EXPORT OF FRUIT

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 264, 4 August 1937, Page 5

EXPORT OF FRUIT

Conference Decisions Export problems of the fruit industry were discussed at the annual conference of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board at Wellington yesterday. It was decided to urge that iu future the Government guarantee to growers should be given at so much per ease at the grower's assembly point. It was pointed out that, because of the variation of the consolidated charge, the present system of paying the guarantee did not give growers iq different districts the same net return. Among other remits carried were: — "That the Government be asked to pay compensating minimum price on all fruit exported through the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board.” "That tfie Government be asked to secure more direct shipment to ports on the west coast, of England, or, alternatively, a through freight from the port of discharge.” "That when export fruit is not loaded at a local port which can accommodate overseas ships, and when such fruit is transhipped to another port, the cost of transport be absorbed into the,general overseas freight.” “That the whole question of the cost of cases be considered.”! It w.as contended that the cost of cases at present Was out of proportion to the return to growers, amountiug to as much as 20 per cent, of the export return. "That the board use every endeavour to increase Nelson, Napier, Gisborne and Pictou loading, and that the Nelson Harbour Board be asked to provide increased wharf facilities.” "That it be a recommendation to the Institute of Horticulture that the Bledisloe Cup should be competed for annually in Wellington, instead of in a different centre each year, in order that all exporting districts may compete on more equitable conditions, particularly regarding transport.” A remit, that the board take the necessary steps to have all export fruit pooled according to variety, grade and size, on a Dominion basis, was defeated.