INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 2, 2 July 1926, Page 12

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

CONFERENCE OF FEDERATION

The annual conference of the New Zealand i'ruit Growers' Federation w.-u continued on Wednesday and yesterday, Mr. T. C. Brash (president) in the chair. The consideration of remits was proceeded with. A proposal from Canterbury that the duty on imported apples be increased was agreed to. The following recommendation from the Auckland Council was adopted:— "That the conference instruct the Federation Board and the manager to do all in their power to prevent the dumping of lemons into the Dominion from countries where the currency is debased to a degree to affect the values seriously, or where export bonus payments are allowed, or any other method is resorted to by which the lemons are sold in the country of export at less than the standard values, and to this end that the board co-operate with the council and the Auckland Citrus Association." It was agreed that the Government bo requested to make urgent representation to Australia to allow the importation of New Zealand-grown fruits into ihat country. A remit was adopted urging tlio Government to supply growers with fruitcases from the State sawmills at cost price. Iv the course of a discussion in reference to earwigs, Mr. J. A. Campbell, Director of Horticulture, said that everything was being done to find a • natural enemy to light the earwig. Dr. Tilyard was in England and Mr. Myers was in America, and they were making inquiries into the matter. YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The following remits were adopted: That the Export Board bo requested to consider the items involved in packing for export, with a view to lessening the cost of packing." (Hawkos Bay Association.) As experience has shown that only a minimum of profit can be expected from fruit exported, this association recommends that a very careful watch be kept on any increase in costs relative to the get-up and handling of fruit, and that if possible these costs be reduced. (Marlborough association.) That apple exporters bo permitted to use an approved trade-mark or brand on export labels in the space formerly occupied by name of province. (Tasman Fruit Packers.) (1) That the interests of growers who indicate their export space requirements early in the season be strictly safeguarded. (Ngatimoti Association.) (2) That the conferenco bring under the notice of the Export Control Board the fact that the policy of allowing growers to export, irrespective of their shipping contracts, was the cause of much loss and dissatisfaction this season, especially with regard to the South American shipment, and that it gives a most unfair advantage to early maturing orchards by enabling them to fill the bulk of the quota required, to the exclusion of growers whose orchards mature later. (Moutero Association). (3) Shipping space: That export contracts be made universal, and absolute preference be given to those who have signed contracts. (Tasman Fruit Packers.) (1) That direct shipment of export fruit from Nelson be resumed, concentration at Wellington having proved costly and unsatisfactory. (Tasman. Fruit Packers.) (2) That the federation request the Control Board to make every effort to obtain direct loajjing for Nelson fruit. (Redwoods Valley Association.) (3) That the federation bo asked to facilitate direct Joading at Gisborne for export apples. (Poverty Bay Association.) j That in providing the needed increased accommodation for pre-cooling export fruit the Control Board be requested to bear in mind the desirability both from the point of view of economy and safe handling, of arranging shipping from port nearest to area in which fruit is grown. (Hawkos Bay Association.) That pooling of export fruit and returns for same be strongly opposed. (Tasman Fruit Packers.) EXPORT CONTROL BOARD. After some discussion, the conference carried the following resolution: — That this conference heartily approves the decision of the Fruit Export Control Board in taking the measure of control for next season on the question of the choice of merchant and port. It was stated by the president that after the return of Colonel Gray, who is at present inquiring into the position in London, meetings would be held in all fruit-growing districts to give exporters an opportunty of hearing his report in regard to the position at. Home and as to the proposal of the board. It was agreed that an inquiry be made as to costs of assembling fruit at shipping ports, keeping records, etc., and that where contracts are entered into for such .work, tenders be called for the positions, with a view to securing the lowest possible cost consistent with good work. The federation agreed to approach the Government for a continuation of the guarantee on export fruit for nest season. The sympathetic statement of the Minister of Agriculture in regard to the continuation of the guarantee was acknowledged by the conference. A resolution was carried expressing gratification at the attitude of the Government toward the fruit-growing industry, and of recognition of the satisfactory manner in which the-inspectors and other officers of the Department carried out their duties during the past season.