NEW ZEALAND FRUITGROWERS

Northern Advocate, 15 September 1932, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FRUITGROWERS

STIMULATING LOCAL MARKET,

In a report to the New Zealand Fruit Growers’ Federation, the president, Mr T, C. Brash, stated:— ‘ ‘ The twelve months just closed record a period of difficulties unprecedented in the history of the world. Ncav Zealand, though small and isolated, has suffered in common with every other country in the crash of prices, and in particular the prices of raw materials. It is probably safe to say that New Zealand has suffered more than most parts of the world, due to her almost entire dependence on the export, of primary produce. Fruitgrowers, in common with all other primary producers, are realising less than the cost of production for their produce; in fact, on the local markets much has been sold at prices which barely pay packing, transport and marketing charges.”

The directors refer to the , regulations of oversea exchange as undoubtedly penalising producers. Local market development is also dealt with, and the-campaign connected therewith in which proof is acknowledged of the Value of newspaper advertisements in securing the attention of the public. The “Dominion Mark" scheme, it is held, should, be of the greatest value to the industry in creating a market for surplus fruit not wanted by overseas buyers. “The overseas demand for large fruit is shrinking. Fortunately, we have a really good local market for large fruit, as it is a recognised fact that on the New Zealand markets the preference is for the larger sizes. 5 ’