THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18117, 15 June 1922, Page 8

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

OPENING OF CONFERENCE. EXPORT TRADE PROSPECTS. SOUTH AMERICAN SHIPMENT [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday., The annual conference of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation commenced to-day, the president, Mr. T. W. Attwood, presiding over an attendance of over 60 delegates. The conference was opened | by the Minister for Agriculture, the Hem. iW. tNosworthy, who referred to the • measures being taken to check the spread of fire blight, brown rot, and other . diseases. Commenting on the future pros- ' pects of the industry, the Minister stated ! that 1500 cases of apples recently landed ,af Sou tit America realised good prices. , Stunners brought 265, Adams 245, Drama 225, and Jonathans, in inferior condition, 118s. These prices were realised in the first attempt after a lapse of years, so that that market showed good prospects. j He urged fruitgrowers to export only the best fruit. The general outlook for export trade was very promising provided only the best fruit were shipped. He assured the conference that the Govern- | ment would support the industry, and the ' guarantee of Id per lb. would not be discontinued until warranted by financial . conditions. In his opening address to the delegates the president made "an appeal for unity ip the federation in order that they misbt obtain improvements desired, and might pros^ss. j The annual report, which was adopted, stated that the present position of the industry was unsatisfactory. London prices were low owing to oveMsupply and deterioration of fruit. Local trade in many cases was quite unprofitable, chiefly duo to lack of method in distribution and the supply of undesirable quality fruit. Since last conference considerable advance had been made in the development of export trade, which reached a total of 113,407 bushels. It was interesting to note that , London recognised that New Zealand was exporting superior quality fruit, but it was disappointing that the market in Lon- ■ don, which commenced so satisfactorily with the shipment by tha Westmoreland, had slumped so seriously. The limit of supplies able to be distributed in London had been passed, and the inevitable fall in prices occurred. The slump in England showed the necessity for further developing the local distribution and consumption of fruit, which were still being neglected. Nothing but compulsory standards for local sales, so that consumers could rely on fair quality, would meet the position. If the fruit supdied was in good condition the English market would be able to absorb all offering. Fruitgrowers should arrange a definite standard so as to give consumers a fair deal. With such treatment the consumption of fruit must increase with benefit to the industry. ... The followine directors were elected: —

Messrs. T. W. Attwood, H. S. Izard (Auckland) and F. W. Cane (Canterbury). The conference decided to urge on the '] deoartment the need for more suitable railway wageons foT the transport of fruit. A Hawke's Bay remit was adopted urging that a determined effort be made to have the unjust additional terminal railway ( charge of 6d per cwt. oq fruit abolished, i Other remito were carried aa follows ;— That tiie inspection of imported fruit and ' plants be tightened up by creating a definite quarantine on similar lines to * those in force in America. ' ===========s ]