STANDARDISING STONE FRUIT

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23362, 23 June 1941, Page 6

STANDARDISING STONE FRUIT

OPPOSITION FROM

GROWERS

Unanimous opposition to compulsory standardisation of stone fruits was shown by the Christchurch Stone Fruit and Tomato Growers’ Association on Saturday evening and a motion of protest was framed. Mr C. E. Pope, the chairman, reported that on Friday a deputation from the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation waited on the Hon. J. G. Barclay (Minister for Marketing) to object to standardisation. Members of the deputation had told the Minister that the proposed regulations would place impossible demands on unobtainable labour, and had asked for the scheme to be dropped. The deputation had asked for a, reply by July 4, failing which a petition to the House of Representatives would be made. The meeting discussed Mr Pope’s report. and Mr E. Freeman said not 2 per cent, of growers wanted the standardisation.

Mr Pope then moved that: “This association expresses its disapproval of the proposed regulations and protests strongly against the introduction of standardisation of stone fruit, and considers that the provisions of fair packing regulations are adequate.” This motion will be sent to Mr Barclay with a letter asking for a deputation to be heard on his next visit.