PIP-FRUIT SCHEME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 8 January 1944, Page 2

PIP-FRUIT SCHEME

UNACCEPTABLE TO GROWERS < IN MARLBOROUGH PROTEST TO GOVERNMENT Unanimous condemnation of the Government’s purchase and market scheme for pip-fruit was expressed at a large and representative gathering of Marlborough growers held in the County Council Chambers, and it was decided to refuse to nominate local members of committees. The following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this meeting 0 i pip-fruit growers expresses its dissatisfaction that, after repeated statements that there would be no alteration in marketing methods during the war period, the Government should put forward a totally different scheme, which offers no guaranteed payment, and is definitely not acceptable to growers ” Visitors to the meeting were Mr F. E. Nottage. of Nelson, a member of the National Fruit Advisory Council; Mr R. Carlyon, of the Internal Marketing Department; Mr N. Adamson. Horticul tural Department Supervisor for Nelson and Marlborough; and Mr T. Conway, the local Orchard Instructor Mr H. L. Robinson was elected to the chair. Mr Nottage outlined the proposed new marketing scheme, and during a general discussion answered many questions. OTAGO DECISION Dunedin, Jan. 7. Meetings ol apple and pear growers at Ettrick and Alexandra this week unanimoutly decided to reject the Government’s proposals for the marketing of the 1944 season crop and to refrain from nominating members for the proposed advisory council. A further motion carried was as follows: “That the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation endeavour to secure an agreement with the Government to purchase the apple and pear crop at last season’s schedule prices, including minimum grade, and that the difference between last year’s loss of £90.000 and the annual average loss of £169.000 be used to increase the Dominion average up to 6s lid a case, the cost of production including the latest increase in wages.”—P.A.