THE MARKETING OF STONE FRUIT

Southland Times, Issue 24986, 24 February 1943, Page 6

THE MARKETING OF STONE FRUIT

Sir, —I think that after this year’s experience of consigning fruit to your city there is need for the Marketing Division to investigate the whole position in Southland. The returns to the grower have been consistently lower than those of other cities in the Dominion. When the season was well under way the Government introduced regulations concerning the marketing of apricots and stipulated a ceiling price for that fruit. My experience was that in not one single instance did I obtain that price, in spite of the fact that I consigned fruit of a quality similar and in fact superior to that which went to northern markets. I think it is high time that it was realized that the fruitgrower is entitled to a decent living. It is about time that the sop of an allowance of 4d on cases was dropped, for it has never benefited the grower, but has been deducted from the actual selling price. After making inquiries I am credibly informed that the lower market prices in your city were not to the consumers’ benefit because the lowest grade of apricot was retailed at 8d a lb. The prices I received were 6/- first grade, 5/- second and 4/- for thirds. The average case contains 181 b of fruit and if this is sold at 8d it brings a total of 12/- retail against my return of 4/gross. I grant there may be a small loss through wastage, but not commensurate with the high rate of profit. The time is ripe for the authorities to review the matter. I may say that I know of no grower obtaining the ceiling price such as was frequent in northern centres. I have not heard that the people of Southland are lacking in buying power, and some explanation seems necessary. ROXBURGH FRUIT GROWER.