BIRKENHEAD FRUITGROWERS

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 5

BIRKENHEAD FRUITGROWERS

At a larg-ely-attended special meeting of the Birkenhead and Korthcote Fruitgrowers' Association, when the marketing of strawberries and other fruits was discussed, Mr M. Parrish, on behalf of a sub-committee, reported the result of negotiations with the Union Steamship Company to secure more suitable space for carrying strawberries on the Wellington boats. He stated that Mr Henderson fully realised the necessity of careful treatment for this very tender fruit, and had done his best to meet their requirements. He had consented to allow the fruit to be placed in the coolest part of the steamers and to be handled, both at Onehunga and Wellington, by the Association's agents only. With these advantages Mr Parrish felt sure the fruit would reach the Wellington customers in splendid condition. During the discussion Mr Borrow, a gentleman with considerable nautical experience, said the relative coolness of different parts of a ship depended largely on the direction of the wind, the eifect of which was to drive the heat to Jeeward. In the sun also considerable, heat was reflected by the. iron sides. "The report was unanimously approved, and the following committee of leading growers was formed, with full power to organise and superintend the exporting trade during the coming season: — Messrs Parrish, Kay, Heap, Lenesque, Brooknig, and Bradney. On behalf of the same sub-committee Mr Parrish stated the result of an interview with Auckland jam makers, and mentioned the price agreed upon for strawberries for next- season. Co-operative schemes from C.evedon (Mr S. A. Browne) and Avondale were briefly considered, but it was decided not to take any combined action with regard to them as an association.