DIRECT FRUIT SHIPMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 April 1934, Page 4

DIRECT FRUIT SHIPMENTS

‘WHY DO BOATS LEAVE PARTLY LOADED?

HARBOUR BOARD DISCUSSION “Why is it that apple boats come in here and go away only partly loaded while at Die same time fruit is being taken away io Wellington?’’ asked Mr W. C. Harley at yesterday’s meeting of the Nelson Harbour Board. He said t was a vital question for the fruitgrower and it seemed grossly unfair that ships snould go away without completing their allotment. The boats not only arrive out of schedule, but also out of season, that is, at a time when the fruit is not ready. While the boats were in port fruit was going over the wharf to Wellington with extra cost to the growers for transport. “I don’t know if anyone has the interest of this matter at heart or not,” ho said.

Mr 11. W. Kelly pointed out that while .the Nebraska was in port the Easter holidays intervened. The Government inspectors did not work over the holidays, but the fruit was being prepared in the orchards during the period. Two boats were ready to complete loading in Wellington and fruit was sent over to them. He understood if the inspectors had worked over the holidays the Nebraska’s allotment would have been filled. The -'hairman (Mr A. Gould) said n was unfortunate that Mr .T. H. Brunt was not present. The first boat had arrived too early lor the trail. If the boats arc not filled here it must have a detrimental effect on the harbour, be said. He pointed out that the board made efforts to induce boats to visit Nelson for direct shipments yet those responsible did not see that lull advantage was taken of it • Mr Harlev: “Apparently the individual fruitgrower does not interest himself in it and see that the hint gets onto ihe boats.’’ Mr Gould: “You cannot blame tin; fruitgrowers. They supply the hint, but the boats do not gel/ it. Mr Harley: “Then they should gin someone who would get the ft nit onto the heats.’’