FALLING OFF IN FRUIT SHIPMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 November 1938, Page 10

FALLING OFF IN FRUIT SHIPMENTS

TO THE WEST COAST BY LORRY At the monthly meeting of the Motueka Harbour Board held yesterday, the harbourmaster (Mr P. G. Moffatt) presented the following report: The total amount of revenue received was £lOl Is 5d compared with £134 5s Id for the corresponding month of last year, thus showing a decrease of £33 3s Bd. These totals are made up as follows (the figures for last year in parenthesis. Wharfage, inwards £7B 18s 3d (£BS 19s Gd), outwards £l2 6s (£3B 12s); total wharfage £92 4s 3d (£125 11s 6d); tonnage dues £4 2s 8d (£5 13s 4d); storage £4 8s 6d (£1 6s 3d); weighing Is (6d); fresh water for ships 5s (£1 13s 6d; total £lOl Is 5d (£134 5s Id).

The quantity of fruit shipped for the month, calculated in computed bushed cases, was 2246, compared with 8219 for the previous month of October. Therefore, the decrease was 5973; or these figures disclose the fact that little more than one-quarter the amount of fruit was shipped during October of this year when compared with the same period in 1937. This falling off in fruit shipments is very largely accountable to*the falling off in revenue, above shown. As that matter is one of serious consequence to your board, some outside enquiries have betfh made. The results indicate that the quantities of

fruit leaving this district, for October, were about normal for that time of the year, but while such a small quantity was sent by sea transport a much greater proportion went by land, mainly to the West Coast and from thence by the Midland railway to southern destinations while, it was stated, a small proportion was sent overland for shipment, allegedly on account of the irregularity of the shipping service from this port. And, further, that owing to the larger quantity, in proportion, of fruit being “degraded” upon its arrival at Wellington than is the case of southern markets, the local fruitgrowers are influenced in making their consignments thereby. Whether it is that fruit arrives in better condition at destinations in the south, than at Wellington, has not been definitely stated but, I understand, enquiries are now being instituted to find out if such is the case. Therefore, gentlemen, I am not yet in a position to suggest any way in which your falling off in revenue might be restored through shipments of fruit.

The number of vessels entered and left the port for the month was 28, wi.h a total registered tonnage of 1888, compared with 31 vessels with 2860 tons registered, for the previous month of October.

Regarding conditions at the sand spit and the harbour channel, these are about the same as reported to your board last month, with a continuation of advancing sand, at the spit-end of the northern channel and toward the middle channel. The depth of water is about the same, namely, what is termed “Awash at L.W.5.T.,” or 13ft H.W.S.T.