OVERSEAS FRUIT MARKETS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22435, 23 June 1938, Page 13

OVERSEAS FRUIT MARKETS

A Conference Is Proposed AID FOR EMPIRE PRODUCERS Proposals for an International fruit conference are being- placed before the governments of the Empire, according to the twelfth annual report of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board, just released. The _ report says that practical cooperation in fruit marketing between Canada, the United Kingdom. Australia, and New Zealand has been in keeping with the principle laid down by the Empire Fruit Conference of 193 G, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that efforts to stabilise the fruit markets in the United Kingdom for Empire producers are being nullified by the increasing quantities of foreign fruits of all kinds throughout the season. Alter much serious consideration, it has been decided to place proposals for an international fruit conference before the governments of the Empire. “Whether a conference will be possible,” the report comments, “and if it is, whether it will be successful, is unknown, but it is obvious that something will have to be done to improve present conditions.”

The report says the Dominion’s 1938 export quantities compare favourably with past records, being only 11,000 cases below 1934, and 52,000 below 1932. Hawke’s Bay has had its record year, being 37,000 above the previous record, established in 1934 The increase this year is in apples, as the export quantity of pears is the lowest of any year except last, since 1931. In 1937, both Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay lost heavily through late frosts. This year, the district to suffer from frosts was Otago. What promised to be a heavy crop was reduced to about 25 per cent, of normal. Good Seasons Auckland’s export total is on a par with last year, but it is only about a third of the quantity exported in 1932, Auckland’s export of apples during the last four years is only slightly above the quantities from Marlborough Nelson has had a good season, almost equal to its record year, 1934. Although the quantity of apples did not equal that exported in 1932 or 1934, the quantity of pears was greater than in any previous season Marlborough had its record crop in 1937. next best year was 1933 and 1938 was the third best. Ever since 1930, Marlborough has been a fairly consistent exporter, and its quantities compare very favourably with those of Canterbury and Auckland, whose orchard areas are much greater. This seems to indicate that the proximity of the local markets has a decided influence on the export quantities of Auckland and Canterbury. Continental Markets Discussing Continental markets, the report says the trade agreement with Germany, which • the Minister for Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, negotiated in Europe last year, has been one of the most valuable factors in the Dominion's Continental Iruit trade this year. It was not easy for Mr Nash to get for fruit the consideration which he actually obtained. Decause there are many items which Germany would infinitely prefer before fruit. Moreover, Australia had quoted and operated low pi ices outside Germany, and it was very difficult to get the German people to realise that in a reciprocal trade agreement outside factors could not always be taken into consideration. It is hoped finally to market between 65,000 and 70,000 boxes m Germany A satisfactory conclusion to Mr Nash’s negetiations with Switzerland enabled the Dominion to receive a substantial increase in its fruit export quota, which now stands at 15,000 quintals—roughly 60,000 boxes. Orders have been arranged for about 40,000 boxes and it may be possible to get another 10,000 to 15,000 boxes away. Negotiations With France The negotiations which Mr Nash began with France are not concluded, the report says, but the position is a little mere hopeful. Arrangements have been made for the sale of 40,000 boxes at Dunkirk, and although this has not been done under any definite quota, it is hoped that the trade treaty arrangements between New Zealand and France will result in a definite quota being agreed on. Until now. New Zealand has been receiving a rebate on Holland’s luxury duty tax, more or less as a courtesy concession. However, as a result of Mr Nash’s visit, the Dominion is now receiving this lower rate of duty permanently. The import quota has also been increased. The duties are still very high, but report says that joint action by the two countries may modify them. Norway has reduced its duties on pears, but the duty on both apples and pears is still too high to enable much business to be done. The report estimates that more than 220,000 cases will be sold on Continental markets this year. NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, June 22. Advice has been received from London by the general manager of the National Bank Of New Zealand, Limited, to the effect that the net profit for the year ended March 31 last, after providing for bad and doubtful debts exchange, and_ other contingencies amounts to £'105,727, and to this amount has to be addde £112.797 brought forward from the previous year, making available a total of £218,524. An interim dividend at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum, free of income tax. paid in January last, absorbed £40,000. There has been transferred to premises account £IO,OOO. and to pension and gratuity funds £14,000. leaving £154,524 available for distribution. The directors propose to allocate this amount as follows: In payment of dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, less United Kingdom income tax at 3s 3d in the £1 for the half-year ended March 31. 1938. £40.833: Balance to be carried forward £113.691.

A final dividend, which is equivalent to £4" 19s lOd per cent, in New Zealand currency, will be payable in New Zealand on July 9. at any branch of the National Bank of New Zealand Ltd., at the current rate of exchange for demand drafts on London on the date of negotiation. DAIRY PRODUCE BUTTER MARKET STEADIER LONDON, June 21. The butter market is steadier. Danish 1235, choicest salted New Zealand 121 s, Australian 119 s, unsalted New Zealand 1225, Australian 121 s.