FRUIT IN CAMPS

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 112, 12 May 1916, Page 5

FRUIT IN CAMPS

WHAT THE SOLDIER PAYS

FOR IT,

Soldiers in camp are badly served in the matter of fruit, according to Mr. Moffatt (Port Albert),.speaking at the Fruitgrowers' Conference yesterday. He thought the average price realised for r'ruit in Wellington was 2d per pound, but the soldier in camp, a-s he knew, had had to pay Sd per pound for very indifferent fruit indeed. They received little enough in pay in all ■ conscience, and yet it seemed that the utmost was being extorted from them.

Mr. Sissons (Wanganui) said the secretlay iii canteen charges. The matter was one. to be rectified by the Minister for Defence.

The Chairman (Mr. Attwood) said the canteen was let.

A member said the Featherston canteen was. let for £5000. The fruit there was purchased for 2d per pound from the Greytown Fruit Growing Company. It was sold at an exorbitant price. It was pointed out that 6d was paid at . Trentham for three small pears. (Shame.)

Other speakers pointed out that the canteen rights were already purchased. Mr. Lougton said the way to accomplish the object was to urge the Government to abolish the sale of canteen rights altogether. If £5000 were paid for the rights it was manifest that the fruit would have to bear the extra charge. Mr. A. M'Kee (Nelson) said fruit should be cut out of canteen privileges. Then there would be free trade in fruit, and people would provide it. It was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the executive of the federation.