APPLE EXPORT TRADE

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 176, 13 April 1923, Page 9

APPLE EXPORT TRADE

HEAVY SHIPMENTS THIS SEASON

OPENING UP SOUTH AMERICAN MARKETS

So far New Zealand has dispatched deck shipments of apples to South America by three —thd Kia Ora, on March 8, the Armagh> on March 16, and tho Karaniea, on March 25. A fourth steamer carrying apples, the Port Caroline, will leave to-day. Up to and including the Karamea’s shipment a total of 17,075 cases of apples had been dispatched to Buenos Aires, and there is keen anxiety on the part of shippers to learn ih what condition they arrived, and what prices they fetched. This is not yet known. In order to try to put the apple trade in the Argentine on a proper business-like footing, Mr. W. A. Tate, a Wairnrapa grower, went there by the Armagh, and has cabled as follow to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ . Federation“ Prospects fair if fruit proves good condition. Fruit now transit Montevideo to Bennos Aires. . Report condition after examination.” That report has not yet come to hand, but it is expected this week, when growers will he notified. It is understood that Mr. Tate (who took with him credentials from the Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture), may also inquire into the chances of markets for New Zealand apples at Montevideo (Uruguay, and Rio de Janiero (Brazil). The Port Caroline will take 8500 cases of apples, bringing the total sent to Buenos Aires since March 1 up to 25.575 cases.

I ast year a total of 110,008 cases of apples were sent Home, but this season already 91,000 cases have been shipped (including the Port Caroline’s lot). There are still 60,000 cases to be shipped, which will make this the biggest export season for apples New Zealand has known. Tho steamers which are to take apples this month are: The Ruahine, 25,000 cases; Raranga, 26,000 in cool store, and 5000 cases for South America ; and the Port Nicholson, 3000 cases for Sou Mi America.

Of ihe 85,000 cases on the Port Caroline, 5000 cases are from Nelson, 2500 cases are from the Wairarapa, and the balance are from Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.