THE APPLE INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 144, 15 December 1933, Page 8

THE APPLE INDUSTRY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The Fruit Export Control Board has'circulated amongst fruit exporters the repor.t of Messrs. J. and H. Goodwin, Ltd., on the marketing of last , season c crop in the United Kingdom. It will be remembered that the board adopted a new policy last- season, appointing Goodwins sole agents for New Zealand fruit in the United Kingdom; The season was, a disastrous one for growers, so much so that an appeal to the Government has become necessary to tide them bver till the next crop comes in and there will be some advance on' shipments. I do not desire to go into the pros and cons of the report, but to confine myself to one point. Referring to the supplies of Brazilian oranges, the report states: "The (market) position became so bad that the Brazilian railways reduced their inland rail charges on export fruit by 50 per cent. The Government reduced their exchange percentage by two-thirds, and the shipping companies, in addition to accepting the cancellation of a large part of their' orange freight bookings, introduced, a lower freight rate as an emergency measure." , Contrast this with; the action of the shipping companies conveying New Zealand fruit. They increased the freight by' 6%d last season—from 3s 6d a case to 4s'o%d. A large proportion of the fruit is reported to have realised less than the overseas shipping freight. The excessive charge for freight is killing the fruit export industry. Even, when prices at Home were good the share taken by the shipping companies was out of all proportion to the value of the goods; while for last season the shipping companies are the only ones who will benefit. Many exporters are in dire straits, and unless temporary help is forthcoming from the Government, will have to abandon their orchards. In these circumstances I suggest—and more especially in view of recent cabled statements, that six or eight new steamers are being built for the New Zealand trade —that the shipping companies might reasonably be approached for a rebate on last year's freights.—l am, APPLE EXPORTER. Nelson, December 12. [Inquiries made in shipping quartsrs go to show that the freight rates on- fruit have not been increased. The difference between the rates mentioned, viz., 3s 6d and -is o%d, if correct, is to be accounted for, not by an increase in freight, but is due to the increase in the rate of exchange.—Ed.]