EXPORTATION OF FRUIT.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 269, 15 November 1887, Page 3

EXPORTATION OF FRUIT.

Tira Royal Horticultural Society of Auckland at a recent meeting had under cons ideration the following letter from Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co. on the subject of exporting fruit :—

October 18, 1887. S. E. Hughes, Esq., lion. Sec. Horticultural Society, Auckland. Si r > —Judging from information we have acquired, we are of opinion that much might, be done to develop tho exportation of fruit from this province to England, and wo shall be glad if you will favour us with your views on the subject, in order that we can, if it is considered advisable, communicate with Messrs Shaw, Savill and Albion Company (Limited), recommending them to re-estab-lish ''cool chambers" for the conveyance of fruit and produce in their steamships. We are convinced that fruit shipments, if _ well selected, properly packed, and shipped in chambers of a' suitable degree of temperature, will, when judiciously handled in the English markets, prove highly remunerative.and as the Company we represent is disposed to do everything possible to encourage and facilitate the export trade of New Zealand, there will be no difficulty in arranging for the fitting up of suitable transport space in the event of sufficient inducement being guaranteed. Before approaching the S.S. and A.C. we wish to ascertain : —

1. The degree of temperature considered most suitable.

2. What quantities growers would guarantee to ship in first and succeeding seasons. 3. An indication of the rate of freight that would meet tho views of shippers. 4. During what months of the year shipments would be made. 5. An estimate of comparative dimensions and weight of the packages that would bo used. And any other information that may occur to you as calculated to piace the subjecb more fully before our JLondon friends. If shipments could be concentrated into any particular month?, we could endeavour to arrange for the direct steamer to visit Auckland, and so avoid risk of injury to the fruit on the coast. We are, sir, Yours faithfully, L. D. Nathan and Co., Per F. J. Sanderson. It was resolved that the newspapers be requested to publish the letter, and that growers of fruit should be invited to express their views on the subject, after which the Society will hold a special meeting for the purpose of considering the data laid before them, and issuing a report for the public information. As the fruit export trade, if properly developed, would prove of great value to this community, we think there will be some correspondence bearing on this important matter.