THE FRUIT CANNING' INDUSTRY.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15024, 19 March 1919, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE FRUIT CANNING' INDUSTRY.

Mr. Samuel Kirkpatrick, jam manufacturer, brought under the notice of the committee the duty on machinery used in the canning industry, and he said that agricultural machinery was admitted free and other machinery paid 5 per cent. Fruit canning machinery had to pay a duty of 20 per cent., plus 10 per cent, preferential. He pointed out that when the tariff was framed the canning machinery now used was not invented. ■ ■ ■ ■

By Mr. Luke: The "machinery could not be made in New Zealand. By Mr. Hudson: If sufficient labour was available his factory could handle the whole fruit product "of lihe district. Being unable to procure the necessary machinery except at a prohibitive price, was a distinct loss to the fruitgrowers of the district.

Continuing, witness said that electric energy would not affect the fruit canning industry to any great extent, as steam was. required to cook the fruit. Between 200 and 300 hands could be employed if they could get them. Women and girls were," paid from 30s to 35s per week, and worked 45 hours.

Mr. Kirkpatrick also referred to the differential railway rates, his statement calling forth the remark that the tariff was "marvellously framed."