FRUIT FRIGE ORDERS

Evening Star, Issue 26042, 5 March 1947, Page 8

FRUIT FRIGE ORDERS

A RIDICULOUS BASIS BLACK MARKET TRADE ALARMING (P.A.) NELSON, March 4. At a representative meeting of fruitgrowers from the Nelson district held at Tasman strong disapproval was expressed of the Governments delay in replying to a request by the industry for air increased price for the current season’s crop.

The following resolution was adopted unanimously : —“ This meeting of Nelson fruitgrowers is gravely dissatisfied with the failure of the Government to announce a satisfactory price by February 26 as promised by the Stabilisation Commission. This meeting demands—first, the withholding of any contemplated further issue of price orders on the present, ridiculous basis; secondly, a minimum guarantee of 9s; and, thirdly, an adjustment of the price orders to the value of fruit relative to other products.

“ Tim increasing extent to which fruit is being sold outside the marketiug sclionte,” the resolution continued, “ is ample evidence that a price increase is warranted. The alarming proportions that the black market trade is endanger the successful establishment of a permanent marketing organisation, and in view oit these considerations we ask that immediate action be taken.” A provincial meeting of grgwers will be called to discuss the question of setting up a marketing scheme for the Nelson province.