The Waikato Times SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 1941 FRUIT INDUSTRY DIFFICULTIES

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21365, 8 March 1941, Page 8

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 1941 FRUIT INDUSTRY DIFFICULTIES

The allegation by a member of the Auckland Citrus Growers’ Association that the lemon growing industry is “ dying on its feet ” is worthy of prompt investigation. He declares that the prices fixed by the Government are uneconomic and that many orchards are being neglected and allowed to become a menace to the whole industry. It is claimed that when the Government fixed the price at 7s a case the cost of production was 9s 6d a case and has since risen to nearly 10s 6d. The statement that the industry will pass out of existence unless better treatment is received from the Government is a matter that concerns not only growers but consumers throughout the country. Whether these statements are accurate or otherwise, the fact remains that there is now a shortage of lemons in New Zealand and two shipments have recently been brought from the United States. That is a decidedly undesirable state of affairs in a country where lemons can be grown readily, and where it is necessary to conserve every pound of overseas exchange. If it is necessary to resort to importation there is clearly something wrong with the industry in New Zealand and the sooner a remedy is found the better it will be for all concerned.

Importation of lemons is, of course, nothing new, but the industry had made such good progress that it should have been unnecessary to import the fruit from the United States in 1941. If the control instituted by the State is bringing about stagnation in the industry, that control is not in the interests of New Zealand. Lemons are among the most important of the fruits sold in New Zealand or any other country because they are used largely for medicinal purposes. It takes some years to build up a profitable orchard, and the culture of lemons is a continuous process. Any setback now which would result in the deterioration of trees and the spreading of the diseases that afflict citrus fruits would have its repercussions for years. Growers have been complaining long enough without results. Constructive action is necessary. The fruit industry generally in the Dominion presents a remarkable example of the dangers of State control and must be a grave disappointment to those who expected a happier solution. Consumers certainly object to paying exorbitant prices for one of the most essential items of diet, but has State control provided the remedy ? Are growers or consumers any better served than in the days when the industry was ruled by supply and demand ? Certainly war conditions have interfered with the marketing of fruit, but will the rigid fixation of prices and the control of every movement of fruit provide any better return to the growers or bring the whole crop within reach of consumers ? If exportation is blocked there will be a large surplus to dispose of. Would the growers prefer to retain high prices and see their fruit wasted or would they wish to accept lower prices and be sure that their output will go into consumption ? The industry is facing serious difficulties which require urgent attention. Preservation of the industry is a matter of importance to the Dominion ana failure of the markets is sure to result in drastic deterioration of the orchards.