MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 13 November 1928, Page 2

MOTUEKA

EXPORT FRUIT ADDRESS BY MR H. E. STEPHENS (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Friday) evening, at Goodman's Hall, Mr 11. E. Stephens, London representative of the New Zealand Fruit Control Hoard, gave an interesting resume of his work at Home, in connection with the disposal of last season's export fruit. Major D. W. Talbot, president of the Motueka District Fruit Exporters' Association, occupied the chair and extended ;i very hearty welcome to the speaker. ?\ll Stephens, alter returning thanks foi the cordial manner in which growers •iad received him, gave a comprehensive account m what had been done for the beneficial disposal of New Zealand fruit,, his address being similar to that delivered at (lie Stoke meeting, and reported last Thursday.

Mr Stephens invited questions; a number were asked audi answered, growers being thus enlightened on many points. The information was given that Cleopatras, in Paris and Vienna, were regarded in the same light as Cox apples in England, and would be the most suitable to test out these markets.

He did not think that trays would carry the fruit belter to Continental markets than properly packed cases; in fact to his mind the latter were preferable. He saw no reason why the corrugated boards, suggested for use in packing Cox Orange, should damage the fruit at the overlap. If the system of the right sizes to the right markets was extended to the whole of the New Zealand fruit it would benefit growers generally, for most centres had a. preference for a. definite size and would only pay the best price for the sizes required. Mr Stephens thought it would bo worth while cool-storing late shipments of Cox's Orange at Home, but not the early arrivals, as their prices were usually very remunerative. Otago Cox Orange received good prices because they arrived in small quantities on a bare market later in the season. Several growers commented on the. rough handling fruit sometimes received at the Motueka Wharf, it being contended that once the Control Board took charge, those in authority should see that the fruit was properly handled, in the "interest of growers. Mr J. L. Brown said that he had heard of no complaints from tlie Motueka side, during last export season; if he had the matter would have been attended to. Useful information concerning labels and stickers, for the forthcoming season, was given by Mr Brown, who also stated that 25,000 cases had already been booked for the proposed Voluntary Provincial Pooling Group, which would be formed if the 50,000 case mark was reached. Fruit sent to the Continent, next year, would be pooled and apples to the Canadian markets would be pooled separately from South American markets. The Chairman moved a hearty vole of thanks to Mr Stephens for the valuable information he had imparted; and remarked that all present must have benefited by the address. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mr Stephens, returning thanks for appreciation shown, by growers, stated that he had done his best for the protection of growers' interests; and could already see the advantage of having some one in England during the export season, lie had agreed to go to England again nextyear and Mr J. L. Brown would take his place on the Control Board for tin remainder of his term. Mr Stephens expressed the. hope that the same degree of support, tiiat had been accorded him, would'be extended to his successor, Mr Brown.