COST OF LIVING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 315, 3 July 1912, Page 5

COST OF LIVING

COMMISSION AT WELLINGTON. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. Before the Cost of Living Commission, Mr. Boucher, Assistant GovernmeTit Director of Orchards, Garden* and Apiaries, gave evidence that the expansion of the fruit indnstry had been very considerable of late years. In Nelson during the past year over 100,000 trees had been planted. Tip establishment of an export trade 'did not necessarily mean that there would be an increase in price, locally. . The, trouble at present was that there was too large a margin 'between the prices paid to growers** and the.'prices paid to retailers. The export trade would scarcely increase retail prices,' which' were about at the maximum limit. If: a case of apples was bought at Bs, which worked out at 22-5 d per lb, it was retailed at 6d per lb. Few people of moderate means could afford to pay 6d for any quantities. A different system of marketing was wanted. At present there, were no facilities for distribution to the homes. If apples were bought at auction at 8s a case they were practically sold at 10s to consumers. Answering a remark by the chairman that the Commission had little evidence about fruit bought at 8s a case, witness said he had figures from all centres, which spoke for themselves. The Chairman: That will be rerj valuable evidence.