FRUIT PROSPECTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 6 February 1928, Page 4

FRUIT PROSPECTS

FEDERATION MANAGER IN NELSON CONDITIONS IN HOME MARKETS FACTOR OF AMERICAN COMPETITION The manager of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation (Mr H. E. Napier) has been spending a few days in the Nelson district obtaining an idea of the fruit crop prospects at fust hand. Speaking to a "Mail" "representative, MrfTapier said there was no doubt it *as a very wonderful and lovely crop. The only concern appeared to be the possible duration of the dry weather which, if it continued for any length of time, would prevent the frujt swelling out as it should. It would seem that South American bookings of large size fruit would not bo as heavy as last year, AN EARLIER CROP

The crop, said Mr Napier, was at least seven days earlier than growers anticipated and space contracts in the first llalf of February were not sufficient for growers' requirements. The Federation, however, had been able to secure additional space in boats timed to leave during the second part of February. He thought they would be able to accept from- growers in that period everything IH'e'y had'offering.' .*" '"_ It had 'been decided at "a jneetTng of the Advisory Board to use the Matatua, loading at Nelson about 21st February, for Dunns and Jonathans only. That meant no Cox's.would be' sent by her, as the boat would be on the coast until 13th March;' when she was scheduled to .leave Auckland as her final port. THE MONTREAL SHIPMENT The Control Board, said Mr Napier, was proceeding with the shipment to Montreal. With the light Canadian and American crop it was anticipated a good market would be offering. HOME MARKET PROSPECTS Of the possibilities on the Home markets, Mr' Napier said that while it was impossible to speak with any degree of certainty, the indications were that '.he season would h« a favourable one, with but one qualification, the latest reports from America indicated that cool store holdings on Ist December were very little less than last )Vr, except in barrelled apples, which were considerably lower. This would indicate that, contrary to what had been anticipated, export would meet American competition in the early part of the season. Australia, it was anticipated, would be leaving more fruit this season lor the local markets, which were good last vear.

ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR FRUIT

TO REACH WELLINGTON BY

SATURDAY

The Control Board advised to-day that additional space for 6000 cases of Nelson apples had been secured on the Northumberland, provided the fruit reached Wellington by Saturday next.