The Produce Trade

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 189, 7 May 1937, Page 13

The Produce Trade

Sir, —I thank Mr. Ned Williams for his reply to my letter wherein I commented upon the fact that with excessive dirt in potato sacks, buyers would have their remedy by demanding a rebate from the * .ing firm. I note that he remarks upon 3 to 41b. of dirt iu sugar bags containing new potatoes. The same relief applies in regard to this kind of pack. I also note that Mr. Williams signs himself as secretary of the Wellington Retailers’ Fruit-traders’ Association. I wonder whe’her he is satisfied in his own r..ind that every bag of fruit sold by all shopkeepers is without some blemish? Instead of Government interference it is in the hands of fruit auctioneers to point out to /tvers that if they do not grade properly. theu they must face lower prices at auction. One of the principal features of my letter in your issue of May 1 was that the Government inquiry committee suggested doing away with a number of shops; thus causing enr>ty premises ami making more unemployment and yet we have one of our Ministers “boosting" five-million population in New Zealand. Where is the rhyme or reason? With a 40-liour week, increase in wages, rates increasing, rents above what they should be, the cost of living soaring, and. mark you, it has not yet stopped, i§ this Dominion going to be the Elysium the Government now in power think it will be? Perish the thought! A tenant of a shop, relying upon his living in selling fruit, may have two or three or even more children dependent upon him. A bright prospect to be held over the heads of their families, if the Government acts as suggested.—l am, etc., MASTERMAN READY. Wellington, May 6.