FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. CONDITIONS OF MARKETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20482, 6 February 1930, Page 12

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.

CONDITIONS OF MARKETING.

INQUIRY BY DEPARTMENT.

MAIN CENTRES OF DOMINION. [BY TELEGRAM! —OWN CORRESI'ONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A thorough departmental investigation into the methods and conditions of marketing fruit and vegetables in tlio four main centres of New Zealand has been ordered by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. J. 13. Donald, The Minister recalled to-day that toward the end of last session of Parliament a petition was received asking that the system of marketing fruit and vegetables in Wellington be inquired into, either by the Department of • Industries and Commerce or tho Department of Agriculture. Tho suggestion, ho said, was considered by the Industries and Commerce Committee of tho House, which recommended that tho investigation should bo conducted during the recess by the Department of Industries and Commerce.

"I havo since had an opportunity of going into tho question," said the Minister, "and I havo decided that a complete investigation be made, and that it be extended to the three other centres. The order of reference is now being finalised by my department, and it is anticipated that the inquiry will be put in hand in tho next fortnight.

"Among other things, the order of reference will require tho investigating officers to show the present channels of disposal of fruit and vegetables, tho classes sold in each locality, tho methods of packing and grading, labelling, marking, handling and transport' to markets, the sources of supply of cases, the methods of dealing with second-hand cases and other packages, facilities for cool storage, and the extent to which fruit for local markets is stored. "Sales methods will also be fully inquired into, as will the methods of "accounting of distributors and the functions of growers' organisations regarding marketing and advertising. The extent of the sales of fruit and vegetables in New Zealand itself, and the utilisation of surplus supplies, will as well receive close attention."

Tho Minister said he felt' sure the recommendations made as tho result of the inquiry would *prove of considerable value to tho interests affected.