PRICE OF PRODUCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20526, 9 April 1941, Page 5

PRICE OF PRODUCE

PROTEST BY WOMEN COMPLAINT TO MINISTER A deputation from the United Women's Movement, representing a group of Dunedin women’s organisty lions, waited on the Minister ot Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, to discuss the price of fruit in New Zealand, and allegations that meat was being used for fertiliser, and that fish had been dumped. It was staled that families with small incomes and pensioners could not buy fruit and meat even while there was a surplus. The leader of the deputation said that the Minister must know of the rumours that meat was being destroyed or used as fertiliser, although the public had riot received a halfpenny reduction in prices. Another member said she had been told by a butcher that meat was being turned into fertiliser at the freezing works at Burnside.

In reply the Minister said it might be thought that apples were dear, but the producer had to be paid. The provision for families with lower incomes had been met to some extent by the giving of apples to children in schools. As for the alleged dumping of fish, he knew nothing about it. He added that the meat which it had been stated was used for fertiliser might have been unfit for consumption. It was not Ihe policy of the Government to use meat for this purpose. When asked if the price of surplus butter would be fixed, Mr. Jones said that, if butter was sold at a lower price taxation would have to rise lo cover the loss of revenue from export. He could not say whether the price would be lowered if there was a surplus. The Minister said that he would bring the question involving {lie use of meal for fertiliser before the Government, and would investigate any specific complaints forwarded to hiih about the other mailers.