APPLE CONSIGNMENTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 5

APPLE CONSIGNMENTS.

ARRIVE IN BAD CONDITION. [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Monday, 7.0 p.m.) LONDON, May 13. The position of the apple trade is causing some anxiety among importers. During the last fortnight upwards of 400,000 cases of Australian and New Zealand apples arrived, and some of the fruit was in a decidedly unsatisfactory condition, causing buyers to exercise much caution. It is also stated that there arc some weak holders who will be compelled to clear their stocks below proper market rates. Fortunately no further arrivals are due for about ten days. The importers hope the market will be cleared before then, and that buyers will be keen again. The weather conditions are cold, and all European fruits are very backward, so things ought to improve for the latter half of the Australian season if onlv apples come in good condition. Further instances are reported of apples which externally appear sound turning brown inside, the last case being the Port Sydney's, of which the insurance surveyors had to examine a considerable quantity, with unsatisfactory results. There is much controversy regarding the cause. The shipowners cont"nd that it is due to an inherent vice in the apple, and not due to any fault of the ship. Some of the importers assert that it is due to too close stowage or to non-circulation of air in the holds, and point out that the trouble has only occurred in certain vessels, whereas fruits shipped by other vessels at the same time from the same orchards have arrived in perfectly good condition. The matter is regarded as serious, and as likely to cause the underwriters to increase premiums or to refuse apple risks altogether.