COULD CONSUME ALL OUR FRUIT

Evening Star, Issue 20556, 7 August 1930, Page 10

COULD CONSUME ALL OUR FRUIT

MARKETING PROBLEMS RETAILERS’ OBSTACLES [Pjeb Uhttid Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 7. The inquiry by the Industries and Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives into the marketing of fruit and vegetables opened today, the Wellington evidence being taken, • - . . Mr Campbell, Director of Horticulture, considered that, if the methods of distribution were improved and the fruit sold at a reasonable price, people could consume all the fruit grown in the dominion. He thought that if the number of shops were reduced less fruit- would be consumed. He had a lot of sympathy with the retailer in the prices he charged, because he had to face losses not common to other retailers. He mentioned that another obstacle ■ to the retailer was the fact of a certain amount of dishonest packing. _ The volume placed on the market daily made it impossible for a comprehensive inspection to be made, and one of the improvements suggested by the retailers was compulsory standardisation. That scheme was carried out in parts of .Canada and the States. It was essential that something be done to prevent an inferior being covered by a better class product at the market. _ Mr Tait, a grower, said that if all growe/s packed as they did for export half the troubles would be over. 3° was not in favour of price fixation, but was in favour of Mr Campbell’s proposal to fix a minimum quality. . The growers Were not out for big prices, but only for a fair profit over production costs. The cost of standardisation should be borne equally by the growers and the retailers. However, the system would be to the benefit of . the growers even if they had to bear the whole cost. Mr Campbell said that m some centres in England the growers had an association and a standard, and depended on the stigma of disqualifica-tion-from the association to maintain that standard. It was essential that a minimum standard bo fixed in New Zealand. - Questioned, ho said be thought there was something to bo said for an open market.