THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14209, 4 November 1909, Page 6

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE.

NEED FOR CO-OPERATION.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Wednesday. Speaking at the Fruitgrowers' Conference to-day, tlie Minister for Agriculture (Hon. T. Mackenzie) said the grower need have no anxiety as to the disposal of his fruit, provided proper methods were adopted. The prices ruling in retail markets at present placed fruit beyond the reach of a considerable portion of the population. He would suggest that a better system of cooperation be adopted, which, by more expeditious handling, would cheapen the cost to the consumer. With proper combination and the most approved system of distribution, the crop could be disposed of readily. New' Zealand was at present sending £182,000 annually out of the country for fresh fruit, much of which could be grown in the Dominion. "• As much as £30,000 went away to pay for apples and pears alone. This should not be. With careful selection these fruits could be held in cool stores for lengthened periods. For canned fruit £28,500 was last year's bill. The New Zealand canneries could, for a considerable time to come, absorb all the available fruit. The local markets, with proper organisation, could absorb vastly greater quantities than were now available. The retail prices could, by means of thorough co-operation, be considerably reduced, and so bring fruit within the reach of all, thus greatly increasing the demand.

Mr. Mackenzie turned to the English and European markets, which, he said, could take really good apples and pears at remunerative prices, averaging about ljd a lb to the producer. Good quality canned fruits could also find a satisfactory market at Home. Great Britain imported fresh fruit to the value of £10,000,000 a year. In this connection the Minister put in a word for preference to the produce of the Empire. it would be difficult, he said, to compete at present with California and other places. Perhaps some system of preference might be adopted by the Home Government, and this would be of great assistance.

In summing up, the Minister said that any man with any observation could note the great improvement in the fruit seen in the shops, the auctions, and the orchards. With regard to the inspection of orchards, he had to say that the staff was admittedly small, but good work was being .done, and more was hoped for the future. ' The Department hoped to give some assistance to growers in the matter of (a) export, (b) development of canning factories within reasonable reach of rail or water carriage, (c) co-operative experiments, (d) affording facilities for the establishment of special fruit settlements. He would like the Department to establish some system of testing fruit* as to quality and suitability of varieties for markets. At present the Department was testing seeds in different localities. What (he would like to see carried out was that the Department should supply the growers with fruit trees and manures, and if it were thought necessary would contribute something towards the labour of the experiments on an acre of ground in different localities. -He hoped the suggestion would be taken up by the associations. It was in co-operation that success might bo found.

FRUITGROWERS' GATHERING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Wednesday. Delegates from the various fruitgrowing associations in New Zealand met in conference to-day. Mr. Sisson (Canterbury) was appointed chairman. The Hon; T. Mackenzie, Minister for Agriculture, was present, and gave an address. The : Conference resolved that the Government be requested to allow the importation of German owls as an antidote to the small birds nuisance; that a deputation wait on the shipping companies suggesting improved methods of handling fruit; that the Government be asked ;to provide sufficient ventilated cars for the proper carriage of fruit, and that it be given preference of despatch over non-perishable goods; that thorn hedges within five chains of growing orchards should come under the Orchard and Garden Pests Act; that registration of orchards from one tree upwards should be compulsory; that all fruits should be sold under a registered brand, provided the registration ■ does not cost more than ss: that inspectors should have definite and more limited areas than at present, and that for the better enforcement of the Ac* members of fruitgrowers' associations should be asked to give inspectors, either directly or through their secretaries, every assistance in carrying out their work.