GROWER TO RETAILER

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1946, Page 5

GROWER TO RETAILER

FRUIT MERCHANTS Fear Being' Cut Out EMPLOYEES OPPOSE MARKETING DIVISION. F.A. AUCKLAND, February 14. 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 serioujs threat to their livelihood by 300 employees of all the fruit and produce merchants, who held a meeting to discuss the matter to-day. Intimation was received that s tne New Zealand Fruit and Produce Merchants’ and Auctioneers’ Federation had been advised by the Internal Marketing Division of its .intention to introduce the new system. Advice has also been received m .Auckland that the Fruit Marketing Council intends to encourage, as Laras possible, sales from orchard assembly depots. . - At to-dav’s meeting the following resolution was carried: “That this meeting of employees of fruit a..d produce merchants, being fully representative of a total of more an 500 persons employed in the indu in Auckland, is very gravely concerned at the intimation received from tne Internal Marketing Division that it is its intention to introduce a sy ste ™ of direct supply of apples and pea • to bulk purchasers in future. We consider this a direct threat to our livelihood, and request that such action be countermanded.” WELLINGTON EMPLOYEES PROTEST. PA. WELLINGTON, Feb. 14. . One hundred and fifty employees of Wellington fruit markets held a meeting to-day to discuss reports ot the Fruit Council’s intention to supply apples and pears dhect to retailers. Seven cf the eight Wellington firms were represented. The following resolution was carried: “This meeting stiongly pro-., tests against the proposed undemocratic action of the 1- ruit 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, Hon. W. Nash, and other members of Parliament, is being sent by cablegram to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, in London. TRANSPORT OF VEGETABLES. F.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 14. The New Zealand Fruit and Produce Merchants and Auctioneers’ Federation has sent a message to the Minister of Railways, Hon. R. Semple, expressing concern at the decision not to carry vegetables from Ohakune to Auckland and Wellington by goods express. The Federation points out that vegetables hauled during the daytime cannot reach their destination in fresh condition and, consequently, are of less value.