EXPORT OF FRUIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20720, 13 November 1930, Page 13

EXPORT OF FRUIT.

GOOD FUTURE FOR INDUSTRY.

BOARD CHAIRMAN'S OPINIONS

[BY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday.

After a survey of the markets of Britain and Europe, Mr. J. L. Brown, chairman of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board, who returned from England to-day, said he was firmly convinced that there was a good future for New Zealand fruit overseas. He could not make any definite statements until he had met the board. He was particularly impressed with the necessity for wider marketing on the Continent, as well as in England, and in this connection he was going to put before the board certain proposals which he hoped would not only improve the market on the Continent but also stabilise the English market.

Mr. Brown said Now Zealand fruit last season, with the exception of orife shipment, arrived in England in excellent condition and was favourably received on every market. Undoubtedly New Zealand apples were recognised as the standard for the English markets, but the position could only be maintained by continually watching for and accept-, ing any improvements. At present other countries were following just behind New Zealand, and were paying more attention to marketing than the Dominion, had done.

At the forefront of the present season a good price was obtained on the English market, but low values ruled from halfway through the season until the end. This was due to the exceptionally large quantities placed on the English market from all over the world. Australia, for instance, supplied England with about 4,500,000 bushel cases. In addition iliero were phenomenal crops of plums and strawberries in England and on the Continent. Plums were selling at as low as Is 3d for 201b.

"The future," said Mr. Brown, "may seem a little doubtful, but with proper marketing methods and wider distribution and control of the various markets I still think fruit export will be a fine proposition." At the freight conference he had been successful in obtaining an oxtension of the present contract for a further three years.