N.Z. FRUIT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 25, 29 July 1936, Page 7

N.Z. FRUIT

GROWERS CONFER

PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION

THE LOCAL MARKET

The annual conference of the New Zealand Fruit Growers' Federation, Ltd., was opened by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) yesterday. and is being continued today with the consideration of remits from branches throughout New Zealand and the representations to be made to the Government in regard to marketing and distribution of fruit in the Donvnlon and overseas. Mr. T. C. Brash president of the federation, is presiding.

The annual report stated that during the past twelve months there had been an improvement in business conditions and a better tone in all markets than for a number of years past, due largely to a return of confidence. The business handled by the federation showed no increase upon that of last year, accounted for in the main by an increase in the export crop. It had been again possible to make reductions in the prices of packing and spraying materials. The directors regretted, therefore, that there were indications that prices would harden in the near future.

An endeavour was still being made to maintain a high standard of fruit on the local market, and the directors agreed to make available the Dominion Mark labels in extra fancy and fancy grades only, and advised that many growers who supported the scheme in the past were continuing to use the label. Arrangements were made with the Horticultural Department for inspection to be carried out regularly in the main markets and also in the minor markets when inspectors were available there, a small charge being made for the work. "Nevertheless, we still record ' the lact that the local markets are in a more or less chaotic condition and returns to growers generally are far from payable," stated the report. "Perhaps this condition has been accentuated this season, owing to a large quantity of poorer quality fruit having become available as a result of the vagaries of the weather. The question of local markets still demands a large share of your directors' time at their regular meetings, and although the Dominion Mark as a marketing scheme has been abandoned, your directors are endeavouring to find an avenue whereby the local markets will be placed on a better footing in the future." Reference is made in the report to the return of a Labour Government in New Zealand and its pledge to assist primary producers. The Government had made it quite clear that until they had had an opportunity of proving just how their system of guaranteed prices worked in connection with the dairy industry they had no thought of extending it to other industries. FRUIT IMPORTATIONS. The directors, stated the report, were fully alive to the fact that it was necessary ior the public of New Zealand to obtain citrus fruits at reasonable prices, 'and also that the sale of citrus fruits by the retailer would assist in the selling of New Zealand home-grown fruit, but felt that if importations where allowed into New Zealand uncontrolled, then the position which arose in 1932, whereby this country was flooded with cheap Australian oranges would again become manifest. At present more lemons were produced in New Zealand than could be sold at a price satisfactory to the grower. At certain times of the year New Zealand lemons were scarce and the public had to pay a fair price for them, but for many months New Zealand lemons were in such plentiful supply that the public could obtain them at reasonable prices. The production of grape fruit and sweet oranges was becoming prominent in North Auckland, and those growers must be protected against the indiscriminate importatation of citrus fruits. "The suggestion which we make is that imported citrus fruits, apart from lemons, should be allowed into this country on a quota basis, and that each year, as New Zealand growers produce larger quantities of sweet oranges and grape fruit, then the quota be reduced. It may be many years before the New Zealand growers will supply sufficient citrus fruit to meet the demand, but these growers must be encouraged to carry on this industry, which as yet is only in its infancy." The Government is congratulated upon the continuance of research, the directors remarking: "Research is a long-distance job, but to relinquish efforts because results are slow in developing would be a suicidal policy. We record the indebtedness of the industry to all those research workers who are giving service to the industry. With reference to difficulties which had been experienced in obtaining the requisite quantity and quality of fruit cases, the directors commented that to maintain supremacy in competition with all other countries exporting a similar product the best article must be packed in the most attractive package procurable. After the severe storm visitation in the North Island the directors inquired into the possibilities of effecting a storm and hail damage insurance policy to cover such calamities. Only one of three- companies approached was interested in that class of business.and had approached their London office for a quotation. REMITS CONSIDERED.

The afternoon session was devoted to the consideration of a large number of remits.

Considerable discussion took place upon the problem of the control of local markets, a number of speakers describing the state of affairs as chaotic.

Remits adopted in this regard were: "That this conference is of the opinion that action in connection with local markets is urgently necessary, otherwise a great many fruit growers are faced with bankruptcy. It recommends that (1) Definite compulsory standardisation be fixed for sale of fruit with the provision of a minimum grade. (2) That distribution be controlled either by cool storage or any other, way." (Otago.)

"That the Government be asked to investigate the fruit industry with a view to guaranteeing to the producer and those who are essential to the industry a just and equitable return for their labour, in accordance with the value of their services to the community." (Canterbury, Marlborough, and Hastings.)

A remit from the Manawatu Association asked that the regulations in respect to the transportation of fruit in standard cases should be strictly enforced. Complaint was made that in some districts banana cases were used and fruit had also been "carted about like coke." To handle fruit in such a manner was not to lift it higher in public esteem and appreciation.

Unanimously the conference agreed that the dumping o£ fruit should be made illegal. It was stated that fruit was being advertised at Is 6d per case, delivered, which was far below the acUiai cost of. production and was mi

mical to the interests of growers. A series of remits from various associations concerned charges for cases. Hawke's Bay suggested that South Island delegates should be asked to submit definite proof that they did get the price of the case back. A batch of remits urged that charging for cases should be made. RETAILING OF FRUIT. The Auckland Citrus Growers' Association asked, and the conference approved, that the grade mark of lemons should be exhibited wherever lemons were offered for sale, including retail shops. Mr. J. A. Campbell, Director of the Horticultural Division, agreed with the proposal, remarking that if grade marking was to be made worth while it had to be carried right through to retailing. The mover of a remit from the Mapua Association that an advertising campaign should be undertaken so that consumption might keep pace with supply said that never before had the industry such a reservoir upon which to draw, for the increase in wages throughout New ZealanJ would mean many were potential customers. The idea was supported, one delegate, however, remarking that no advertising campaign could be fully effective until standardisation had been brought about. Mr. F. King (Hawke's Bay) exhibited several new styles o£ packing in various dimensions of packages and cartons and wrappings of cellophane. He stated that his experience had been that a substantial increase in sales at a higher price was readily obtainable when attractive and convenient packages and cartons were used. Stricter supervision of fruit hav/k----ers and the institution of a complete system of licensing was urged in a remit from Canterbury. Various proposals were made as to means whereby small fruit might be profitably used, as in the sale of citrus fruit juices on railway platforms, the making of syrups, cider, etc. These and other suggestions will be referred to the Fruit Industry Commission set up by the Department of Industries and Commerce.