FRUIT PRICES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24748, 23 November 1943, Page 2

FRUIT PRICES

COSTS OF PRODUCTION

CHALLENGE TO MINISTER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Monday

The New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation, in a statement to-day,. challenges the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, to publish the findings of the special committee of the Stabilisation Commission, which recently investigated production costs in the fruifc industry. The federation alleges that the Minister has evaded the real issue, and treated the growers unfairly.

"When the war began the industry was faced with the fact that its share of shipping space had to be given up," states the federation. "It is evident that this overloaded the local market and, in a state of panic after months of negotiating, the industry accepted for one year a price which was lOd a case below the average cost of production. "This never has been adjusted. The treatment meted out to growers has resulted in decreasing production alongside the ever-increasing demand. Today, there-is famine in the apple and pear market, and every case can he sold at prices which are only limited by the Government itself, still leaving an unsatisfied demand'. The reouest of producers for an increase of 74-d a case is than 1 —sth of a penny a pound. "The industry was prepared to abide hv the findings of the special committee of the Stabilisation Commission. Growers waited for three months for the findings of the committee, believing that at " least the basic price would be adjusted equitably. At the meeting of Ministers last Thursday it was clear that of four Ministers present not one even had re'ad the committee's report."

LOCAL AND GENERAL

More Power Used Gross sales of power in October amounting to £19,039, against £16.266 for October last year, were shown in the manager's report presented at yesterday's meeting of the Waitemata Electric-Power Board. Total gross sales for seven months to the end of October amounted to £152.336, against £140,700 for the same period last year, an increase of £11,636. Hospital Visiting Visiting privileges at the Auckland Hospital similar to those enjoyed by ministers of religion were sought for selected members of the organisation by the Rationalist Association and Sunday Freedom League in a letter received by the Auckland Hospital Board last night. The board decided to ask the applicant to nominate a member for such visiting-and that the matter would be further considered when the nomination was received. Rights of Student Teachers Students selected for admission to a teachers' training college who did not commence their training before being called upon to serve with the forces have been put oil the same footing as serving students, probationary assistants or supernumerary teachers, under an amendment to the Teachers' Emergency Regulations, 1941. .Military service is to be counted as training or working time in establishing the remuneration to be paid on the resumption of the teachers' civil avocation. Request for Chapel

A request for the early provision of another chapel at the Green Lane Hospital was received by the Auckland Hospital Board last night from the Auckland Council of Christian Congregations. The council recalled that an earlier building had been demolished to facilitate the erection of' the new hospital wing, and said it understood the services which had been held regularly were greatly missed. The board decided to inform the council that the matter would be considered when its building scheme was being settled. Mobilisation of Territorials

One of the preparations which the Army has made for to-morrow's mobilisation of the first draft of Territorials for farm work was the assembly yesterday -of a small number of Reserve Motor Transport drivers. It was deemed advisable to mobilise these men before the draft for the purpose ot making them accustomed to the heavy vehicles which they will have to drive. The stop is one of the Army's precautions to ensure maximum safety for the Territorial farm workers as they are conveyed daily to and from their work.

Carpentry Training Course A further course at the carpentry trade training school in Auckland will commence on January 17. The school has been operating for some time, but the present course is the first one to lie composed entirely of ex-servicemen. Preference to servicemen from the present war also will be. given for the new course. Trainees receive a gross allowance of £'s 5s a week during their training, 18 weeks of which are spent in the workshop in New North Road and the remaining ;?4 weeks on house construction under the State housing scheme.

Hospital Problems Authority for the chairman. Mr. Allan J. Moody, to visit Wellington to discuss with the Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, various matters affecting the board was granted by the Auckland Hospital Board last night. Questions - which will come under discussion include the new hospital at Middlemore, the proposed clearing hospital, the acquisition o.r equipment from the Health Department. and general policy matters. "The board will not be in any way (committed by anythiag I say or do, 'said Mr. Moody.