NO APPLES TO BE EXPORTED

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23317, 1 May 1941, Page 5

NO APPLES TO BE EXPORTED

... . * INDUSTRY’S FUTURE i • MEETING OF CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION Doubt as to the future of the present marketing system for apples was expressed by the president of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association (Mr B. T. Turner) at the association’s annual meeting last night. Whether the Government could go on for ever buying at the fixed price and selling at the price now ruling no one knew, he said. The Government could not simply print money. This was tjie first year that no apples at all were for export, he continued, and growers could see their position plainly enough. There might be a glut now, but it was possible that in the winter conditions would be a little different. ’ ■ . '

Discussing ' the possibility of some orchardists pulling out their trees, Mr Turner said that most of them had holdings too small to be used profitably for other crops, and they should take that into account,; although they knew that prospects were not bright. The view ..was widely held that in present circumstances orchardists seem compelled to grow only the most productive varieties, and the easiest to grade, added, Mr Turner. , . However, when the marvellous way the people of England were standing up to their trials was considered and admired, he concluded, things here might be very much worse than they were now.

In a discussion that followed, some members said that apples were selling across the counter in retail shops for 3s 3d a case and were being sold to country buyers at 2s 6d or 2s 9d a case. Mr B. T. Turner was re-elected president and Messrs G. AUington and F. W. Sisson vice-presidents. Mr E. J. Freeman was elected secretary and treasurer. ' Messrs A. Illingworth, and W. G. Mottram. retiring members, Were elected to the committee, and Mr F. was elected a hew mem-