Distribution of N.Z. Lemons

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27149, 19 September 1953, Page 5

Distribution of N.Z. Lemons

Since the beginning of this month the distribution of New Zealand standard lemons in Christchurch has been handled by Fruit Distributors. Ltd., which has the monopoly of imports of citrus fruits and bananas. In September last year the New Zealand Fruit and Produce Merchants’ and Auctioneers’ Federation informed the Minister of Marketing (Mr K. J. Holyoake) that after October 3 its members would accept New Zealand lemons for sale only at the standard commission rate of 10 per cent. The Price Tribunal had increased the rate for lemons from 6j per cent, to 8$ per cent., but the fruit merchants and auctioneers claimed that it was uneconomic to handle New Zealand lemons at a lower rate than 10 per cent. When the merchants refused to handle the lemons, the Marketing Department, which was responsible for their distribution on behalf of the Citrus Marketing Committee, made other arrangements. In Christchurch the lemons were handled by a wholesale fruit merchant and other merchants. The transfer to Fruit Distributors. Ltd., has been made as the Marketing Department has ceased to exist