MARKETING INQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1930, Page 7

MARKETING INQUIRY

HEARING OF EVIDENCE,

WELLINGTON, August 7. | The inquiry by the Industries and 1 Commerce Committee of the House of j Representatives into the marketing of I fruit and vegetables opned to-day. | Air Campbell, Director of Horticulture, considered that if the methods of distribution were improved and fruit sold at a reasonable price people c.mkl consume a..l the fruit grown m the Dominion. He thought if the number -of shops were reduced less fruit would be consumed. Jle had a lot of sympathy with the retailer in the prices he charged, because lie had to face losses not common to other retailers. He mentioned that another obstacle to the retailer was the fact of a certain amount of dishonest packing. The volume placed on the market daily made, it impossible for a comprehensive inspection to be made, and one of the improvements suggested by retailers was compulsory standardisation. That scheme was carried out in parts of Canada and the United States. It was essential that something should be done to prevent the inferior being covered by the better class product at the market. ,

Air Campbell said that in some centres in England the growers had an association, and depended on the stigma of disqualification from the association to maintain the standard. It was essential that a minimum standard should be fixed in New Zealand. Questioned, be said be thought there was something to be said for the open market. Air Tait, a grower, said that if all grower,S packed as they did for export half the troubles would be over. He was not in favour of price fixation, but was in favour of Mr Campbell’s proposal to fix a minimum quality. Growers were not out for big prices, but only for a fair profit over the costs of production. The cost of standardisation should he borne equally by growers and retailers. However, the system' would be to the benefit of the growers even if they had to bear the whole cost.

Air Reardon, giving evidence, said, in relation to island fruit, that until more suitable boats were put into tbe trade all the oranges arriving at Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin should he repacked in their original grade and count under Government supervision. He made allegations of unfairness against auctioneers in submitting fruit for sale that was not in a fit condition and quoted instances of dealers having bought eases of fruit, much of which was rotten. Th© best method of collecting the cost of standardisation would be a levy on growers’ cases.