PRICE OF ORANGES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20826, 3 July 1942, Page 5

PRICE OF ORANGES

NO EXCESSIVE PROFITS (P.R.) WELLINGTON, this day. Referring to the price of oranges, the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. J. G. Barclay, when referring to an urgent question by Mr. J. Robertson (Lab., Masterton) in the House of Representatives, said that the Government had no control over the f.o.b. prices charged by Australia, which had advanced by over 50 per cent within the last two years. The wholesale prices charged to retailers by the Internal Marketing Division were merely sufficient to cover the higher purchase prices and increased handling charges resulting from war conditions. Retail prices were subject to regulation to maximum margins, and on the present wholesale list must not exceed Is 6d to 4s 6d a dozen according to the size of the fruit. "The Government is aware that relatively high prices have been ruling for New Zealand home-grown sweet oranges and Meyer lemons,” said the Minister. “The Government exercises no control over the wholesale prices of these fruits, although the retail prices are subject to maximum retail margins above the actual wholesale price charged.” Recently a small consignment ox Second crop oranges left Gisborne for southern markets, and they secured prices ranging from £1 18s to £4 per case, prices Which should give growers a handsome return. Meyer lemons from this district, also, have sold exceptionally well.