FRUIT CONTROL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 82, 6 April 1929, Page 7

FRUIT CONTROL

THE BOARD’S ACTION PLEBESCITE OF GROWERS [ Special “Chronicle” Service ] WELLINGTON, April 5. Arising out of the {Supreme Court's decision that the Fruit Control Board ha s failed to give notice of its intention to assunq. control, it is probable that a plebescite of growers will be taken on the Board’s policy. The effect of the court's decision was that the Board had to give a month’s notice of its intention to resume operations in control of the export of fruit from the country. During the present month, growers are free to ship through brokers if they desire to do so. Meantime the Department ot Horticulture favours the holding of a sccict ballot among growers to discover the general opinion of the producers as to the coin sc pursued by the Board during the past three years.

if the Board decides to act it will issue brllot papers almost at once and the Department will act as returning officer.

It is believed that a large majority of the growers arc behind the Board, and that even in the event of the Board ceasing to exist, 75 per cent oi the growcis would still ship their crops through the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation, from which the Board grew. However, the present? moment gives an unexpected opportunity to test the feeling of producers on the point and it is hoped that the Board will take it. It is apparent that Brokers, who are operating during the present month are not receiving as much support as they expected. In some instances whereas these growers have also written in to the Board and announced that they intend to continue to ship their fruit brought the usual channel. In addition, a number of growers who have opposed the Board in the past have suddenly altered their attitude and announced their intention oi supporting the control policy.

►Somewhat belatedly the Control Board has made it clear that it is not opposed to the policy of f.o.b. sales so kng as those are made through the Board. Its objection is to New Zealand fruit going forward uncontrolled and pcss.bly coming into competition wit'n controlled fniit. to the detriment ot both shipments.