INFECTED FRUIT SALES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12271, 15 May 1903, Page 7

INFECTED FRUIT SALES.

TO TnE EDITOR. Sir,—A great fuss is made if imported l fruit is found to be infected, even in the slightest degree. A gentleman told mo that a shipment of apples from America, had been condemned by'the Government' inspector because three codlin moths had been found, not in the apples, but in one bt the cases. It is a pity the inspectors were not equally ■'iligont at the present time, when our auc-tion-rooms are full of apples infected by codlin moth. A frieno of mine got me to examine a case of apples he had bought at auction for one penny per lb. and every apple had from one to' four' grubs, either in it or had boon in it, as the apples were completely riddled. The sooner it is made a penal offence to sell infected fruit the better for those of our fruitgrowers who are honestly endeavouring to rid the country of these orchard pests. Before next season a stringent law should be passed, which should impose just as heavy penalties for sending or carrying infected fruit either by rail, road, or boat, or exposing it for sale, is is now imposed on anyone found driving or offering for sale a cow known to be diseased.

Most of our fruitgrowers would be delighted to have such a law passed, as it would not affect ♦/hose who are keeping their orchards clean. All fruitgrowers sending fruit to market should be compelled to put their names or brands on the cases of fruit exposed for sale, and it any fruitgrower should purchase empty cases with the name or brand of another orchardist on them then he must obliterate such name or brand, and put his own name on the cases before sending them to market. » The question of auctioneers' commissions on the sale of fruit was discussed at the Farmers' Union conference, but I feel bound to say that in m 5 opinion the auctioneers selling fruit earn their commission, receiving, selling, delivering it by perhaps „he single case; ot perhaps a half case at Is, say, making out the accounts and receiving the money—there is certainly not much in it. " Feed your pjgs on iilie bad fruit'; only send the good to market, and ypu will make more money with less expense.— am, etc.,' A Fau'ueu's Boy. AucJ4aad, Mm 8, 190.3,