THE FRUIT INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 20864, 6 August 1931, Page 2

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY

OTAGO PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE MANY MAHERS DISCUSSED The Otago Provincial Fruitgrowers’ Conference was hold in the Town Hall! Roxburgh, yesterday. The Otago director of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation (Mr H. Turner) presided, ■: and Mr T. C. Brash- (president ot the federation) and Mr H. E- Napier (manager) also attended. The following delegates were present: —Upper Clutha,-Mr J. Swann; Clyde, Mr S. A. Stevens; Central Otago, Messrs A. Ashworth and C. Weaver; Teviot, Messrs J. B. Gilmour and H. Waigth, inn.; Ettrick, Mr 0. Reichel; Taien, Mr J. Watt; Otago Co-op.— Messrs J. Hamilton, E. Finder, W. B. \ Kenworthy, and J. Bennetts; Otago, Mr E. H. Turner; council. Mr D. Tho Chairman welcomed the delegates and growers. The meeting, bo stated, was a preliminary to the annual conference of tho federation to be held in Wellington on September 2. The delegates would express their feelings regarding the remits, which, howi ever, would be considered by the federation conference whether approved or otherwise. < . A lengthy discussion took place in committee on important matters with respect to the Fruit Control Act and its relation to the Government export guarantee No decision was reached, however, and the questions involved were held over for further consideration. ’ DIRECTORS’ ADDRESSES. Tho Chairman said that the past season, both for tho stone and pip, fruitgrowers, had been reasonably good. The export market had not been as good as growers had hoped, but it had proved to be fairly satisfactory, and particularly satisfactory when compared with the experiences of other primary industries.- Tho local market had not been satisfactory for pip and stone: fruit, as tho weather had been against the grower and the season had been prolonged. The satisfaction.always re- ! mained with respect to stone fruit, however, that Otago seemed to have control of the market as far as apricots were concerned, and it had been

possible to gain a market as far north as Auckland. If apricots could bo grown satisfactorily elsewhere that market would not be open. This had a direct bearing on tho value of stone fruit orchard lands. With respect to export, nip fruit had gone on to a reasonably good market, and he had no hesitation in saying that fruitgrowing at the present time was more stable than any other primary industry, and was likely to remain so for some years to come. Ho also claimed that fruitgrowing was the best organised of the primary industries, and if some of the proposals to be brought forward for consideration were adopted tho position must be further stabilised. This had a bearing on tho value of orchards, into which those present had put their time and money and from which they gained their bread and butter. Since the last conference the federation had sent Mr Napier overseas. He had already toured the provinces and given accounts of his trip. One of his definite objects had been to secure for the future everything that was British in preference to the foreign article. (“ Hear, hear.”l Ho had been able to arrange for securing from British sources some material which had previously come from for eign manufacturers. Until the present year the bulk of tho boxes used in the north had been made from Canadian timber All of those present knew that New Zealand m'.”crs had been inclined to think that the federation had fostered importations against the interests of local timber. Until recently, however. the New Zealand millers had not been in a position to cater for tho growers* needs. Now the millers were out to give the grower what he wanted, and the federation was equally keen to deal with them. The federation had placed an order for 860,000 cases, to bo made from New Zealand timber, with local millers, whereas nearly 1,000,000 had been imported last year. Up to the present no order had gone overseas. A movement was now in train for using tho valuable beech forests in the south fc. box timber. It compared favourably with any other local or imported timber. _ Unfortunately northern growers had, judged tho timber on unfair samples. On Saturday ho had urged Southland millers to have a quantity of these boxes used in ; Nelson this year in order to briug a greater proportion of case business to the south. Ho hoped to see a largo , quantity going north in future. The federation was straining every nerve in its endeavours to place as much as possible of its requirements in New Zealand.

Mr Brash said that this was the first ; time he had had tho opportunity of meeting Otago growers in tho centre of their main area. Ho was making tho visit during part of his annual leave. Tho federation had been built up on sound lines. It bad started with no capital, and though it had been iu operation for nearly twenty years the only capital paid in had been £lO3. This had been invested by tho various growers’ associations, and the shares were held by them. Those £1 shares were now worth over-£2OO cadi. The federation had had a bank balance at tho end of the year of £B,OOO. It was growing step by step. The orchard tax had helped a great deal. It would bo remembered that orchardists had voluntarily asked the Government to j collect this tax from them. From time to timo the federation had considered tho question of collecting tho tax itself, and there was now a greater possibility than ever before of carrying this into effect. At present nearly one-third of tho tax wont in the cost of collection. Ho did not blamo tho Government for that. In 1923 when ho had joined tho board the capital had been £2,000. Mow it was £21,295, and every penny of it was good. Tho trading turnover in 1923 had been £12,000, and for 1930 it had been £150,000. For the past eighteen months it had been £200,000. To have such an organisation of their own, entirely co-operative, was something of which growers might bo proud. The directors had not established price-cutting. They had realised that goods must carry a reasonable margin of profit. The federation carried enormous amounts on its books, but it bad lost very little in ; bad debts. It had often been tempted to cut prices and give growers a direct benefit, but if they were cut too lino tho federation might have a very short life. Tho federation had largely assisted in keeping prices steady, its expenses were growing steadily, with increasing business. It had sot aside £SOO for tho Local Marketing Committee, and it had also assisted the Otago Council in tho marketing of apricots. These matters tended to keep expenses up. Eighteen months ago tho constitution had been altered to make it possible for tho directors to pass on to growers a portion of the profits at tho end of tho year. At their last meeting the directors bad agreed to place to tho credit of growers li per cent, of . tho total business put through. In view of the times the federation wanted to keep its finances sound. It had a staff of thirty-eight, and the head office did all the machinery work for the export of 1,250,000 cases. The suggestion had been made that salaries should bo reduced. While tho directors had decided not to continue the 6 per cent, bonus to the staff, they had agreed to make‘no reduction in salaries. Out of tho gross profits £I,OOO had been set aside for local marketing purposes during tho coming year. Certain proposals were being made which might alter the whole position, but at present ho was not free to say what they were. It might bo necessary to spend the bulk of tho £I,OOO. Tho federation had assisted export, and now it was its duty to foster local markets, which wore probably Otago’s greatest interest. A delegate stated that it seemed remarkable that, of the orchard tax of £2,400, £BOO went in cost of collection.

Tho Chairman stated that as a matter of fact tho sum of £BOO, according to tho Government, did not cover tho cost of collection. It had been slated that

if all legitimate charges wore made nothing mould bo left for tho federation.

DELEGATES 'TO CONFERENCE. Tho following delegates to the federation conference wore elected :—Upper area (Alexandra and above), Messrs A. Ashworth and C. Weaver; lower area, Messrs John Bennetts and E. Binder. CONSTITUTION. Tho following remit was received from tho Ettriek Fruitgrowers’ Association; —“That directors of tho federation be elected by individual postal ballot by bona fide fruitgrowers.” Mr Roichcl, who moved tho adoption of tho remit, said that under tlm present system there was a big possibility of a minority candidate being elected. Mr Brash said that a similar recommendation had been made to conference by the directors, and it had been turned down by one vote. The Chairman said that one of the objections to the remit was that a man with £20,000 sunk in his orchard had no greater voting power than a man with the minimum of 120 frees. Tho remit was adopted, with tho addition of tho words “ who are members of an association affiliated to the federaDisapproval was expressed of remits urging greater representation of Nelson on tho federation and Control Board, and “ more adequate ” representation on tho federation for Nelson and the South Island.

FINANCE. ’ In two remits it was urged tliat the Fcderatiov follow the ex: pie of other bodies and reduce salaries and wages by 10 per cent. , ~ , lb was stated by Mr Brash that, particularly during the export season, the staff worked a great deal of overtime for which no payment was made. After a full explanation had been made the action of the directors in not making a 10 per cent, cut was eudoiscd. With respect to a remit urging that the present system ol discounts ho leplaced by a'more equitable system. Mr Napier said that some growers in the north had been adversely allectcd. Iho directors had decided to reduce the discount on packing supplies to 5 per cent-. ; and it was hoped that tins would lie , endorsed by conference. LOCAL MARKETS. 1 Two remits urged that the federation make, more sustained and intensive efforts to solve tin; local market problem. , , The following remit was also suomitted by the Bay rnutgrowers’ Association: —lllint it bo u

recommendation that an officer be appointed by the federation whose duty it shall be to visit the auction marts ol the dominion for the purpose of watching the interests of growers at auction sales; to inspect the fruit on sale; to frivo attention to tho.handling of fruit bv railway officials and earners, and to seek to open up new avenues for the disposal of fruit.” r .. The matter was left m tho hands ol the delegates, who were asked to support the devoting of greater attention to local markets. Remits from Gratia and Lpper Clutha urging that tho export shaped case be made the standard case for New Zealand were approved. . A remit from Wairavapa asking that | the horticultural division bo requested to allow pears to ho packed for the local markets in tho “ American pear case” was left in the hands of the delegates „ . The following remit from tho Central Otago Association was adopted:— “ That the department be asked to limit the number of sizes of cases used for marketing stone fruit and tomatoes. Air Weaver said that tho number ot sizes ran into double figures. Delegates unanimously supported a number of remits opposing any steps that might be taken to legalise biu 7 - iug in.” . . A number of remits urging that charging for cases be made universal were also approved . , . It was stated that Otago stone fruitcrowors woro interested in the following Hawke’s Bay remit:-" That representation be made to the Wellington Fruit Brokers’ Association regarding their excessive charges from rail to markets.”—Mr Napier said that it was expected that the announcement of an amended scale of charges would bo made shortly. . , , The following remit was received from the Huapai Co-operative Society:— “ That as early as possible after the end of May in each year the division ol horticulture be asked to furnish a monthly return showing the total quantity of (a) apples, (b) pears in al cool stoics throughout the dominion. —it was decided to support the remit as a | recommendation to tho Internal Sales j Committee. . , Tho following remit was received from the Upper Clutha Association: — dhat I the question of advertising stone fruit I receive greater consideration with a view to making the campaign dominion wide, and not confining it to any proviuce or provinces.”—The Chairman said that the matter was now being dealt with from that standpoint. Ho gave an outline ot what steps had been taken in the recent campaign, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks tor his efforts.

Tho following Hawke’s Bay remit was adopted That it be a recommendation that a committee bo set up for the purpose of considering tho question of utilising oijr surplus and second-grade fruit, particular attention to be paid to the possibilities of producing fruit syrups and non-intoxicating drinks.’ " A remit from the Central Otago Association recommending that the Agricultural Department bo asked to bring up to date the schedule of sizes for grading show fruit was approved. IMPORTED FRUITS. It was decided by six votes to five to disapprove of the following remit from the Ettrick Association That tho New Zealand fruitgrowers view with alarm tho prospect of increasing supplies of subsidised tropical fruits being dumped on the Now Zealand markets hy subsidised shipping, and that tho total importations of tropical fruits bo limited to tho value of tho importations for 1014.” x Two remits urging more protection against imported soft and stone fruits were approved. , ~ . A remit urging that there should bo no importation of apples to New Zealand until after tho end of November was left to tho delegates, and it was decided to support a remit recommending a prohibitive or further duty on American fruit. A remit urging tho prohibition of the importation of Island tomatoes during October, November, and December was approved, SUPPLIES. Remits regarding supplies were discussed, Messrs Brash and Napier giving explanations on a number of points. Complaints were made regarding the quality of wrapping papers, and Mr Napier stated that the present position would ho remedied for next season. DISEASE CONTROL. Tho delegates were left a free hand with respect to remits dealing with tho prevention and spread of silver blight. TRANSPORTATION. Tho following Hawke’s Bay remits were approved;— “ That the action of the Railways Department in using insulated meat wagons for the carriage of fruit at various times during the busy fruit season is strongly resented in this Hawke’s Bay district, and that tho department he urged to construct sufficient ventilated wagons for the growing output of fruit.” That tho strongest representation bo made to the Railways Department regarding tho very heavy freights charged on small quantities of iruit and vegetables, small storekeepers who require only small quantities having to pass those charges on to their customers, thus largely increasing the price of fruit and curtailing tho demand.” Tho delegates approved tho following Clyde remit “ That tho responsible authority ho asked to pool tho freight on lime." It is suggested that the man within 100 miles who now gets free freight should pay some freight, and that this amount should bo used to cheapen the freight to the man over 100 miles.” U was also decided to sunpovt an Upper (Jlutint remit urging the Railways Department to extend the delivery area in tho cities. RESEARCH. Various remits dealt with research work, urging further investigation into tho life habits of the leaf roller moth

and experiments with sprays of summer and winter oils. Mr Brash gave an outline of the present research work, stating that excellent work was being done. He added that £3,720 per annum would be available for research work for tho next five years. Mr Brash urged those present to hear Dr Cunningham, of the Government plant research station at Palmerston North, when he tours Otago shortly. GENERAL.

Remits dealing with grades (none of which came from Otago) and sizes ot apples wero left in the hands ot the delegates. .. . . ... A similar decision was reached witli respect to remits urging that the American standard bo adopted in place ot bushel cases for pears. . With respect to Otago remits asking for a more suitable label for pear cases,

tho Chairman stated that a new label was being prepared, and he was -sure that it would bo to the satisfaction ot growers. . It was decided to _ support a remit asking for an alteration in the legulations to allow for a smaller stamp to he used on the present pear label._ Mr Napier reported that the Agricultural Department had agreed to the minimum size for 'Winter _ Col© ■ and Nelis and similar shaped varieties being made 2-Jin. It was decided to support a remit asking for the adoption of a better method of opening cases for inspection. Mr 0. E. Noiderer Farmers’ Union organiser, briefly addressed the meeting, urging close co-operation between fruitgrowers and the union, j Mr C. G. Wilkinson, of the federation staff, said that there seemed to be some doubt about tho use of straw-

board. The corrugation should be placed nest to the case.—Mr Lloyd Williams said that lie knew of a case in which every apple in a case had been marked when the. corrugation had been used facing inwards. ■ . , A resolution was unanimously passed urging fruitgrowers to support the radAppreciation was expressed of the' fact that Mr Brash and the manager had given their time to attend the conference. ‘ Votes of thanks were also accorded to the chairman for his work- during the year and to Mr Lloyd Williams for acting as secretary. , • . Mr Williams expressed The regret of Mr J. A. Campbell, director ,of . thd Horticultural Division ‘ of: the Agricultural Department, and Mr G. H. M‘lndoe, 1 orchard instructor,: at ■ their ■■ inability to be present, '