A BROKER'S VIEW

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 74, 28 March 1930, Page 12

A BROKER'S VIEW

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l Jmve not the slightest intention of entering into a Press controversy with llv. A. W. Press, but ask sufficient of your space to correct some of the erroneous and absurd statements he makes under the above heading—statements which cannot be allowed to go forth to the public unchallenged. It appears to me the gentleman has allowed himself to become over zealous in his cause of defence. Mr. Press says it must be borne in mind that for .some years past it has been an offence to adopt methods that are calculated to deceive purchasers by packing other as described by brand or label. Note, as described by brand or'label, a thing practically non-existent in the produce line and variable in fruit—one of the very points we shall ask for during the inquiry. Mr. Press then goes on to say that prosecutions were numerous when the Act first became law, but the almost complete freedom of prosecution _ during the past two years is in my opinion sufficent justification for saying that the statements were far-fetched, and I feel positive will not be confirmed by reputable retailers of standing and experience, considering that few retailers of standing and experience have been able to survive the conditions, and that practically every retailer, totalling 135, signed the petition of inquiry. Will , Mr. Press produce the men referred to? Now to the facts, from the. year 1917 to 192S I know of no prosecution for this offence. Can Mr. Press cite one? Although with an active organisation for part of that period when deputations went to the Minister, also Dr. Reakes, no relief to our grievances could be obtained at the hands of the Government. A little over two years ago conditions had reached such a stage that our fellows were simply fading out of business, and complaints were so numerous that I personally appealed to the then Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Hawken. He " promised at this interview that he would gazette the present regulations or bring down legislation to deal with the matter that session. This promise .ho faithfully kept, ami gazetted the present regulations a few months later, winch must always remain to his credit. All the prosecutions— about ten in number, and many warnings —have takeu place since that ;time, a

little over two years ago. Many cases were forced upon the Department which had to be spurred to activity by complaint. The first prosecution in New Zealand for fraudulent packing of apples was taken last year, and tomatoes this year. Mr. Press says the complaints have grown so infiuitisimal; yet most brokers keep printed dockets in pad form for making refunds and adjustments for those fortunate enough to get them. It took me twelve months to obtain one which was clearly a breach of contract. Mr. Press then goes on to say: "I fancy those complaining are under a delusion that^ it is possible to produce potatoes, turnips, carrots, etc., of an even size as though manufactured by machinery." I assume this statement is a subterfuge to side-track the public. All we ask under this heading is that the small potatoes, etc., usually sold as pig food, shall be bagged or cased as such and not artfully be placed in the centre or bottom of the Vg or case as now takes place. This condition docs riot pertain in other countries. Why is our legislation so far behind Australia? For instance, the Farm Produce Act of N.S.W., 1920, considerably helped the honest producer and decreased prices to the consumer, yet the brokers fought the passing of this measure tooth and nail. We are seeking . a competent judicial inquiry where the evidence can be given in public and the finding clearly weighed. Surely if Mr. Press can sustain his assertions that everything in the gardeu is lovely, he has noth- , ing to fear so let us maintain ourselves in peace without threats or malice, and don't worry about Departments that can shoulder their own responsibilities. Most people can see a hole in a ladder. —I am, etc., J. W. RAXSON.