The core issue for fruiterers

IN a letter which we published this morning, the executive of the Retail Fruiterers Association presents, with reference to the retail fruit trade generally, what it describes as “a clear statement of the facts.” We do not know that the public will find the statement quite so clear as do its authors. With considerable protestation the Association seeks to vindicate itself in respect to the price at which fruit is retailed in Dunedin. It is all for frankness and the light of day in regard to the prices which the public is called upon to pay for fruit, and having

nothing to hide, is prepared to furnish, with reference to costs and selling prices, all information necessary for the formulation of an unbiased conclusion. The fruiterers say that the prices are reasonable — so far as they are concerned — and are prepared to give chapter and verse for it. The assurance just conveyed is welcome. Let it be accepted! But even then is the consumer likely to be satisfied? It is with the price of fruit that the public is particularly concerned, not the measure of responsibility for the same resting with the Retail Fruiterers’ Association. We have not accused the fruiterers of overcharging or making more than a fair margin of profit, albeit they seem to be sensitive on the point. What we have said is that the price of fruit in Dunedin is far too high and that if the retail fruiterers have been contributing to this result they need not complain if Nemesis in the shape of competition overtakes them. The essential point is that the price of fruit in Dunedin is so high that what is

really a necessary article of diet is placed beyond the reach of a large section of the public in consequence. We have not sought specifically to allot the blame for this state of affairs