N.Z. LEMON CROP

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1939, Page 10

N.Z. LEMON CROP

STATE MARKETING. , AUCKLAND, March 12. It is reliably stated that the GovI ernment has decided to take control' of the marketing of the whole of the' New j/ialand lemon crop. The move 1 has followed long-standing applica-! tions by growers for assistance. | Widespread inquiries from growers over the week-end revealed that from May 1 they expect their fruit to be bought, by the Internal Marketing Department at an average price of 6s' 6d a case. Under a purchasing system 1 winch has been arranged, the lemons 1 will be classified into three grades and the prices of 6s 6d represent the, approximate average for these grades.' It does not mean that growers pro-1 during the highest quality lemons will receive no more than 6s 6d, nor that the lowest quality will be bought at this price. For lemons of the former type growers believe they will be paid up to about 2s 6d a case more than ths average price, and fruit of poorer quality is expected to bring less than 6s. i

At present lemons are the only citrus fruit to be covered by the scheme. Growers have also asked for ussistance with the grapefruit and

sweet orange crops, but it is stated that these fruits have not yet been made the : object of detailed and! exhaustive negotiations.