IMPORTED BULBS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 100, 25 October 1933, Page 9

IMPORTED BULBS

GROWERS SEEK DUTY

EFFECT OF COMPETITION

HARD-HIT INDUSTRY

The imposition of a duty of 25 per cent. on. all imported bulbs except hyacinths and tulips was sought by the New Zealand Horticultural Trades Association before the Tariff Commission today. Dr. G. Craig, Comptroller of Customs, presided, and associated with him were Professor B. E. Murphy and Messrs. J. B. Gow and G. A. Pascoc. In presenting tho association's case, the Dominion secretary (Mr. G. A. Green) said that all bulbs were at present admitted duty free. In tho established lines the bulb growers of New Zealand were producing more bulbs than the retail trade could absorb at a low selling price, and in many cases at prices which* allowed no profit to growers or retailers. The overseas competition was from the genuine trade in new and standard varieties, as, for instance, from the Dutch Bulb Growers' Association, and from outside firms not recognised by the association or registered by tho Dutch Government. The firms in the latter-category were endeavouring to establish a retail trade with New Zealand under conditions with which the standard Dutch firms and the New Zealand growers could not compote. In one case at least tho prices for all bulbs packed for New Zealand were quoted in New Zealand currency, so that the firm concerned not only paid the exchange but the freight as well. In many instances, too, the retail prices, less exchange and postage, were very much lower than those at which the same varieties could bo purchased from the reliable Dutch firms. Many cheap imported bulbs were affected by disease. SUPPLY EXCEEDS DEMAND. •Evidence was given showing that bulb production in New Zealand exceeded tho demand in many lines. The industry was operated on expert lines, and the capital invested was considerable, while employment was given to several hundreds of persons during the season. ■ ■ "A very enterprising firm," commented. Professor Murphy, when Mr. Green referred to the acceptance by a Dutch firm of New Zealand money without deduction for exchange. "There is no sin in that. Why shouldn't they, if they want to undercut you"" Mr. Green: There is no sin in it if it is a genuine business. They are interfering with our legitimate internal trade. Professor Murphy: Nonsense! You haven't got a vested right to the whole market. Your trouble, on your own statement, is over-production. "OUT TO BEAT THE PUBLIC." Mr. Green said the difficulty with a free market was that the worst quality bulbs were being sold to the public, who could not ascertain the quality until the blooms arrived. Tho position had been recognised by tho British Government, ' and it was desired that the New Zealand Government should also realise that certain firms were "out to beat the public." Dr. Craig: Where do you get that from? Mr. Green: Tho British Government only recognises persons approved by the Dutch Government. This firm, has not been approved. A little later Mr. Green, referring to the quality of v bulbs before they flowered, remarked that he knew Professor Murphy was an expert on many subjects, but it was doubtful whether he .could distinguish between one' bulb and another. . . Professor Murphy: I could not tell whether it was a turnip or a potato. (Laughter.) •,, ' Mr. Gow: A nurseryman cannot tell until he sees the flower, either. That was why bulbs should be purchased from reputable people only, replied Mr. Green. "What redress have wo against these men who are selling at half-price?" he added. "The quality is not there, and only those who have dealt with them know what the result is."