FRUIT INQUIRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 19992, 16 September 1936, Page 7

FRUIT INQUIRY.

NEW ZEALAND PLANS. DISAPPOINTMENT IN AUSTRALIA. EVIDENCE TO BE GIVEN. I’nited Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. CANBERRA, Sept. 15. The New Zealand Government has informed the Commonwealth Department of Commerce that the scope of the forthcoming fruit inquiry will cover the importation of fruits from overseas. Australian interests may submit evidence to the committee of inquiry, but the committee will not be permitted to consider or to comment upon the existing fruit embargo. Disappointment is expressed in official circles at Canberra that the embargo against Australian products will not come within the scope of the inquiry. However, it is felt that the occasion will provide an opportunity for the submission of information regarding the landing costs of Australian oranges, for which New Zealanders are required to pay very high prices. Oranges Very Cheap. Best oranges at present are selling in the capital cities of Australia at 12 for one shilling and six for one shilling, the latter being extra large, lleshy oranges. To-day's quotations are:—Navels, 5s to 10s a case; common varieties, 3s to 7s a case. The Federal Assistant-Minister of Commerce, Mr 11. Thorby, stated earlier that the Commonwealth Government lias communicated with the New Zealand Government, intimating its willingness lo place evidence before the Fruit Inquiry Committee. Mr Thorby stated that the fruitgrowers’ delegation which left Sydney for New Zealand last week had no power to give evidence on behalf of the Federal Government. IN A BAD WAY. STATE ASSISTANCE DESIREt). CONCILIATION PROCEEDINGS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) HASTINGS, Wednesday. The opinion that the fruitgrowers’ industry will he in a bad way and their position hopeless unless the Government comes to the growers’ assistance was expressed by Mr G. 11. Slater, agent for the employers, at a sitting of the Conciliation Council during the hearing of the industrial dispute concerning storemen and fruit-packers. ”It Is going to be a case of the survival of the fittest on the prices that now appear in view,” said Mr Slater. “ But you have said that last year was a good year?” queried the Commissioner. Mr M. J. Reardon. ” For some growers it was,” replied Mr Slater, " but over the average it was not. One good year in four is not .sufficient; there are men who are just, lingering on their places and receiving advances from merchants. Any additional burden goes back to the producer, and he cannot possibly stand any more burden at present. If we get assistance from the Government then it might be a different matter. Not Opposed to Government. “ Because we are opposing an increase in wages and disputing the 40hour week, I do not want you to assume that we are opposed to the Government,” continued Mr Slater. “ We are not opposed to the Government and wish to do all we can to bring about the fulfilment of their wishes, but it is not always possible.” The scale of pay for youths was agreed on as follows: 16 years and under, 18s per week; 16* years, 225; 17 years, 265; 17$ years, 30s; 18 years, £2; 18$ years, £2 10s; 19 years, £3; thereafter, adult rates. It was agreed that the proportion of youths should not be more than one to* every three adults or fraction of three. " Well, what about overtime, then?” asked Mr M. J. Reardon, after a futile attempt to settle adult wages. Mr Slater: “We are not going to pay overtime at all; we’ve agreed to disagree on the question of wages and hours, ami overtime is linked up with them.” The Commissioner: “ I do not see how you are going to get out of paying overtime. The Court has no power lo make you exemption.” Will go to Parliament. “ Well, we will go lo a higher tribunal,” said Mr Slater. Mr Miller (for the union): “You | mean to go to Parliament?” j Mr Slater: “Yes, we will go to it; lliey have no intention of strangling the industry and will be reasonable.” ”1 will be very surprised if it will agree to let you employ anybody for unlimited hours,” said the Conimis- “ H is only for about two months of the year we want to.” said Mr Slater; ” you can average it out over the whole year at 40 hours if you like.” | The Commissioner then drew attenj lion to Sunday work, but here again jMr Slater said the industry hoped to ! obtain an exemption, because of the perishable nature of their goods. He ! mentioned that the Railways Depart--1 ment had co-operated with the indusI try in having Sunday fruit trains.