INCREASED COST OF FRUIT CASES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 19, 24 January 1919, Page 4

INCREASED COST OF FRUIT CASES

BROUGHT BEFORE BOARD OF TRADE. A REDUCTION ANNOUNCED. Last evening a deputation representing the fruit-growing and saw-milling industries waited on the Board o.f Trade to bring under the Board’s tice the increased cost of case (timber used for fruit packing and the Increased charges for marketing fruit generally. The deputation comprised Messrs T. A. H. Field, M.P., R. PHudson, M.P., A. P. Allport, A. Gilbert, G. N. Hyams, W. S. Snodgrass and H. Raigent. It was stated that the Fruitgrowers’ Association had now been advised of a reduction of 2s per hundred feet by the West Coas. millers on the representation of the Board, and the Motueka millers had agred ito ‘ give growers the benefit of the reduction and aiiy othev that might he made in .the future. The present reduction amounts to about per' case. The board explained that it . wag .the desire of the West Coast millers to push the use of red pine for fruit cases, and suggested that a further reduction in price migh; be made if the cases were made of 75 per* red pine and 25 per cent white pine.';

REDUCING COST OF MARKETING FRUIT. Assistance was also sought in regard to a comprehensive scheme Tor marketing fruit so as. to eliminate many of the charges and handlings at present devolving on growers. The Board in. reply suggested that those engaged in the industry • should first submit a scheme to the Board, which would at a later date go into the matter fullyi on the spot with a view to advising the Government. •-