MORE CONTROL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 12

MORE CONTROL

CITRUS FRUITS MAXIMUM PROFIT MARGIN NEW BASIS FOR RETAILERS ORANGE PRICES FIXED [BV TELEGRAPH— SPECTAT; REPORTER], AVELLrXOTOX,. Friday The Government ,has decided to fix the maximum margin of profit on citrus fruits, and the retailer's gross profits are not to exceed an addition of 40 per cent to the wholesale cost of the fruit delivered at the retailer's premises. The Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, said to-day that this action had been taken after careful investigation. It had been found that there had hitherto been a lack of unanimity in the retailer's gross profit- on these fruits, and that in some instances the retailer's margin had been excessive. The margin proposed was considered sufficient to cover losses incurred by the retailer on account of wastage. ' New Method of Selling "As a general practice, retailers sell citrus fruits at a number a shilling, and it is considered that this method is unsatisfactory, in that there is insufficient elasticity to reflect alterations in the wholesale price," Mr. Nash said. "By the adoption of the method of selling at a price a dozen, the public will receive the benefit of even a small reduction in the wholesale cost. "Regulations fixing the maximum retail prices and conditions of sale for citrus fruits are being gazetted immediately, which will make necessary the ticketing of citrus fruits on display in retail shops," he continued. "Orange price tickets will show the 'count,' and lemon price tickets will show the 'count' and 'grade' of the fruit. Ihe 'count' refers to the number of fruits originally packed in the case, and will be an indication to the public of the comparative size." Retail Prices for Oranges The following are the various counts which are now being marketed, the corresponding wholesale prices a case, which include the recent rise of 3s, and the maximum retail prices which will apply in the four main cities in New Zealand, retail prices being based on wholesale costs at the markets, plus transport to shops: — Count 126.—Wholesale price, 235. Retail prices: Per doz., 3s 2d; per J doz., Is 7d; per doz., 9sd; each 3sd. Count 150.—24s 6d; 2s lOd, Is sd, BJd, 3d. Count 176.—25s 6d; 2s 6d, Is 3d, 7sd, 2?d. Count 200. —275; 2s 4d, Is 2d, 7d, 2Jd 'Count 216.—275; 2s 2d, Is Id, 6id, 2? d. X'ount 252.—275; Is lOd, lid, s*d, 2d. Count 288—265; Is 7d, 9|d, od, 2d. "At points outside the four main cities, the prices will be increased proportionately by the cost of transport, Mr. Nash added. "It will now be possible to publish from time to time for the consumer's information the maximum retail price a dozen for the various counts."