CO-OPERATIVE FRUITGROWERS

Evening Star, Issue 20595, 22 September 1930, Page 3

CO-OPERATIVE FRUITGROWERS

AHNUAL REPORT The thirteenth annual report of the Co-operative Fruitgrowers of Otago, to be presented to the annual meeting to bo held at Alexandra on Friday next states; la* reviewing tho statistics ol the year, it will be seen that the output of fruit through the society has been considerably less than the previous year; this is mainly attributable to tho unfavourable climatic conditions which prevailed in the spring and summer throughout the fruit-growing areas in the South Island. The yield of all varieties of fruit was seriously reduced, and this is rellectcJ in the decreased turnover of the society as shown in the comparative statistics attached. All markets were under-sup-plied, especially with fruits such as apricots, cherries, and peaches; prices ruled higher than previous seasons, but these prices were not of general advantage to the majority of the fruitgrowers, from the fact that many ol the orchards had been depleted of their crops early in tho season. There was a marked improvement in the quality of stone fruits that reached tho market, which was readily sold at good prices. This improvement in quality can be traced to the, cool weather at the time of gathering the fruit, and which, with the help of the night train service -provided by tho railway authorities, was carried to the several markets under cool conditions, and with less delay in time between the picking of tho fruit and the arrival in the markets.

Each year an improvement in the grading and packing of Iruit for market is apparent, and this materially helps its sale. While no doubt the consumer is looking for cheap fruit, yet wo find that good fruit will find ready sale at fair prices, while inferior fruit only gluts the market and is hard to quit at any price. The return from sales to the public this season is not as largo as the previous year, and is attributable to fruit being scarce and tho retail traders keener to secure supplies The apple export department has supervised larger shipments this season than formerly, and with close attention to tho requirements of the shippers wo hope to have a lair share of this business this season.

eGncral Goods Department.—-This part of the society’s business continues to receive the support of its members, mid every inducement is offered them to trade direct with tho society. The discounts allowed to members for cash payments on delivery of goods during tho year amounted to a considerable sum. which, with goods at bedrock prices, means a large monetary advantage to those who deal direct with tho society. Profit and Lioss Account.—Tito profit and loss statement of the society’s operations for tho year 1929-30 shows a credit balance of £ICG Ids lod lor the year’s working, and, adding the balance from last year, makes a total of £31(1 J2s 3d. The directors have placed £2OO to tho had debt reserve fund, bringing the total to £10(1, and carried the balance forward to next year, and trust that this will have your approval. Regret is expressed that the society is not in a position to pay a dividend this year.