DIRECT SUPPLY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21947, 15 February 1946, Page 2

DIRECT SUPPLY

SALES OF FRUIT EMPLOYEES PROTEST (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 5. The decision by the Internal Marketing Division to introduce a system of direct supply of apples and pears to bulk purchasers in future was regarded as a serious threat to theil' livelihood by 300 employees of all fruit and produce merchants who held a meeting to discuss the matter yesterday. An intimation was received that the New Zealand Fruit and Produce Merchant and Auctioneers’ Federation had been advised by the Internal Marketing Division of its intention to introduce the new system. Advice also has been received in Auckland that the Fruit-Marketing Council intends to encourage as far as possible sales from orchard assembly depots. At yesterday’s meeting the. following motion was carried: “That this meeting of employees of fruit and produce merchants, being fully representative of a total of more than 500 persons employed in the ‘industry in Auckland, is very gravely concerned at the intimation received from the Internal Marketing Division that it is its intention to introduce a system of direct supply of apples and pears to bulk purchasers in the future, We consider this a direct threat to our livelihood and request that such action be countermanded.” Wellington” protest (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 15. One hundred and fifty employees of the Wellington fruit .markets held a meeting yesterday to discuss reports of the Fruit Council’s intention to supply apples and pears direct to retailers. Seven of the eight Wellington firms were represented. The following motion was carried: — “This meeting strongly protests against the proposed undemocratic action of the Fruit Council in the marketing of pip fruit as being against the best interests of the public of New Zealand, and authorises the Wellington Fruit Brokers Association to take any effective practical action against the proposal with the full support of the employees.”

A copy of the resolution, which has been sent to the acting Prime Minister. Mr. W. Nash, and other members of Parliament, is being sent by cablegranr to the Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser, in London.