FRUIT INDUSTRY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 172, 3 July 1936, Page 7

FRUIT INDUSTRY

Mr. Semple Promises Government Assistance VALUABLE PRODUCT. 4 \ i Press Association —Copyright. Nelson, July 2. That producers who grew such healthproducing foodstuff as fruit were entitled to receive the assistance and co-opera-tion of the Government was stressed by the Hon. R.‘ Semple. Minister of Public Works, who together with Mr. H. Atmore attended the provincial conference of the lie w Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation. The chairman, Mr. Dicker, who welcomed the Minister, said growers recognised the great interest the Government had manifested in their welfare. He was satisfied the Government was anxious to bring about a much needed improvement in the condition of the primary industries. The fruit industry was in such a condition that they were intensely anxious to meet the Minister so that he should know the importance of dealing with this industry, which had been brought to the proportions that it had now assumed. They were faced with increasing costs ' by moans of the Government’s attitude to ! other industries and unless the Government came to their aid as it had to other branches of the primary industry they were going to be in a very serious position. Fruitgrowers anticipated the Government would be equally fair with them n.s it had been with others. I The Minister said in connection with ! added costs as the result of the Governj ment’s legislation that it would be lackI ing in its duty if it did not extend those i concessions to fruitgrowers. It was not the intention of the Government to give lan advantage to any particular section I of the community at the expense of any | other section, A Government that proi eroded along those lines would aulbimatically trip itself The industry the 1 conference represented was a national j one of vital importance to Mow Zealand j in that it produced healthy foodstuff “If we consumed more of what you • produce and less of the stuff we get from | '-he jungle we would be healthier,” the j Minister said. He was losing no sleep ! or worrying about the fellow who wantjed something for nothing. He believed j the real essence of citizenship was serj vice, “As far as your industry is con- | corned >' is one of the most important in i the Dominion It produces one of life’5 real nccv.Lfies that mrd'es for health, rnd health is one of the foundations of s;> civilised structure.” In conclusion the Minister said it was the boundon duty of the Government to fcc°p an mdu try like this on its feet and to see that those who. produced such health-giving foodstuffs received the goodwill, co-operation and assistance of the Government. Mr Semple added that in connection with the commisfion of inoviiry the Government intended to make iho most scare! mg inquiry possible *o i- el right downed tUe kefr.al of things'.-■ “When v;c know Where the disease is we will apply a remedy.’’ ho said.