THE SALE OF FRUIT. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 21, 18 June 1896, Page 6

THE SALE OF FRUIT. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir — Referring to your leaderette dealing with the proposed action of the Nelson and Motueka fruit-growers, in disposing of their produce forwarded to this city by means of opening retail shops managed by their own agents, permit me to encroach on your valuable space to point out some of the difficulties they will be met with in their undertaking. Firstly: A large amount of capital would have to be forthcoming, as owing to the number of Chinese fruit-sellers it would necessitate opening up at least two shops in every busy street. The rents alone would bring the net return of their fruit down a considerable amount. ; Secondly, they would have to employ not only reliable agents, but men who thoroughly understood their Chinese opponents, and were well conversant with the business ways of our city ; and thirdly, the agents would have to purchase largely from the auctioneers such fruits as pines, bananas, and other classes of fruit that are not grown in their district, but which are absolutely necessary for the success of the undertaking, and any loss Accruing from such purchases (as often occurs) would have to be borne by the supporters of this scheme. Then, sir, do you not consider our city is now overdone with fruit vendors ? I agree with those who propose making arrangements with the auctioneers to push their fruit, &c, before the Australian shipments. The wholesale fruit business is in the hands of four well-established firms here, and they are doing their utmost to satisfy their shippers, as any outsider can see by attending fruit sales and watching the way in which each line is pushed; and furthermore, the Auctioneers have recently formed themselves into an association, which should make the wholesale selling a greater success. Trusting you will be able to insert this letter, and feeling sure that most Nelsonians will see the force of these remarks, I am, &c, Zealandia. "Wellington, 17th June.