FRUIT MARKETING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 122, 26 May 1938, Page 9

FRUIT MARKETING

GOVERNMENT’S CONTROL SYSTEM VIEWS OF WELLINGTON TRADERS [ Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, May 25. “We are satisfied with the way tne Government is controlling the sale of foreign fruit, and believe that with a little time the system will work perfectly,” said Mr C. A. Holland, president of the Wellington Fruit Traders’ Association. The secretary, Mr J. Wrigglesworth, said that bananas had only been controlled since April 1 anJ oranges since May 1, but during that time the prices had been stabilised. Mr Holland said that the retailers were satisfied with the control, because under it they knew what they were doing and could satisfy their customers. Before, they had cheap bananas one week and dear ones the following week. That was not satisfactory either to the retailers or to the public. He believed that controz would keep fruit at a price that would be within the reach of all and spread over a period the public woulo get a better deal than was the case previously. Control was giving retailers a steady supply and the Interna'' Marketing Department was always ready to accept suggestions from the trade for improvements. Mr Wrigglesworth said that there were certain difficulties still to be overcome, but the scheme was not a failure because of that. Contingencies were being met as they 1 arose and the department had dealt with the disposal of undergrade fruit by allowing it to go to auction for what it woulu bring. Consequently the lixed price was not leading to any waste. Mr Holland said that the scheme was checking speculation. There was a large difference between the price to the growers and the price to consumers. but investigation of packing and transport costs would show that merchants were not making excessive profits. The average retailer wanted to get a steady supply at a reasonable price, so that he could hold his customers. Without control, that wa.impossible.