‘Best Fruit Sold On Black Market’

Northern Advocate, 17 August 1949, Page 4

‘Best Fruit Sold On Black Market’

WELLINGTON, Wed. (P.A.)—Fruitgrowers were cautioned about black marketing and green fruit by speakers at the annual conference cf the Fruitgrowers’ Federation yesterday. The Minister of Marketing (Mr Cullen) said some of the best fruit was being sold on the black market, while the pporer crop was being sent to the Marketing Department. After discussion, the conference affirmed a HaVke’s Lay remit that the board should give urgent attention to the drafting of regulations and that it take steps to prevent black marketing. The Apple and Pear Board could not operate successfully if growers sold outside the marketing scheme, said the president (Mr A. P. Congden, Auckland).

Referring to the picking of green fruit, he said the inclusion of a small percentage of immature fruit affected thevline, thus dragging d >wn prices. PICKED GREEN Mr J. H. George (Otago) said growers would admit picking green fruit, but he traced the reason to the transport system. It was often necessary to pick fruit immature so that it would be in good condition when it reached its destination. The small sizes of fruit received by the marketing authorities was doubtless the result of some growers selling more favoured sizes on the black market, said the acting chairman of the board (Mr J. H. Hainsworth). These growers were dumping unwanted fruit into the general pool, so hampering the operations of the board and penalising loyal growers. The board had power to prosecute offenders. Mr H. A. Lindup (Nelson) said some growers were getting better prices for small apples on the black market. He recommended the board to seek direct consumer trade for the sale of small apples. Mr Lindup, who put small sizes down to weather contingencies, added: “The board need not say next year that it was not warned, because there are still going to be small apples.” Consumers have reached the peak of what they are willing- to pay for apples and pears.” WIDENING GAP The chairman spoke of “the widening gap between producer ann consumer.” He urged growers to attempt to cut down intermediate costs, and added that the executive should prepare information on costs for the consideration of the Apple and Pear Marketing Board. Fruit returns for the year had been less than was expected, and similarly there were reduced exports, said the Minister. The returns totalled nearly 2,500.00') cases, whereas 3,000,000 cases had been expected. Although exports were down, reports from Britain, Canada and the Continent showed that the fruit had landed in excellent condition. Markets beyond Britain were being sought to increase overseas trading and not to cause a i eduction in the quantity sent to Britain.