FRUITGROWERS' DEPUTATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 429, 7 August 1915, Page 6

FRUITGROWERS' DEPUTATION

SHORTAGE OF INSTRUCTORS. REDUCED RAILWAY CHARGES URGED. Wellington. Aug. 7. The Fruitgrowers’ Association deputation waited on the Public Service Commission and the Minister of Railways to-day and expressed perturbation at the number of inspector instructors who have left the service on account of more tempting- offers. One of the speakers .suggested that two expert instructors be appointed at CfiOO a year each, rather than four at .C4OO each. The need for export lecturer's was also urged.

Mr. Triggs. of the Public Semico Commission, said he would like to see one or two of the smartest men brought from California, and, in addition, that some of the most able New Zealand instructors of the Department should be sent to America to gain further experience and information. Mr. Triggs said that if his view met the approval of the deputation, 'he would decide to wait on the new Minister to urge the car rying out of his suggestion. T’ae Deputation then waited on Mr. Herries to ask that the railway charges on sprays and New Zealand tinned fruits and jams should be reduced. Attention was also drawn to the careless handling of. and the pillaging of fruit. Mr. Hemes said regarding the freight it would depend entirely on the tariff revision at nresent in hand. He would issue instructions that more care should be used in the handling of fruit, and, as to pillaging, it was desirable that instances of such should be reported to the Department at once. The shortage of trucks should be attended to as soon as possible.