GO FORWARD WITH COURAGE

Evening Star, Issue 19891, 13 June 1928, Page 5

GO FORWARD WITH COURAGE

HEW ZEALAND FRUIT EXPORT

STABILISATION COMING [Special to the ‘Star.’] WELLINGTON, Juno 13. In moving tho adoption of the report to tho annual conference ol the Fruitgrowers’ Federation, the president (Mr Brash) said they had reason for gratification in the fact that fruit was steadily growing in popularity us a necessary food product, and even in New Zealand this was noticeable. In the States tho consumption of apples was approximately 200 per head per annum; in England it was 100. Ho did not think tho point of saturation had been reached in tho British market. The growing sentiment of “ trade within tlic Empire” was in New Zealand’s favour. Tho industry owed a great deal to Uio Empire Marketing Committee and to Mr Amcry’s interest. In 1024 (the only year lor which he had the figures) approximately £48,300,000 was paid bv Great Britain for imported fruit. Of this, £38,500,000 went to countries outside tho Empire. In connection with apples alone, lor every hundred eaten, thirty-eight were from the United States of America, nineteen from Canada, and eight Irora Australia and New Zealand. The American quota showed that the New Zealand market was seriously affected ther by, but ho was ol opinion that New Zealand suffered more from Australian competition. A bumper season in Australia, with a grade somewhat lower than New Zealand’s, had a depressing effect on tho at the time when New Zealand’s heaviest shipments were arriving. This season tho supply of American apples was much less than last season, whilst Australian supplies wore double the previous season. The result was that prices for New Zealand fruit were very much lower than last year. Last season, which saw increased American supplies and reduced Australian quantities, resulted in much higher prices in New Zealand. Up to the end of April tho quantities landed in Britain irom Australia wore almost double Ihe previous year. As with other produce, the price of fruit was largely affected by Iho economic conditions prevailing in tho countries where New Zealand sought a market. There were dear indications that an improvement was taking place in this direction, and, Inriher, there were signs that tho prices of loodslnfls were becoming inoro stabilised and less subject to violent fluctuations. After reviewing tho position of Fonth American countries, also the U.S.A., he felt that New Zealand growers could take courage and go lorward with export. New Zealand had tho climate, tho soil, the market, and the organisation to handle produce. Midi applies and pears the position on the local market, was deplorable, and he saw no hope of improvement until growers were prepared to standardise. In regard to export, he felt that tho foundation had been laid cm which a satistactqry market could he built. ’lho Horticultural Society hud set, a high standard of quality for export. New Zealand was hutting in on a market whore competitors were well established, with large quantities, and New Zealand could only expect to secure, a place on high quality. That (hey were doing, bub there was room for better team work". The market in Britain had been disappointing, yet he felt that they must prepare themselves to lace a stabilised market around the figures ruling this season. Whether or not they could reduce costs it was difficult to a gross average price of about 12s Od was likely, ho believed, to be. the figure of a stabilised market. Shipping had been very satrsiaelory, and tho shipping companies' had met the position very fairly. Mr Brash commented favourably regarding research work and other matters affecting the orchardist.