FRUIT SHORTAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22584, 24 November 1936, Page 10

FRUIT SHORTAGE

FROSTS IN OTAGO REDUCED CROPS LIKELY QUINCES AND GREENGAGES SUPPLIES FOR NORTH ISLAND [ lIV TKLKG HA I'll —OWN CORR KBPON I)KNT] DUNEDIN, Monday Due to late frosts being felt in some districts, the Central Otago fruit crops will not be as prolific this year as in previous seasons. There will bo a shortage of quinces and greengages, as the crops are very light in all Central Otago areas. Tomatoes will also be in short supply. Heavy crops of strawberries, however, are assured from Outram. Cherries have not set well, although there was plenty of bloom, and crops will not bo as heavy as formerly, although the quality will probably bo better than usual. With the exception of greengages, all varieties of fruit in the Cromwell district are forming good crops. Parts of the Clyde and Earnscleugh districts have been affected by frosts, and some growers have nothing left. In one district, where the crops were particularly heavy last year, only a small proportion of the fruit is likely to bo gathered this season, as some growers have neither pip nor stone fruits left. Frost-fighting is essential in tho Alexandra and Earnscleugh districts, to ensure yearly crops. For the second time within a few years, frost-fighting by means of fire-pots has saved orchardists in these parts from a complete loss. This year, unfortunately, a further frost coining after damage had been done to the stone fruit has severely affected the tomato plants, which growers are unable to replace. The severe frosts in Hawke's Bay have caused almost a panic in the North Island, and fruit agents from as far north as Auckland have been visiting the Central Otago districts in an endeavour to arrange for consignments during the season. If the weather permits, largo quantities of fruit will go from Central Otago to the North Island. HELP FOR ORCHARDISTS RELIEF IN HAWKE'S BAY [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] HASTINGS, Monday Advice has been received in Hastings that the assistance promised to fruitgrowers who suffered as a result of the frosts last month will take the form either of sustenance or subsidised labour for orchard work. Payments under either scheme will commence as from next Monday. Though the actual amounts to be paid have not been made public, it has been ascertained that immediate relief is to be afforded in two ways. The first is in the form of sustenance for cases where orchardists are in dire need. The amount of sustenance will be based on tho number of dependants of the applicant, and it is offered on the condition that orchardists remain on and work their properties. The second form of relief will be provided by subsidised labour, strictly for orchard work, the amount being dependent on tho capacity of tho applicant to pay wages.