OPEN MARKETS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23817, 19 November 1940, Page 10

OPEN MARKETS

Sir—Some 'time ago a second delegation approached the City Council to consider the establishing of an open market. The council brought forth tho argument that in selling fruit in an open market, wo might bo contravening the Government regulations. We therefore wrote to Mr. Nash, saying it was necessary to have an open market, as there was much fruit and produce that could bo disposed of, and that at present was wasted, as it was not up to the standard for boxing. Mr. Nash replied he was very much opposed to waste, and to give full particulars as to how it was proposed to run and establish the market. This was duly explained, and tho method of erecting and controlling such a market as in England and other countries was forwarded. The second answer from Mr. Nash was that it was not a Government matter, but a local and civil affair. Now where are we? And what are wo going to do? One orchard alone near Auckland had 20 tons of apples wasted which could have been sold cheaply and were quite good for food and health. Recently 400 lemon trees were cut down so presently wo shall have a lemon shortage. We are all warned that war brings epidemics, and fruit and lemons are then absolutely essential, but for the sako of red tape, a little courage and confidence, tho question of an open market is shelved and shuffled from one public body to another. Rudy E. Watson.