LOCAL FRUIT MARKET

Evening Star, Issue 22718, 4 August 1937, Page 5

LOCAL FRUIT MARKET

URGENT NEED DF REHABILITATION [Pee United Peeks Association.] WELLINGTON, August 3. The opinion that the introduction by the Government of the compulsory standardisation of fruit was the first step toward rehabilitating the industry in New Zealand was expressed iby Mr H. E. Stephens, chairman of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board, in an address to the annual conference to-day. “ The rehabilitation of the local market is a dire necessity, not only because of the collapse of overseas markets, hut because the present unsettled world conditions indicate that war is not an altogether remote possibility. Should it unfortunately occur, it is almost certain there would bo no shipping space available for the export of fruit, which would mean that the whole of the crop would have to be disposed of to the best advantage within New Zealand; and under the unsatisfactory conditions which prevail at present this would be a complete disaster to the fruit industry,” Mr Stephens said. ‘‘ Orderly marketing, therefore, from the growers’ point of view and also from a national point of view is a matter of great urgency. It was with pleasure that the fruitgrowers learnt of the decision of the Government to investigate'these matters, but since the report of the investigation last January very little seems to have been done, and at present the industry has no clear programme ahead of it.” The Commission of Inquiry had indicated that the crux of the problem was tho, need, for reducing expenses between the producer and the consumer, continued Mr Stephens. It was doubtful whether the trade could do this unless it was assisted toward complete organisation by sopie authoritative and sympathetic organisation such as the present Government. With the help of the Government the trade could no doubt work out its own salvation to tho benefit of the country as a whole, and it was hoped that a definite constructive programme would bo prepared. In the meantime it was only reasonable to suggest that growers should he granted a guarantee which would recompense them for the economic and efficient production of fruit.