FIXED RATES FOR FRUIT

Evening Star, Issue 22975, 4 June 1938, Page 25

FIXED RATES FOR FRUIT

-BREACH QUICKLY ADJUSTED [Peb United Press Association.) AUCKLAND. June 3. The second largest consignment of Island fruit since the Government took over control of shipments and distribution arrived in Auckland today by the Island trader Matua. It came from the Cook group, and comprised 19,252 cases of oranges. 2469 cases of bananas, 1552 boxes of tomatoes, 126 cases of mandarins. 37 cases of grapefruit, and 34 cases <pf lemons. The fruit arrived in fair condition, the estimated wastage being from 10 to 15 per cent., according to the condition of the fruit. Wholesale prices were fixed at 8s 6d to 11s a case, and it was estimated that the average price was about 10s a case. Complaints were later made by retailers that, despite assurances by the Minister of Marketing (Mr Nash) that the oranges and bananas wnuld not be sold at prices in excess of those fixed by the Director of Marketing (Mr F. R. Picot), oranges in the shipment were offered for sale at two city markets at prices showing an increase from 20 to 40 per cent, on the fixed rates. Such fruit was offered to country buyers, who were unable to investigate the position, because they had to catch boats, trains or motor transport .services, and also to city fruiterers whose shelves were bare. There were protests, however, and the increase was short-lived, the auction of oranges being suspended. Prices later reverted to the fixed rates in. the manner that has been followed in other centres. It is stated that the excess amounts paid were later either refunded or will be refunded to those who had bought oranges at high prices. Fruit not intended for Auckland was practically all railed away by to-night. For Auckland oranges, it is stated, the retailers will pay at the fixed rates the equivalent of about Is a dozen for sound fruit. On that basis the retail prices should range from Is 3d a dozen.