THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1923, Page 5

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

PLEA FOR ASSISTANCE. By Telegraph.—Presa Association Wellington, June 13. The serious position of the fruit industry was discussed at the annual conference of the Dominion Fruitgrowers’ Federation today. Tho Hon. W. Nosworthy said he was sorry for the position of the fruit industry. It had been suggested that a commission should be set up to go into the matter, but he did not altogether favor the suggestion. He felt something was necessary if they were to make a success of the industry. There appeared to be a tremendous difference between the price on the farm and the prices at which the fruit was retailed. He knew the seriousness of the position, and that it affected many very disastrously. How they could remedy matters was a problem. So far as able, the officers in his department would give any assistance.

The president, Mr. A. M. Robertson, said the growers must look to the Government for guidance. Several schemes were coming forward and they believed there were ways out. They were pleased to note the hardening of prices in England, and that there was a better market in America than had been thought. They had to grow better fruit.

Mr. Hudson, M.P., impressed on the Minister that they were representing those who were up against it. Little could be done without Government assistance. The industry was one of the most important to the country. Mr. Cooper, representing the nurserymen, contrasted the retail fruit prices with the return to the growers, and said there must be a tremendous leakage in distribution. If the public could buy at half the presept prices there would be ten times the present consumption. The annual report referred to the renewal of the Government guarantee, and the security of advances from the Bank of New Zealand and the allocation of refrigerated space as assisting export, also the new branding regulations and universal label. The export for the season was approximately 140,000 cases. Ruling prices had been low and consideration of methods improving the marketing conditions was vital.

At the fruitgrowers’ conference Mr. Brash (Nelson) moved that the conference should urge the necessity of a fruit export control board and should press on the Government to pass the necessary legislation. He maintained such a course was essential in the interests of the industry. After a long discussion it was decided to form a committee to consider the matter and report to the conference later, evidence to be taken.