FRUIT TRANSPORT SYSTEM CRITICISED

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31764, 22 August 1968, Page 16

FRUIT TRANSPORT SYSTEM CRITICISED

Government delay in giving effect to the recommendations of the late Mr F. F. Reid, S.BL, from hit 1966 inquiry into the transport of fresh fruit and vegetables was criticised in the annual report of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation, Ltd, presented to its Canterbury provincial conference yesterday. “It is disappointing that the Government has still taken no action apart from extending the restriction-free area from 75 to 100 miles,” the report said. “It will be agreed that such a small concession is of little help to producers.

“The Government’s in-1 action has not gone unchallenged. and representations have already been made and are continuing, urging the' Government to implement the; recommendations, and, in I particular, to give producers freedom to choose the mode of transport suited to their requirements.’'

The federation’s policy on ease charges had been accepted by retailers under protest Cardboard containers had now been included. The 5c charge did not cover costs, but it did give the grower some return. The federation had approved research grants totalling $12,300 for the study of industry problems. Among the grants was $4OOO, to be spread over two or more years, to enable Professor B. P. Philpott, of Lincoln College, to do an economic survey on fresh fruit and vegetable marketing.