FRUIT RETAILERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 64, 18 March 1943, Page 4

FRUIT RETAILERS

ALLEGED PRICE-CUTTING Competition from chain stores and growers selling direct to the public was the subject of complaint at a meeting of the Auckland fruit retailers, representative of all sections of the trade, last, week, states the Auckland Star. The supply of controlled fruit to chain stores unless it was plentiful was opposed, and it was claimed that larger and better quality fruit was now supplied these stores than could be obtained by the trade. Mr. C. C. King said when fruit was dear growers were selling to the public at rates below those fixed on the markets, when it was cheap they sent all their supplies to the Internal Marketing Division. He contended that they should be compelled to forward all supplies to the division. He added that a percentage profit on pumpkins, kumaras, carrots and parsnips of 50 per cent, had been recommended and of 65 per cent, on cabbages. No submissions had been made concerning tomatoes. Onions were already stabilised at 40 per cent, on cost, with a maximum of 6d per lb., but he personally regarded the existing 33 1-3 per cent, for potatoes as ridiculous. Peas, beans and cauliflowers would have a free market.

The meeting decided to make representations to the Government to institute reforms on the lines suggested. A central committee was established to watch the interests of all retailers.