NEW ZEALAND'S APPLE SHOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16562, 11 June 1917, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND'S APPLE SHOW.

THE RESULTS REVIEWED. AUCKLAND'S PRE-EMINENCE. TfflUHJt can be little doubt that the second National, Patriotio Apple Show was the largest and most representative display of apples ever seen in New Zealand. The 1916 show was by way of being art experiment, and owing to delays and misunderstandings some districts were not properly represented. Auckland, for instance, made no attempt at a really representative display, as organising only commenced a few days before the actual show. This year every > district had ample time and some experience, and the result was a close fight for supremacy, A review of the marks given is interesting. First, of course, comes commercial value—a mark worth more to the orchardist than all the rest put together. The average orchardist is in the business to make money, and, therefore, it is the commercial value of his apples that counts. The greatest possible marks were 35. Auckland secured the maximum with a display of fruit which, owing to its moderate size, high colour, and firm texture, was evidently considered by the judges as fruit likely to appeal to the largest public at the best prices. Otago was very close with 32, and Nelson just behind with 30. Hawke's Bay made an excellent fourth with 28, but Canterbury was a rather poor fifth. The next mark was quality of exhibit. Here the long distance which the Auckland fruit had to travel was detrimental, some bruising taking place. Great credit is due to Nelson packing in equalling Otago with 30 marks—the maximumthe local people naturally having the best of it in carriage conditions. Auckland made a splendid second with 28 marks out of a possible 30. The Auckland growers had practically 1000 miles to take their fruit, and there can be no doubt that given the same quality next year Auckland should be first in this mark also. Next year the show is to be held in Auckland City. Variety of exhibits is another important mark, the possible being 15, Hore Auckland led again with the maximum. This ie a point worth noting. Statements have been made that Auckland can grow only about two varieties of apples, yet when it comes to a show Auckland is able to exhibit a larger number of leading commercial varieties than any other district. Their bay included specimens of all the high-class varieties such as the early export viz., Gravenstein, Scarlet Pearmain, Golden Pippin, and Cox'e Orange; the great main crop, viz. Munro's Favouritiee, Delicious, Wine Sap and Stunners; abx> the two varieties for which Auckland is famed, viz., Dougherty and Pigeonettes; while the citrus fruits formed a big display in themselves. Commercial men in the South have inquired as to the prospects of regular shipments of citrus fruits from Auckland, a proof of the value of uch shows. The remaining marks were spectacular display, maximum 10, and get-up of exhibit, maximum 10. There can be no doubt that Otago deserved thoir lead in these two departments. As a spectacular display the Otago bay was quite unique in artistic effect, and it seems as if Nelson and Auckland were placed too close in marks. The results—Otago 10 and 10, Auckland 9 and 9, and Nelson 7 and 8— hardly seem to allow enough difference between the Otago stalls as against the others. These two lots of marks, however, hardly relate to apple-growing, being purely the result of expenditure of money combined with artistic taste. From _ a fruit show viowpoint only commercial value, quality and variety are the factors. In these the districts Auckland 78, Otago 76, Nelson 73, Hawke's Bay 58, and Canterbury 35. There is no desire to belittle any district, but it is satisfactory to Auckland to feel that tho abovo result must silence entirely the statements so .'frequently heard that Auckland could not grow a good keeping quality of apples for export.' With the greatest handicap of distance Auckland has produced a show of fruit which, displayed against all New Zealand, has carried away first place equal in total points with Otfttto* . , . . .. A great quantity of the apples in the Auckland bay came from the Kaipara district, and anyone interested in that district is invited to write to the secretary, Kaipara Fruit Lands Development, Ltd., Box 603, Wellington, and obtain a free copy of the reliable book "Fruit Lands of the North," which is packed with information concerning the fruit lands of the Kaipara. For the convenience of local resident* a supply of the books has been obtained by Gray and Cockroft, Queen Street, who will be pleased to hand a copy to anyone interested. ,• ■ . ' Special job line. . Kapok bed quilts, double-bed size, 13s 9d, 16s 6d net cash. -Tonsoß Gwlwk .Coj.-i, ; Ltd-