UNSATISFACTORY FRUIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19217, 5 January 1926, Page 10

UNSATISFACTORY FRUIT

ALLEGATIONS IN LONDON. CONSIGNMENT FROM AUSTRALIA. LONDON, Deo. 24. A great blow will be struck attihe prestige of the Australian canned fruit trade if allegations concerning the quality of the 1925 pack which recently arrived are confirmed. W. Weddel and Company, Ltd., who purchased 140,000 cases of Australia's exportable surplus, have sent protests to the Commonwealth Government and to the Victorian packers' organisation alleging that the quality is vastly inferior to the 1924 pack. It has been ascertained that a preliminary inspection showed that a proportion of the fruit was "mushed" or green and 1 unsaleable. The immediate attention of the Commonwealth authorities is considered necessary, in order fully to investigate the position and to arrange that only the best shall reach the consumer, because the name which the 1924 pack established must bo maintained. It is understood that Weddel and Company have arrangod for a further independent examination in the presence of representatives of Australia House and of the packers, and of independent experts, finally to determine whether and to what extent the pack is unsatisfactory. The consignment consists of. peaches, apricots and pears, valued at between £150,000 and £200,000, which camo from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, and which were shipped from Melbourne on a Government certificate guaranteeing the quality. It is understood that the pears were entirely sound, but a percentage. of the peaches and apricots was badly "mushed" or green, some apparently having been packed when under-ripe and others when over-ripe. It is suggested that if the allegations are well-founded, thß Commonwealth should withdraw the unsatisfactory portion rather than risk damaging its prestige by allowing the sale of inferior goods. It is thought that the explanation may be that home-consumption fruit was despatched instead of export quality, which is superior both in grading and packing.