SALE OF APPLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 November 1936, Page 3

SALE OF APPLES

AUCTION PRICES IN LONDON AN INTERESTING COMPARISON

TASMANIAN AND NEW ZEALAND VARIETIES

An informative comparison of the average prices obtained at auction sales in London during the past fruit season for the six principal varieties of Tasmanian apples and the similar New Zealand varieties is contained in a report which the Minister for Agri- J culture (Mr R. Cosgrove) has received from the Trade Commissioner in London (Mr L. F. Smeeton). The statistics reveal that the prices of Tasmanian apples suffer by comparison (states “The Mercury”). i The Minister stated that in general; discussions it had often been said that Tasmanian fruit sold on the English market at prices comparable with : those for New Zealand fruit. Dur- ; ing the past season he endeavoured to secure comparative figures relating to sales of varieties which were grown in New Zealand and Tasmanian, and arrangements were made for Mr j Smeeton to obtain the information, j The figures disclosed some interesting | but depressing facts, which did not j support the assertion. j The following was Mr Smeeton’s ; statement: j “I have taken out statistical data re- | iating to the sales of certain varieties j of Tasmanian and New Zealand apples over the complete season. You will realise, of course, that it is not possible to get out reliable figures in' regard to private treaty sales 'and I have, therefore, confined my statistics to auction sales only, as the' sale prices’ appear in printed catalogues and are therefore irrefutable. However, I am satisfied that the position, as disclosed by auction sales, is similar in the case of the private treaty transactions.

A DIRECT COMPARISON

“I will set out briefly what I have endeavoured to disclose by the production of these figures. In the first place I have taken 12 of the principal Tasmanian varieties and Six New Zealand varieties. The six New Zealand kinds are the same varieties as six of the Tasmanian, namely, Cox’s Orange Pippins, Jonathans, Worcester Pearmains, Sturmer Pippins, Dunn’s Seedlings, and Granny Smiths. It is possible therefore, to make a direct comparison of the prices realised for fruit of the same varieties from each country. The remaining Tasmanian varieties selected were Cleopatras, Ribston Pippins, Scarlet Pearmains, Democrats, Alfristons, and French Crabs. I have taken the sales of each variety by steamers, showing the total quantities of cases sold at each price range, and finally the average price a case over the total quantity of each variety sold by auction from each vessel. The whole is covered by a resume on one sheet showing a complete list of steamers, the total quantities auctioned, the total values, and the average prices. I have dealt with each receiving port separately, but at the moment only the London figures are , completed. As, however these are the most important, I considered it V,advisable to send them in advance of the others. Fronu.what I can see at the moment, the position disclosed in London will be repeated by the figures for other ports.- An analysis of the figures discloses: “In etfery instance in the six comparable varieties, New Zealand averages are higher than the Tasmanian.

“Whereas in most instances the bulk of the New Zealand fruit realised prices above the mean level for any variety, the bulk of the Tasmanian fruit generally sold below the same mean level.

“With the exception of Cox’s Orange Pippins, Alfristons, and Granny Smiths, none of the other nine Tasmanian varieties succeeded in attaining an average price of 8s a case, the minimum which covers growers’ costs.