PRICE INQUIRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20619, 21 November 1941, Page 7

PRICE INQUIRY

VEGETABLE COSTS PRODUCERS’ OPINIONS MEANS OF REDUCTION (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A suggestion that land in North Canterbury could be utilised to replace the land lost to growers in the Hutt Valley and to supply vegetables to the Wellington market, was made by Mr. H. C. Frampton, representing the Christchurch Broker's’ Association, when giving • evidence about vegetable prices before the Price Tribunal to-day.

In reply to a question, he said he did not think that North Canterbury land could grow the early spring cabbages that came from the Hutt Valley. In Christchurch early spring cabbages came from dear land. It was only because of the high prices that they could be grown us a payable proposition. He said there was a wonderful opportunity in Nelson which, he thought, had not been tried out enough. He agreed that organisation of the growers’ side of the market garden industry would improve the position. Two tilings that would help most were the registration of growers and the regulation of supplies. Witness claimed that the auctioneers were giving efficient and good service 1o the growers and retailers. He did not see how prices could be fixed by treaty. Reduction in Costs Evidence was given by Mr. J. 11. Parker, assistant manager of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation. Replying to .Judge Hunter, he said the organisation of fruitgrowers had reduced costs, the result being cheaper ‘prices to the consumer. Mr. E. G. Robertson, general manager and director oi Market Gardens, Limited, a co-operative concern, said he did not think the Government should take any more land in the Hutt. Authorities in other countries were not so indiscreet as to • take away market garden land from the cities. He said it was ridiculous to talk about bringing vegetables to Wellington from the South Island. He instanced tomatoes. The freight was 2s Gd against 2d. In regard to auctioneering, he said: “We can sell £IOOO worth of produce in three hours, but under private treaty we might bicker with a buyer for three days.”