FRUIT EXPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22983, 10 March 1938, Page 20

FRUIT EXPORTS

LACK OF CARGO SPACE GROWERS' HEAVIER CROPS DIFFICULTIES OF INDUSTRY [ny TELKOItAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The present shortage of shipping spare to cope with the heavy receipts of fruit intended for export is in a largo measure clue to late applications received from growers, according to a statement made to-day by the secretary of the Fruit Export Control Board, Mr. W. Benzies. Mr. Benzies said that when the Fruit Board, early in January, lodged its tonnage requirements for the season and its particular requirements for February and the first half of March the growers' estimates were 294,000 cases below the space application lodged by the board. This meant that the present shipping programme was 294,000 cases in excess of the growers' space applications at the beginning of January. "Since early January to the end of last week the growers' applications have increased by 395,000 cases, an average of almost 44,000 a week over the last nine weeks," said Mr. Benzies. Nelson and Hawke's Bay growers are finding that not only are their crops heavier than they first anticipated, but the fruit is maturing about 10 days earlier than usual. "Early maturity and the late application for shipping space are the main reasons for the present shipping programme not being able to cater fully for the supplies being submitted," added Mr. Benzies. "Foreseeing this trend the board has been seeking overseas outlets to cater for- this extra fruit, and at the same time has been pressing for the necessary extra shipping space." Mr. Benzies said the board had had a conference yesterday with the allotment committee, which was sympathetic and was doing everything possible to help the industry overcome its difficulties. It was again considering the possibility of introducing special loading to relieve the present congestion. However, it was not possible to increase the total quantity for the season. i "The board has conferred with the Executive Commission of Agriculture and the commission is investigating the possibility of the meat or dairy industries helping the fruit industry over its shortage of tonnage," continued Mr. Benzies. "The present negotiations should be completed within the course of the next few days and when they are completed the board will advise all exporters of the final position."