COLONIAL APPLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9670, 17 April 1923, Page 5

COLONIAL APPLES.

SEASON COMMENCES DISAPPOINTINGLY. IMMATURE FRUIT BRINGS POOR PRICES. LONDON, April 15. The Australian and New Zealand apple season had a disappointing commencement. prices all round being unsatisfactory. This is largely due to the fact that most Australian apples were immature, lacking color, while the prevalence of bitter pit, especially in Ribstons and Cox*, took many shillings a case off their value. It was particularly unfortunate that these early arrivals should be so poor, cs there are still plenty of American apples here with which Australians compare unfavorably. both as regards appearance and prices. It is realised teat the presence of these immature, pitted Australians on the market has done much to nullify the effect- of the advertising propaganda. Several importers are advocating postponement of the first shipments of apples to the last week of February. Undoubtedly another ten . days on the trees would be beneficial. One bright spot in the apple trade so far is that there has been no sign of brown heart, which was the bugbear of last season's eliipmens. Five steamers have arrived. The closest inspection revealed no brown heart in any cargo. Importers attribute this to greater care of the shipping companies with regard to ventilation of the holds, less close storage, and the use of more dunnage. There is a good demand for apples. Exporters expect better prices if the qualitv of arrivals improves.—A. and N.Z.CM.