PROVINCIAL FRUIT COUNCIL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 21 June 1926, Page 2

PROVINCIAL FRUIT COUNCIL

(To the Editor) Sir, —Friday’s meeting of fruitgrowers showed (jnili! clearly' how little, the I'eilcration know of the extent of the shortcomings in the past season s export. Just fancy the Federation suggesting that what was wjuirod to fill the gap was an advisory committee rtf three with the Federation agent. Apparently they failed to see—\yimt all fruitgrowers see —that we had that in effect during the past season. We had a Federation agent with two Federation directors and a Control Board member and growers know to then cost what that system cost them in time, worry and cash. 1 believe all these' gentlemen did well under the circumstances ; it was the lack of •i Provincial Council that was wrong. Evidently the Federation thought the word "advisory” would charm the growers. That word was the only new thing about their considered opinion of how to organise this district’s half million cases of fruit to save the past season’s mess and muddle. The fruitgrowers know that what this district wants is a Provincial Fruit Council, it is the essential link in the chain between the growers and associations with the Federation and Control Board. No one wants to weaken present organisations; what is wanted is to strengthen them by having this District Council. Such a Council would .-be able to speatt for the whole district, keep constantly in touch with growers and being on the spot be able to anticipate growers’ requirements. Growers are already paying the cost of running the Council properly and with their own Council would receive a proper organisation and service. At present we are paying, hut have nothing that can he even called a district organisation. Wednesday’s meeting will doubtless see to it that they elect a good Fruitgrowers’ Council that can immediately get to work tc organise next season’s export. I am etc., FRUITGROWER.