MARKETING METHODS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 123, 27 May 1930, Page 11

MARKETING METHODS

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

FORM OF INQUIRY SETTLED

finality has boon reached by tho Government, after much negotiation which has caused soino delay, in regard to the promised inquiry into the methods of marketing fruit and vegetables.

The Minister of -Industries and Commerce (the Hon. J.B. Donald) informed a "Post" re-porter to-day that Cabinet had decided to refer the inquiry to the Industries and Commerce Committee of the House of .Representatives early in the coming session. The Committee would be asked to hear evidence and furnish a report to the House. Tho investigation was set on foot as a result of a petition last year to tho Houso of Representatives by the fruit and vegetable retailers of Wellington. It was then decided to set up a departmental inquiry to be conducted by the officers of the Department -of Industries and Commerce. In March last, however, a deputation from various -fruiterers, vegetable growers, and fruitgrowers of the Dominion met the Hon. G. W. Forbes and asked that the inquiry should bo made a public ono. A deputation fYoin growers and retailers waited upon tho Hon. J. B. Donald at Auckland a few days later with a similar request. It was also submitted to the Government that the proposed Committee should consist of .representatives of the various interests concerned (growers, merchants, and retailers), and it has become apparent that such a Committee could not bo expected to work harmoniously. The cost also was expected to bo considerable, probably between ono and two thousand pounds. '■'In the circumstances," the Minister stated to-day, "the Government has decided' to adopt tho course' mentioned, which will allow of evidence being given by any person who desires to do

so." _ ■ It was previously announced that the subjects , of inquiry would include the present channels of disposal of fruit and vegetables; the^classes sold in each locality; methods of packing and grading; labelling, marking,- handling, and transport to markets; the sources oi supply of cases; the methods of dealing with second-hand cases and other packages; facilities for cool storage and the extent to which fruit for local markets is stored; sales methods; the methods of accounting of distributors; the functions of growers' organisations regarding marketing and advertising; tho extent of sales of fruit and vegetables in New Zealand and the utilisation' of surplus- supplies.