GRADING OF FRUIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 141, 15 June 1923, Page 9

GRADING OF FRUIT.

. FAVOURED BY GROWERS. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. tßy Telegraph.—Press Association.> AVELLINGTON, this day. At the annual conference of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation, the Director-General of Agriculture. Dr. C. J. Reakes, said the Department appreciated very thoroughly the difficulties which the fruit industry had to contend with. The crux of the position was the difference between the price paiel at the orchard and the price the consumer had to pay. Discussion took place on the question of the eluty on imported apples. It was urged by one or two growers that the Government be asked to propose a prohibitive duty on American apples. Other speakers maintained that the existing duty was almost prohibitive. It was pointed out that large shipments of apples had been made to Honolulu, anel if a further higher eluty was imposed, it would probably lead to retaliation by America. It was agreeel that the question be referred to the federation for consideration. Remits were curried that the attention of the Government be drawn to the menace caused by abandoned orchards, and that drastic steps be taken to eradicate them. Tho Director of Horticulture. Mr. J. A. Campbell, outlined his proposals for voluntary grading. He sniel the Department coulel not. exercise proper control if compulsion were used because there were seven thousanel packers in the Dominion. He was on favour of a scheme of compulsion, but maintained that it was not practicable at present. Messrs. Press anel Turner, representing distributors, stated they were in favour of compulsory grading. They believed it would come in the near future and regarded Mr. Campbell's' scheme as temporary. Under the voluntary system they would always have growers either inefficient or ignorant who would submit fruit below the correct grade. They were certain that a compulsory scheme woulel increase the growers' income by 10 per cent. They said auctioneers were ready to co-operate with growers in any proposal for better conditions. Success would not be attained until there was compulsory standardisation, regulation of supplies, anel pooling. About twenty delegates spoke. All were in favour of compulsory grading. Mr. Campbell's proposal was ■ adopteel, but may be amended when the remit for compulsory grading comes up for consideration to-day.