TOMATO PRICES

Grey River Argus, 27 November 1943, Page 2

TOMATO PRICES

Placed Under Control WELLINGTON, Nov. 26. Control of tomato prices is provided for in a Price Order just issued. The order, which names maximum or limit retail and wholesale prices, will operate in the Auckland and Hawke’s Bay district from January 15, and elsewhere from February 1, except in Otago, Southland and on the West Coast, where it will operate from February 15. “Although tomatoes are not included in the list of stabilised vegetables, the namine of price limits is necessary to prevent unduly ’high prices being charged in the event of the demand exceeding the supply,” says a statement by the Price Tribunal. “Such a situation might arise if the crop were small or if it were necessary to meet exceptional demands for the N.Z. or U.S. Forces.” The limit retail prices are as follows (with th.e corresponding limit wholesale price's in brackets): — Auckland provincial district January 15 to 31, llid (8d), February, March, April, 9d (6d). Hawke’s Bay provincial district, January 15 to 31, lOd (7d), February, March, April 7id (sd). Elsewhere except Otago, Southland and West Coast, February. March, April, lOd. (7d).) Otago, Southland and West Coast, February 15 to April 301 Is Oid. (Bid). Retail limit prices are named in the order, but if a retailer’s cost into his shop, plus a margin of 40 per cent, works out at a price below the limit, then the retailer may not exceed that lower price , The Tribunal adds:. “The prices named are purely ‘ceilings’—the limits beyond which the prices cannot go. Unless exceptional circumstances arise the actual realisation ‘under the hammer’ should be below the wholesale limit prices named in the order. The Tribunal has considered this point is determining the limit price level, working on the assumption that only at times of acute demand and insufficient supply would growers realise the limit prices.” ‘The limit prices named cover ail grades and kinds of tomatoes (except those for canning or condimenting and except tree tomatoes) whether thev are hot house, cold house or outdoor grown It is expected that qualities below superfine will fetch correspondingly lower nrieps The prices named will be suo3Pect to review for the 1944-45 crop.”