MEETING OF FRUIT-GROWERS AT LUCAS CREEK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9469, 13 September 1889, Page 6

MEETING OF FRUIT-GROWERS AT LUCAS CREEK.

A mektim; ■was called on September 9, byMr. T. B. Ingham, of those interested in fruit culture, to discuss the question of fruit exportation. A goodly number availed themselves of the opportunity to be present to hoar a subject discussed which is of importance to most country settlers. Mr. Ingham was. voted to the chair, and commenced by referring to the subject for which the meeting was called, stating that J fruit would be the ultimate staple industry of the North, and the necessity there was to seek an outlet for the ever-increasing surplus. To this end Mr. Ingham has exerted himself greatly, placing himself in correspondence with that well-known salesman and distributor, Mr. W. N. White, of Covent Garden Market, London. Mr. Ingham read most of the correspondence with Mr. White, that gentleman [riving every information necessary to intending exporters of fruit, showing how the risks are minimised by sending home fruit in cool chambers provided in the modern steamship, detailing the prices likely to be" obtained for good and sound fruit in the London market in the months of April, May, and .June, giving every minute detail as to packing, and the size of case best suited for the London market. Mr. Ingham occupied one hour and a-half in Betting forth the advantages likely to accrue to exporters of fruit arriving in London in the months above stated. In support of his subject, Mr. Ingham referred to the articles which had appeared 'in the "Wkkki.y Nkwh from time to time. At the close Mr. Ingham invited discussion of the subject, which he had so ably brought before tho meeting. The company were agreed as to the importance of fruit exportation, and Mr. Blythe brought the meeting to a practical test by stating the number of cases he was [prepared to guarantee for port to London in March next in a cool chamber, when it is expected that a steamship will leave Auckland Harbour. Mr. Blythe has been in communication with the agents, who desire to know what space will ;be required. Over 200 cases were guaranteed in the room by Messrs. Blythe, Brown, Phillips, and Cowley. A hearty vote of thanks was accordod Mr. Ingham for the manner he had conducted the meeting, and the large amount of interest he had taken in tho subject.— [Own Correspondent.] -