APPLES FOR EXPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 12

APPLES FOR EXPORT.

END OF "FREE" PERIOD.

RESUMPTION OF CONTROL. CONFIDENCE SHOWN IN BOARD. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Monday. Control of the distribution and marketing of apples overseas was resumed today by the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board.

In March a judgment of tho Full Court went against the board broadly on the ground that tho board had not advertised in tho New Zealand Gazette its intention to assumo control. The board at once took steps to assume control by full compliance with the requirements of the Act in terms of the Court's judgment. The thirty days' period during which control was ineffective having oxpired the board resumed control as from to-day in all districts of the Dominion except Otago where tho growers voted themselves outside tho control of the board in 1924.

During tho thirty days period the growers had absolute freedom in respect of tho marketing of their fruit.

An official of the hoard stated to-day that it was very satisfactory to find that a largo proportion of exporting growers had signified their confidence in the board's policy by continuing to ship their fruit to the board. During the thirty days period approximately 400,000 cases of fruit had heen shipped by growers to the board compared with about 25,000 cases to " outside" interests. These figures represented a vote of confidence in the board by 97£ per cent, of the growers.

Reviewing the general prospects of the present season the secretary of the Fruit Board, Mr. H. E. Napier, said the crop of late varieties of apples was up to expectations. The estimates in respect of early varieties had not been realised, but the total quantity of late apples would be more than was anticipated a few weeks ago. At present largo quantities of fruit were being received into store at Wellington for shipment overseas, but the position would be relieved during the next fortnight when several oversea liners, including the Otira for South America and the Rangitiki, Devon, Port Hunter and Port Campbell for the United Kingdom, would be loading at this port. In addition to the allotments already made it is evident that further shipping space will have to be provided to lift all Jhe fruit offering for export to the end of the season.