TRIBUNAL FOR CONTAINER DISPUTE

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 3

TRIBUNAL FOR CONTAINER DISPUTE

Auckland Retailers Agree to Arbitrate

AUCKLAND, February 22.

The dispute between the growers and retailers over the fruit and vegetable container charge ended to-day in Auckland. Both parties have agreed to a tribunal to consider the issues, which last Thursday caused a boycott by the retailers. Normal marketing conditions will be observed until the tribunal reaches its decision.

Last night the retailers suggested that, pending deliberations by a tribunal, the parties halve the container charges. The growers did not approve, and went ahead with plans for direct delivery by truck to the consumers.

Later the Retailers’ Federation notified that it was prepared to resume payment of the container charges, pending the tribunal’s decision. Acceptance of the arbitration proposal had been telegraphed earlier to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. An early reply, with the name of the tribunal chairman, has been requested. WELLINGTON AGREEMENT WELLINGTON, February 22. Fruit and vegetable retailers here resumed buying in the produce markets this afternoon, following a twohour conference with the growers. Mr B. V. Cooksley, in a statement on behalf of the growers, said that following a meeting with a “high Government official” last night, they had agreed to certain terms for a tribunal to adjudicate in the matter and for the maintenance of the status quo in the meantime. For the i r etailers, Mr S. Chesney confirmed acceptance of the tribunal, which would sit on Monday. He added that their terms were that it should comprise three members, a Supreme Court Judge or a K.C. and accessors from either side. This had been agreed to.

CHRISTCHURCH, February 22,

The fruiterers’ boycott on fruit and vegetables sold in containers, on which charges are payable, was lifted this morning following receipt of advice from Auckland that officials of the New Zealand Fruiterers’ Federation had decided to accept the offer by the Prime Minister to set up a tribunal.