WEATHER TO BLAME

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 7, 9 January 1942, Page 6

WEATHER TO BLAME

Commenting today on the Price Tribunal's report, Mr. F. S. Hewer, who 1 until recently owned one of the largest market gardens iri the Hutt Valley

and who has always taken a keen interest in the growing and marketing of vegetables, said that sufficient stress had not been laid upon the question 61 the shortage of labour which commenced four years ago and which war conditions have brought to a head. The shortening of the hours of work has gradually resulted in a reduction of production per acre, ; <

The main, reason for ithe immediate shortage and consequent high prices was undoubtedly, the unfavourable weather, conditions of the past and present seasons.

■■-. Mi1. Hewer said he doubted whether the present auctioneering system, which had proved itself over a long period of years, should be altered. The law of supply and demand acted as fairly as any other system during periods of shortage and high prices.

Mr. Hewer questioned the tribunal's finding that the y number of retail shops was a factor in increasing prices.'"v-I;:':;.;.':*■■■■:;•::■.;,' . . ]"' ■■-;• •■