Fruitgrowers Dislike New Scheme

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1938, Page 3

Fruitgrowers Dislike New Scheme

[Per Press Association. Copyright .] HASTINGS, Tuesday. Disappointment with the lack of apparent results from the Internal Marketing Department was expressed by Mr. A. L. Baumgart at the annual provincial conference of the Fruitgrowers' Federation this morning. The director, Mr. F. R. Picot, he said, had assured growers at the Dominion conference of the federation that something would be done. Apparently the department had done nothing, however, and had not come in contact with the orchardists. Certainly the banana question had been dealt with, but this was a matter where the fruit imported competed with New Zealand pears and oranges, and something had to be done concerning citrus fruits. Mr. T. C. Brash said that Mr. Picot had intended doing something when he assured growers, but had found that he had not the power to do so, although he now had greater power. Although he had no complaint with the Government, he preferred that the growers should retain control of the fruit industry. Dealing with the future of the local market, Mr Brash said 'there were several alternatives. One was for the Government to take over control, and another was to set up a special body on a Dominion basis, or otherwise the position could be left as at present. For fruit, the local market presented a terrible job, and there were times when he felt it almost impossible to place it on a Dominion basis, because of the difference in the varying districts.