FRUIT EXPORT TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18519, 2 October 1923, Page 12

FRUIT EXPORT TRADE.

GRADING AND MARKETING.

ADDRESS AT HUAPAI.

Mr. T. W. Attwood, president and organiser of the New Zealand Federation of Fruitgrowers, addressed a meeting of Huapai fruitgrowers ■ held under the auspices of the local association on Saturday. There was a good attendance. ..Mr. G. A. Green presided. The chairman, in introducing Mr. Attwood, said that they had before them the man who was in a great measure responsible for the adoption of the Orchard Tax in 1916, which had enabled the organisation of the fruitgrowers to be undertaken on . progressive lines.. . Emphasis was laid by Mr. Attwood, in opening on his contention that the success of the Industry was dependent upon. the export markets. In this connection tlie growers of New Zealand need have no fear. They were safe if the growers would watch one or two matters which were of vital importance. Success on the English market was prejudiced by inability to ensure regular arrival and discharge of fruit on the other side, owing' to the various speeds of the boats -employed and the different routes travelled. At one time last season seven fruit cargoes were being ; discharged in London at the same time. They totalled 300,000. cases and could not be placed in cool store, with results that were obvious. New Zealand fruit was at present shipped to various brokers, with the result that one consignment came into direct competition with others from the same shipment, the result being against the realisation of the best prices.. Some of 'the brokers could not always deal with the fruit quickly enough, and The shipper, who had no control oi? his fruit, was the loser. * It was imperative, said Mr. Attwood. that the growers should have control of their produce to the last possible moment, through their own organisation... This did not mean that it should not use the present trade organisations. Mr. Attwood explained the organisation of the English mdjjkets and claimed that by regulating shipments better prices could be obtained. New Zealand fruit was first in the world but quality and better }; marketing combined with the highest standards in grading and packing methods were the means by which quality could be transferred into . values. ••„ , ' ■■; '■ v