EXPORT FRUIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21457, 3 April 1933, Page 14

EXPORT FRUIT

BREACH OF REGULATIONS PROSECUTION AT NELSON A case of interest to exporters of fruit came before Mr. T. E. Maunscll, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court in Nelson, when James Thomas Shirtliff, orchardist, of Redwood's Valley, was charged that "he did forward to an appointed store at Port Nelson certain fruit, viz., six cases of Cox's Orange apples for export overseas, which said fruit was noticeably at variance with tlie description of such fruit set out in the export brand on tho packages containing tho same, contrary to the provisions of clause 25 of tho regulations made under tho Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, 1908, relating to the export of fruit from New Zealand and enuring under tho Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, 1928, and contrary to the form of tho statute in such case made and provided." Mr. J. H. Thorp, an inspector under tho Act, laid tho information. When asked to plead the defendant said he owued the property, but had nothing to do with tho orchard, which was run .by his son. If he was responsible for the act of his son or the employees, he must plead guilty. Mr. Thorp said the regulations allowed for 270 apples per case, but those sent down.by the defendant contained 288, and were under 2in. in diameter, whereas the regulations provided for a minimum of 2£in. A copy of the conditions governing export was sent to each grower, who should be aware of tho regulations. The consignment was sent back to the orchard on account of slack packing, and when it was again inspected at the port it was found that small apples had been put in to make up for the slackness. Mr. Thorp added that 27 per cent, of the consignment was under normal size. "The orchard is registered in the defendant's name," said Mr. Thorp, "and I. regret to have to bring tho father here." Tho magistrate imposed a fine of £5, with costs, 12s.