FRUIT INDUSTRY

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1937, Page 5

FRUIT INDUSTRY

NEED FOR ORGANISATION. [Per Press Association!. WELLINGTON, August 3. The opinion that the introduction by the Government of compulsory standardisation of fruit was the first step toward rehabilitating the industry in New Zealand was expressed by Mr H. E. Stephens, chairman of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board, in an address to lhe annual conference to-day. “The rehabilitation of the local market, is a dire necessity, not only because of the collapse of overseas markets, ’but because the present unsettled world conditions indicate that war is not altogether a remote possibility,” he said. “Should it unfortunately occur, it is almost certain that there would be no shipping space available for export fruit, which would mean that the whole of the crop would have to be disposed of to the best advantage within New Zealand, and under the unsatisfactory conditions which prevail at present, this would be a complete disaster for the fruit industry. Orderly marketing, therefore, from the growers’ point of view, and also from a national point of view, is a matter of great urgency. It was with pleasure that fruitgrowers learned of the decision of the Government to investigate these matters; but since the report of the investigation last January, very little seems to have been done, and at present the industry has no clear programme ahead of it.” The Commission of Inquiry had indicated that the crux of the problem was the need for reducing expenses between the producer and consumer, continued Mr Stephens. It was doubtful whether the trade could do this unless it was assisted toward complete organisation by some authoritative and sympathetic organisation. With the help of the Government the trade could'no doubt work out its own salvation to the benefit of the country as a whole, and it was hoped that a definite constructive- programme would be prepared. In the meantime, it was only reasonable to suggest that growers should be granted a guarantee which would recompense them for the economic and efficient production of fruit.

CONFERENCE REMITS. WELLINGTON, August 3. Z Export problems of the fruit industry were discussed at the annual conference of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board to-day. It was decided to urge .thaMn future the Government guarantee to growers should ffie given at so much a case at growers’ assembly point. It was stated that because of the variation of the consolidated charge, the present system of paying the guarantee did not give growers in different districts the same net return. Among other remits carried were: “That the Government be asked to pay a compensating minimum price on all fruit exported through the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board.” “That the Government be asked to secure more direct shipment to ports on the west coast of England, or, alternatively, through freight from the port of discharge.” “That when export fruit is not loaded at a local port which can accommodate overseas ships, and when such fruit is transhipped to another port, the cost of transport be absorbed into the general overseas freight.” “That the whole question of the cost of cases be considered.” It was contended that the cost of cases at present was out of proportion to the return of growers, amounting to as much as 20 pei cent, of the export return. “That the Board use every endeavour to increase the Nelson, Napier, Gisborne and Picton loading, and that the Nelson Harbour Board be asked to provide increased wharf facilities.” A remit that the Board take the necessary steps to have all export fruit pooled according to variety, grade, and size on a Dominion basis, was defeated.