EXPORT OF FRUIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20968, 3 September 1931, Page 12

EXPORT OF FRUIT.

SUCCESS IN PAST SEASON.

BETTER AVERAGE RETURN.

QUANTITY WELL MAINTAINED

[BY TELEGRAPJI. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON. Wednesday,

That fruit exporters probably had suffered less through tho depression than exporters of primary produce of any other kind was stated by Mr. T. C. Brash, president of tho Now Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation, in an address at the Dominion Conference of fruitgrowers held at Wellington to-day. The prices of fruit overseas had not fallen to tho same extent as the prices of other foodstuffs, he said, and the past season's exports would give a better average return than those of the previous season.

The reason for this was difficult' to understand, unless it was that fruit had never had any period of boom prices, Mr. Brash continued. In New Zealand during the war, when other food products were being exported at phenomenal prices, the export of fruit was prohibited. Tho figures indicated that the quantity of exports had been well maintained, and particulars of the past season's exports gavo proof that wider distribution was being made.

When Mr. J. L. Brown, chairman of the Fruit Board, returned to New Zealand at the end of 1930, ho put before tho industry proposals for increasing the quantity for Europe.' These proposals were adopted, and an increaso of exports to that market had resulted. It was unfortunate that this increase should have coincided with financial difficulties on tho Continent, which must of necessity have made the marketing of fruit very difficult. Dominion Organisation Praised. "This industry .is indeed fortunate in its organisation for export," said Mr. Brash. "Tho organisation in New Zealand is the admiration of all other fruit producing countries of the Empire. That the growers themselves are able to retain in their own hands complete control of finance, shipping, distribution and marketing is of inestimable benefit. Improvements can and undoubtedly will bo made, but "it is absolutely essential that growers should keep control of their own business."

Dealing with the possibilities of extending the local market, Mr. Brash referred to a recent development in England where a national mark was adopted and registered, and was provided for the use of growers who would undertake to pack and grade to a certain standard. No compulsion was used and it was optional for growers to use this mark, but once having applied for the right to use it and given the necessary guarantee that the standard which was set would be complied with, they wore bound by the regulations. Failure to pack according to standard meant the cancellation of a grower's right to use the mark. Development of Local Market.

Mr. Brash said tho Internal Sales Committee would report on the results of its deliberations on this question. In the meantime, the directors had made provision for £IOOO to be set aside for the development of the local market. The directors were of the opinion that the time had arrived when this question should become a distinct section of the federation's work.

In recent months the question of the guarantee had been carefully investigated by the Government. The amount actually paid out by the Government against market losses over a period of years had not been large. Deputations had waited on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture to discuss a suggestion they had put forward by which the industry would gradually the responsibility for claims ana at the same time leave the guarantee intact for the purpose of financing reports. The directors considered that tho proposals were reasonable.

CHECK ON IMPORTATIONS.

DISCUSSION AT CONFERENCE

TIMBER FOR FRUIT CASES.

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

A large number of remits was considered by the conference of the Now Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation to-day. Mr. C. Weaver (Otago) moved: "That while New Zealand fruitgrowers can supply the New Zealand demand some protection be granted fruitgrowers against the importation of soft and stone fruits." A similar remit from Christchurch was incorporated with the remit and was seconded by Mr. S. W. House (Auckland), who said importations of lemons from Australia were 33 1-3 per cent, higher than a year ago, although values had not increased. The remit was carried.

Mr. E. Freeman (Canterbury) moved, "That no importation of apples be allowed in New Zealand until after the end of November." An amendment, that importation should be allowed during November and December only, as New Zealand apples did not keep well up to that time, was defeated and the remit carried. It was further decided that a further duty should be imposed on American fruit.

A Christchurch remit, that the importation of Island tomatoes be prohibited during October, November and December, was lost. The conference passed a remit that the federation be strongly urged to utilise a greater proportion of birch timber for fruit exports. Mr. 11. Turner said there were millions of feet of beautiful birch timber in Southland, the mills were idle, and were in a position to cater for the growers with cases. Mr. A. M. Robertson (Hawke's Bay) said he had never seen better cases.

The following remits were carried: — That the directors of the federation bo requested to follow the lead of the National Dairy Association and other bodies and to make a cut in all salaries, wage 3 and allowances. That the action of the Railway Department in using insulated meat waggons for the carriago of fruit at various times during the busy fruit season is strongly resented in the Hawke's Bay district and that the do- % partment be urged to construct sufficient ventilated waggons for the growing output of fruit.