TO PROVIDE FUND FOR ADVERTISING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18939, 9 December 1929, Page 16

TO PROVIDE FUND FOR ADVERTISING.

FARTHING LEVY ON EACH CASE OF FRUIT PROPOSED BY GROWERS. The Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association met on Saturday evening, Mr E. Freeman presiding. Mr Brooks was elected a member of the committee to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr R. M. Donaldson. The secretary reported that he had interviewed the meteorological officer regarding frost damage and possible preventive measures, and the latter had suggested the holding of a field day. The chairman said that what was wanted was to have a man on duty during the danger period—about six weeks in the year—who could warn the fruitgrowers when there was danger of a frost. Thorough organisation and Ico-operation were necessary. It was decided to ask Mr Skey to give an address at the next meeting of the association. x\ deputation from the Tomato and Stone Fruit Growers’ Association waited on the meeting. Mr C. J. Fineran said it had been; decided to advertise on a small scale,; but it was felt that something more should be done. It was therefore decided to consult the retailers, brokers and others for the purpose of getting suggestions. A levy of a farthing a case had been suggested for the pttrpose of providing funds for advertising. The farthing would be collected by the auctioneers. The retailers had, been very sympathetic to the proposal. Mr D. J. Falla said that as individuals they could not advertise much. The auctioneers were quite willing to collect the levy. Advertising was absolutely essential. What the growers were producing was what they wanted to advertise. Australia was losing New Zealand in the matter of advertising. Mr H. Firman said they did not hope to move mountains all at once. It would be necessary for delegates from the organisations interested to meet to go into the question. The said the suggestion made was a very good one. To advertise they wanted not hundreds but thousands. A suggestion was made by one speaker that the orchard tax should be increased and the extra money used for advertising. In this way every grower would pay his share. Mr Fineran pointed out that under this proposal the tomato growers would escape, and so would the retailers and the brokers. Mr Longton said the case levy the best system. It would be neces sarv to have the fruit, standardised, in order that people should know what they were buying. The hardest tas* was to get the growers to agree to the matter. Possibly they would have to get the written consent of the growers. The first essential was to set up a committee to meet the representatives oi the other organisations and draw up a report. He moved that a commit tee be set up for this purpose. The motion was carried, and the chairman and Messrs J. Longton, F. Cone, W. E. Davidson and F. W. Sisson were constituted the committee. Mr B. Good win answered a number of questions on spraying.