CITRUS FRUIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 12

CITRUS FRUIT

KEKIKEJM INDUSTRY NEW CURING FACTORY BRIGHT FUTURE PROSPECTS [by telf.graph—OWN" correspondent] KFiRTKERI, Friday Recognition of the permanent establishment of the citrus fruit industry in Korikeri is provided in the substantial curing factory which is being erected on a site next to the passion fruit factory on Wellington Road. The finance has been arranged through tho Government, and it is expected that another three months will see the factory in operation. With its working, a better standard of product is expected, while marketing on co-opera-tive lines should entail a better return to the growoY. It has not been possible to follow entirely either California]! or Australian practice in the curing of citrus fruit, as the conditions vary in New Zealand very considerably from those in other countries. However, overseas methods have been adopted wherever possible and tho result of this collaboration of ideas is the evolution of a citrus factory that should fulfil its function with the utmost efficiency.

The exterior is to be of wood, but some sections will bo of concrete. The building will cover an area 125 feet by 75, and will incorporate all the modern requirements regarding sanitation and hygene. The narrow frontage will present a pleasing exterior with a double gable roof. The front portion of the building is occupied by an office, and a portion of the sweat room. The latter is an essential in the proper curing of fruit. Fruit will be received at double doors at the south and north sides, where it will be properly graded and sorted prior to its reception in the curing room at the extreme rear of the building. This central workshop is fitted with modern machinery and many labour-saving devices will ensure that overhead costs will be kept at a minimum. Besides the grading and sorting of fruit, in this workshop, machinery is to he installed for washing and testing and only the best fruit will be received into the curing room, which is equipped with all the necessary devices for proper humidity control and the regulation of temperature.

Great attention has been paid to the building in order that future additions may be added without serious architectural difficulties, and the entire planning and the placing of the machinery is on that basis. The total cost of the factory and equipment will be in the vicinity of £7500.