N.Z. FRUIT EXPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 1 June 1920, Page 4

N.Z. FRUIT EXPORT

AN INTERESTING REPORT liie .Director of Horticulture, Mr 1. W. Kirk, at Thursday 5 s sitting, of tiie New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Jb'ederation’s Conference, submitted an iujteresting report dealing with the fruit export, 192U shipments,-and the-con-dition of the fruit exported. The following return of export shipinterest to the fruitgrowers of the’ Dominion. The shipments were made up as follows: The s.s. Athenjc, which sailed in April, took 14,995 cases; Port Napier, which also sailed in April took 13,187 cases; and the Corinthic, just sailed, 6403 —a total of 34,585 cases. Of tliis number, 18,644 cases (including 1376 half-cases) were shipped from Motueka. , . 1

The quality of the fruit passed was good as.far as could be seen. To, say it was absolutely free from such diseases as bitter pit and watqr core would be an impossibility, as this was in evidence in some of the line being handled prior to grading and packing, but the fruit was carefully watched for these faults during grading and packing operations. Colour. — The colour of the fruit from Mapua was well up to standard. Much of the fruit as far as this requirement was concerned could have passed us extra fancy, but no attempt was made to pack under this grade,hence the margin of colour in fancy grade was very wide, namely, 25 per cent, to 100 per cent, in many instances. ■ :

Condition.—None of the fruit submitted could be classed as immature. In the Athonic the Jonathan and Mnnroem were in good condition, but the Cox’s were inclined to be approaching too near ripeness and kept on the trees too long. Tills variety must go earlier, and colour must be sacrificed for condition, and adjustments made in the regulations accordingly. Two lines of these were turned down for the cracking round the stems, characteristic of the variety under some conditions ;'another line for spot and blemish. Some Munroe’s were also rejected for blemish, in this boat. In the Port Napier the colour of the Jonathan was higher than in the Athcnic ; in some cases the fruit was inclined to ripeness, especially the larger size. All the other varieties were m excellent condition. . For the Corinthic all Jonathans, with the exception of 83 cases, were turned down for over-ripeness. All other varieties were in good condition. The Statesmen variety might need a bit of adjustment re colour requirements on'the same lines as for Cox s. .Blemishes —All lines were well within the regulations as regards blemish; in fact. I think I can safely state that iwith the /exceptions mentioned, the full concessions in this respect weie not availed of. The shippers endeavoured to keen well within the margin. Sizing ■ —On the whole the sizing was good. There were instances where a little more variation was indulged in than the regulations allow,- but tliis was more due to endeavours to got'good finishes in packing than otnei

reasons. c Packing.—There were instances or loose cases that came under my notice and when loading these were put. back for adjustment where round, ana also at time of inspection. There is a considerable weight or opinion in favour of abolishng the size mark on cases of export fruit in view • of the total number of apples contained in the cases being placed thereon. Tli is number itself is an indication of size. This concession would'simplify' the marks and save considerable time. ] would strongly recommend its adop-

tion. The engagements made with growers for space in the boats seem to require a little more definition. It would probably be best to get their members Co sisya for space as soon as the fruit sets—in November. I believe they would be ready to do tins it at that time ‘‘Federation” could tell them when and where the fruit was going and what financial arrangements had been made. It is only m this way that many growers can arrange credits for their own packing arrangemA 1 tement should be laid before growers regarding next season s export not later than September and growers should be able to sign defimtelv in November.

.SUMMARY! \ Generally speaking,, the fruit shipped was of good quality, the colour standard being good throughout; posfeildv too much variation for fancy grade owing to the fact that extra- ■ limey grade was not picked out, but included in the cases containing fancy grade. ■ ■ ■ It was conspicuous tnat some or our host varieties for the later boats were withheld from export, especially Delicious ond Stunner, while in the early boats every endeavour was made to get- array ns many inferior varieties, particularly London Pippin and Rienetle du Canada as possible. This to largo extent must be attributed to the Government guarantee of Id per pound, as these varieties were not likely to realise that price on the New Zealand markets, and it is doubtful if such varieties will clear expenses to the Horae markets. A quantity of the fruit submitted was on the ripe side, and the.condition on arrival at Home will be interesting.