PUKEKOHE CANNING PLANT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 279, 26 November 1945, Page 1

PUKEKOHE CANNING PLANT.

FEDERATION CONCERNED AS TO ITS FUTURE. (P.A.) Hastings, Nov. 23 The failure of the Government to give a satisfactory reply to request’s for assurances about the future use of the Pukekohe canning plant and threatened competition with established canners was strongly criticised at the first annual conference of the New Zealand Fruit and Vegetable Canners’ Federation, in Hastings. It was decided to telegraph the Prime Minister, asking for an assurance that the Pukekohe plant would not be used in competition with established industry. Speakers expressed the general dissatisfaction that no satisfactory reply had been received to representations made to the Government first on January 26, 1945, and subsequently. It was pointed out that * * easting threat to competition to established firms by the Government was most unsatisfactory to canners, who were about to begin a new season, it was impossible to plan future operations under such conditions, and as existing plants were capable of handling all green peas and other vegetables necessary tn meet demands it was suggested any green pea crop grown under contract in the Pukekohe district should be harvested and exported as seed. Mr C Milner, of S. Kirkpatrick and Co., Ltd., Nelson, who presided over the conference, was elected president, executive officers elected are: Messrs. J. Wattie (Jiwattie Canneries Ltd.), J^ St !?n S: Thompson (Thompson and Hills. Ltd.). H, G. Maehl (St. g en w Co.. Ltd.). Dunedin, and V. A. Hutt V ' A ' P ° ol and C °” LtdJ ’ Lower