THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 89, 14 March 1934, Page 6

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

An anticipated export of 1,400,000 cases of apples and pears this season will mean an increase of 100,000 on last year’s figures. The adversities of climate in Otago. Canterbury, and . Marlborough have been particularly severe on growers, and these districts will not be able to send forward consignments equal to last year. In the case of Otago frosts lmv r e reduced the quantity of fruit available from that province for the overseas market to almost a negligible figure compared with 1933. On the other hand Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, and Nelson will gather a harvest sufficient to make the total export greater than last year. To relieve the British market sales have been made to other countries, and growers will welcome the opportunities that have been seized for them. The Continent is taking 200,000 cases of apples at a price giving a satisfactory return to growers; Brazil is to receive 30,000 cases, and the Argentine 20,000. In the past the Argentine has been a valuable market for New Zealand . fruit, but the “freezing” of credits resulted in monetary difficulties, and business slumped. It is anticipated that payment for this year’s consignment or letters of credit will be available in Wellington before shipment. Further consignments will be made to Canada and the United States. In consequence, the British market will be relieved of 325,000 cases, somewhat less, than onequarter of the total export. Low prices ruling’ in the Homeland last year due to ruinous competition from other Dominions and foreign countries gave growers an anxious time, so that it is indeed satisfactory for them to know that a greater quantity will not be required to face such competition this year. It would appear that efforts to widen the distribution of the crop have met with good success, which must be continued in subsequent years for growers to receive substantial profits from their industry.. The order from the Continent is decidedly welcome, for in past years France, Germany, and • other European countries were valuable markets for our apples. The shipment to the Argentine under guaranteed payment should also pave the way to export. without the harassing restrictions of “frozen” credits.