LEMONS FOR ALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 July 1925, Page 8

LEMONS FOR ALL

An English fruit-merchant now in this j country says there is no reason why New j Zealand should not export citrus fruit ■to England. Wo should say that the oidy bar to tho eventual establishment | of a trade with England was distance, ! says the Auckland Star. At present i there is practically no trade in this kind of fruit. There is now on its way ; to England, however, tho first shipment ‘ of what is called for trade purposes j grape fruit, but which is known in New j Zealand as the Poorman Orange. Eng- L land, it seems, is being weaned to some J extent, from its traditional breakfast of I bacon and eggs by the American fruit- | icating habit, and grape-fruit is in demand. Last year those New Zealand oranges were sold to the jam factories for 3/6 a case, but it- is hoped that 7/to 8/- per case over the cost of shipment will be obtained in London. The most important citrus fruit, however, is tne lemon, and New Zealand is admirably adapted for producing it. North Auckland alone could grow an immense . quantity. But, before wo think about supplying England, wo have our home market to conquer completely. This country imports lemons freely. Last year we imported £2767 worth from Australia, and nearly £II,OOO worth from the United States! A few came all the way from Italy. In addition we imported a small amount of candied peel from other parts of the Empire, and from foreign countries £6OOO worlh of lemon and orange peel in brine, the raw material for local manufacture. The lemon industry in New Zealand has made considerable progress, but these figures show how much we remain dependent upon tiie outside world. I here is no reason why any fresh lemons or ' any peel should be imported into a country where the fruit is so easily grown.