THE MARKETING OF FRUIT

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1930, Page 7

THE MARKETING OF FRUIT

COMMITTEE HEARS EVIDENCE. By Telegraph.—Press..Association. '■ . Wellington, Aug. 21. Further evidence on the marketing of fruit and. vegetables was heard to-day by the Industries' and Commerce Committee of the House. ' ■ ‘ Mr. Kiriniard, representing the Central Otago Fruitgrowers’ . Association, was of opinion that the of standardisation and the ultimate stabilisation of the industry lay in the elimination of small fruit, and he gave the sizes that had proved in Otago to be economical from the point of view of the grower, retailer and consumer. He emphasised the success of co-operation in Otago, and it was a recommendation from the growers there, that every assistance should be given by the Government towards the establishment of co-operative concerns owned entirely by the growers elsewhere. Evidence was given by Thos. Eldridge on behalf of the Christchurch Retailers’ Association. Ho asked that the Government regulate the export of fruit and so ensure that . sufficient of all grades be retained for local consumption. They claimed that too much first grade fruit was going out of the Dominion. Reform in selection and marketing, both of fruit and vegetables, was advocated, and the re-packing of all Island oranges showing more than 10 per cent, waste. An inquiry should be held by the Government into the banana trade, as it was considered the landed cost was too high. Dr. Makgill, consulting medical officer to the Department of Health, who is also an orchardist, gave evidence at the committee. He thought there was a small profit in orchards, although his own did not show a profit. He said fruit could be bought in case lots at auction at fairly reasonable, prices, but in small lots from shops it was another story. He condemned the present method of retailing in small lots in shops’ in the main streets where the rentals were high arid overhead expenses heavy. Neither the grower, wholesale merchant nor retailer benefited. It-was possible to organise a system whgfeby 10, 20 or 401 b. of fruit could be delivered at the consumers’ homes at about the price now obtaining in auction rooms. He did not favour compulsory grading. If the grading system was brought in he thought tlie public would seek graded fruit, and ungraded fruit would meet a smaller price. •