FRUIT CONTROL ACT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16605, 8 December 1924, Page 8

FRUIT CONTROL ACT.

EFFECT ON LOCAL GROWERS.

POLL TO BE TAKEN

Within the next few weeks, a poll is to re taken throughout New Zealand, to decide whether or not the provisions of the Fruit Control Act are to be applied to the fruitgrowing industry of the Dominion. Tha question is one which to a certain extent affects commercial orchardists in Poverty Bay, although not to the same extent us in the majority of districts.

The Fruit Control Act is broadly divided into two sections, one dealing with the export market, and ilia other with the control of local markets. It is suggested that an Export Board should be set up comprising live, producers’ representatives and two Government nominees, tin's board to deal with all fruit for export. This Board would not affect Poverty Bay growers in that a fruitgrower is not classed as ail exporter unless he annually sends 100 or more cases to outside markets. Tim control of the local markets will, if the measure is carried, be undertaken by a board of threw, who will bo empowered to regulate the supply on the local market, and prevent gluts arising. Those entitled to vote on the local measure are orchardists with 120 fruit, trees or more. For the purposes of thtf ballot, Poverty Bay is grouped in the Hawke’s Bay district, and as there are but ffe'w commercial orchardists in this district, the adoption or rejection of the measure will to a very great extent depend upon the votes recorded by fruitgrowers in Hawke’s Bay. / * Local growers do mot appear to be worrying greatly whether the Bill is passed or not. and they do not consider that its adoption will hamper them. On the other hand they appear at present to be perfectly content with the conditions existing, and feel that until such time as the industry grows considerably, ' the present! arrangtiiieiits. meet.their needs.