THE FRUIT INDUSTRY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 May 1930, Page 4

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY

AFTER a good de_al of sparring at long range the fruitgrowers and the Harbour Board have at last come to grips on the question of improving the port facilities in order to secure the direct shipment overseas of a larger proportion of Nelson's fruit crop. The position has been thoroughly ventilated, though nothing definite has yet been decided on, but it is hoped that no time will be lost in carrying on the negotiations. The most urgent need appears to be the provision of storage sufficient to assemble a liner's full allotment, so that there will be no delay in the Nelson loading. Growers are somewhat divided on the question whether a refrigerating store is an absolute necessity. Over several seasons a large proportion of the fruit sent overseas has not been precooled, and appears to have opened up at the other end in as good a condition as that precooled. Experts however strongly favour precooling as an additional safeguard against deterioration of fruit. It all boils down to a question of costs. All things desirable are not attainable. But if the cost of precooling at Nelson can be kept at a low enough figure the growers may be expected to support a refrigerating store. This week's conferences have shown that the growers are ready to shoulder their share of the cost of harbour improvements. It is difficult to see how they can promise any definite sum till the Harbour Board has decided on the extent of the improvements to be carried out. It should be sufficient for the board to be assured that the growers will pay their share. Figures presented to the board indicated the saving that is effected by direct shipping, and.justify every effort being made to secure the largest possible shipments from Port Nelson. The definite assurance given that more liners would come to Nelson if improved facilities were provided is most gratifying, as showing that the Shipping Committee recognises the claims of Nelson growers. Presumably matters will assume a more definite shape at the Harbour Board's meeting on Wednesday next. But it is sincerely to be hoped that there will be no unnecessary delay in formulating an

improvement scheme, especially in regard to the provision of additional storage. This is a downright necessity for next export season, and it would be a thousand pities if delays resulted in a reduction of the number of apple steamers that would otherwise come to Nelson. The Harbour Board has reiterated its sympathy with the fruit exporters and the tone of the proceedings at yesterday's conference gives hope of the early formulation of a harbour improvement scheme in keeping with tho requirements of the district.