Semi-weekly herald., 1913-04-28
HARD BLOW TO STATE
FRUIT INDUSTRY
Denver Times

Denver Times
A law passed in haste and repented
at leisure seems to be about the size
Of the new law to regulate commits
sion merchants of the state. 1t was
designed to be of benefit to the farmer
who raises the products handled by
the commission men. Instead, it ap-
pears that it is to do the farmer a
great deal of harm--in two ways.
First, in dcpriving the farmer Of a
local state market for perishabIe prod
uce. AS about seven cars Of fruit of
tthiy character come ihto Danver- every
day in the growing season it is seen
what a serious phase of the new law
this matter is.
Second, in the inclusion of fruit
growers association under onerous
conditions that were intended for COM
mission men only. One of these con-
ditions is such tax on operation that
unless some way is found to escape
the provision the weaker associations
will be at a loss how to continue in
business. There is now great stir
in all the state fruit districts as to
which it has been proposed that grow
ers' associations get around the law
is that their shippers shall by individ-
ual contract waive their rights under
| the law
The most burdensome condition of
the law is regarded to be that re-
curing the commission house to make
out three bills for each sale, one of
which is to be forwarded to the grow
er on the day of the sale.
| C.. l.. Arnett of the Arnett-Godley
Commission company on Market street
said today regarding this section of
the law:
"1'o carry out this provision of bills
in triplicate would require us to add
fifteen persons to our clerical staff.
| think that in general it would re
guirc commission houses to triple their
office forces. I should say it would
increase our expenses about 35 per
cent"
On account of this condition espe-
cially commission houses in Denver
are preparing to keep without this
part Of the law by not accepting con-
signments from anywhere in Colorado.
Such course will have two effects,
it is stated: first, that it will open a
| market in Denver for fruits on con-
sigrmcnt from neighboring states,
such as Utah; second. Colorado grow
ers, in what they consign, will have
| to ship outside of Colorado. Much
of the fruit that is shipped to Dem
yer and other large cities of the state
during the fruit season could not be
sold elsewhere, as il is of a perisha-
Bile nature that would not carry a
lorg distance. This law. it is claimed,
will practically cut out the market for
such stuff, except what commission
merchants buy outright, and naturally
they do not care to take much risk
m produce likely to spoil on their
bands Some dealers on Market street
are now preparing to handle Utah
peaches: heretofore they have dealt
IN Colorado peaches.
Some contend that growers associa-
tions cannot be included in the pro-
vitions Of the law, as they handle
rroJuce on commission and at least
r,ost of them. are Incorporated with
dividend-paying stock, the consensus
of legal opinion seems to be that the,
are bound by the new law.
On account Of the situation there
has reen some talk Of referring ths
law 10 popular vote. It was gotten NJ
to Pre- tect the grower from irresp1n
siblc and dishonest commission ne1