices Fruit not intended for Auckland was practically all railed away by to-night For Auckland oranges, it is stated, retailers will pay at fixed rates equivalent to about Is a dozen for sound fruit. On that basis, retail prices should range from Is 3d a dozen