A RECORD SEASON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 261, 18 August 1931, Page 3

A RECORD SEASON.

EXPORTATION OF FRUIT.

GOOD RETURN TO GROWERS'

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, August 17. Returns from New Zealand s / x P or ? fruit crop are nearly completed, ana when the accounts are squared in a few weeks' time it is. expected that the grower will be able to net a satisfactory return in comparison with last season's yield. Although a light season is usually expected after a heavy one, such as last year, this season was again a very heavy one, and the exportable crop was a record in point of production, and return. The Fruit Board exported 1,257,ice cases, while the Otago output, which is not handled by the Board, amounted to 82 725 cases. Last season the wiioie export, including Otago, reached 1,831,854 cases. Approximately twothirds of- the exports went to the United Kingdom., and portions ot the consignments were distributed on tne Continental, South American and Canadian markets. It is anticipated that the average price realised will reach about 12s per case c.l.f. London, and in spite of the adverse marketing conditions in France and Germany, chiefly on account of the trade depression and the flooding of these markets with peaches produced under intense industrial pressure in Italy, the net return to the New Zealand fruitgrower is expected to be somewhere in the vicinity of 7s per case, which is Is 6d higher than last year. > The estimated income is about £440,000, added to which is approximately £40,000 by way of the favourable exchange, a handsome present to the producer. Under the export control system about 75 per cent, ot the price is advanced to the growers and the remaining 25 per cent, will be handed over when the accounts are completed. The exchange benefits will also be handed on to the producer, a procedure which would not be enjoyed but for control in the .marketing method.