APPLE EXPORT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7039, 29 January 1910, Page 16

APPLE EXPORT

GOOD PBOSPECTS ON HOME MARKETS. ,

It is gratifying to learn, in view of the experimental shipment .-of apples to be made to British markets by Nelson growers, that the prospects on the Home markets are said to .be .particularly good. The American crop J 6 declared to be barely sufficient for home requirements, the German crop has only been a moderate one, and the Home crop was disappointing. It is reported that the prospects for Australian apples have never been better on German markets.: With the good advertisement New Zealand apples have received of late by the' displays of the Department of Agriculture at Loudon exhibitions and shows-a' good demand should await the Nelson shipment, that is if the fruit is landed Home in a prime condition. The Nelson srrowers deserve success, but it is decidedly problematical whether the time has arrived for testing oversea markets. The local market is not adequately supplied right throughout the year, and the Depart ment of Agriculture has demonstrated that apples can bo kept well in cool 6tarage, therefore offering an excellent means of catering to local consumers all the year round. Even should the Nelson shipment prove- successful, where are the apnies to come from to continuo and extend the connection next season? It lis actually rumoured that difficulty will be experienced by Nelson growers to mako up the proposed shipment. It is only during the last few years that a general extension of orchards has taken place, and it will be- several years before any great increase in the apple crop will take place. An export trade is a very desirable thing, but with the present available crop it would appear that a better .market is at hand in the Dominion itself, which, if properly catered to, should prove more remunerative than British markets.

That: coil storage of fruit, frojp. season, to season is nuite a practicable nroposition is proved by the experience of France. In various parts of that conntry cool storage co-operative, companies are being developed by growers. Even such fruits ."s cherries, peaches and apricota are there kent in cool storage in excellent condition for several months.