EXPORT OF FRUIT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 143, 16 May 1930, Page 7

EXPORT OF FRUIT.

RECORD THIS SEASON. FROM WAIRARAPA ORCHARDS. “There have been wonderful conditions this fruit export season,” said Mr J. W. Whelan, orchard instructor and inspector of the Department of Agriculture, stationed at Palmerston North, to a “Standard” reporter today. Discussing the position, he stated that the season had been a record one in every respect not only so far as the Wairarapa was concerned, but throughout all the orchard districts of New Zealand. “Practically all the fruit was well coloured,” Mr Whelan added. “The size was good right through, and the apples graded out particularly well. Almost all the fruit was extra fancy or fancy grade. Crops have been very heavy indeed. “Applos exported from the Wairarapa numbered 19,748 cases for the season, while 294 crates of pears were carefully packed and sent abroad. Tho grower receives a Government guarantee of 11s per case for apples, but from that working expenses have to be deducted, and adjustments are made at the end of the season on the basis of the prices returned. “There is carried out a rigorous inspection for purity and grade,” said Mr Whelan. “Last year the first shipment of pears was a failure, but another one has been tried, more in the nature of an experiment, and Beauty Bose and P. Barry are the two varieties which have been sent forward. All the pear crops were heavy, but they are not particularly profitable, owing to wastage and lack of demand. They are difficult to handle in the export trade owing to their tendency to ripen too quickly. There is more expense attached to their packing, which has to be done in trays, and they have to be carefully wrapped in wood-wool and paper. Those which have arrived in good condition on the market appear to have opened up at prices a little better than those ruling last year. “Principal among the varieties cf apples exported were Cox’s Orange pippins, Dunns, Johnathans, Delicious, Cleopatra, Rokewood, Sturmer pippins, and a few Spitzenbergs. The first shipment from the Wairarapa opened up at 24s to 275, and rates do not appear to have fallen below 18s in any instance. “Weather conditions were perfect for the harvesting and packing. of the fruit. There was bright sunshine, with no wind, while cold nights towards the end of the season assisted in ripening and imparting splendid colour afld flavour to the fruit, said Mr Whelan. “Unfortunately, the growers under-esti-mated the crops which would be produced, and tremendous difficulty was encountered in obtaining enough shipping space. There could have been another 10,000 cases despatched from Greytown and Masterton had space been available. These apples were sent into cool storage and will eventually find their way on to the local market. The shipping difficulty will have to be overcome. “The season was good for small fruit culture,” added Mr Whelan. “Gooseberries and black currants were in heavy supply. Strawberries* were patchy in quality, but brought good prices, especially for the second crop. Gooseberries did not yield such good returns owing to the glut. Raspberries were patchy, especially those picked in wet weather. One or two small raspberry plantations in the Manawatu were quite good.”