EXPORT OF FRUIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15822, 22 July 1913, Page 7

EXPORT OF FRUIT.

PROPOSED GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.

(Pib United Press Associatioh.)

WELLINGTON, July 21. Last year 17,000 cases of fruit, principally apples, were exported from New Zealand. This year it is expected the quantity will be 60,000 cases. A good market has been found in South Atrica (TSouth America).

Last week a conference of exporters, shipping people, and Government officers wa6 held, when matters relating to the question of grading were before the representatives. The Government regulations with regard to grading, it was explained, would in all probability be a3 follows :— " Special" grade,, to consist of fruit free from disease and blemish and, exceptionally well coloured of its variety, and specially graded and packed. " Choice " grade, to be free from disease and blemish, but not so well coloured as "special.' 1 "Good" grade, to be free from disease and not more than 5 per cent, of blemish (a "blemish." to mean a scratch, rub, or spray damage). It is further proposed that a slightly smaller case shall be used for export purposes. The case will be a lot easier to pack than the old style. Twenty-five cases will go to the cubic ton, and each case will hold an "imperial bushel" (401b). A matter discussed in full was whether the cases should be branded " New Zealand." Some of the representatives contended that it was. undesirable, as foreign exporters might utilise the cases which had been used for New Zealand fruit. The majority, however, adopted a resolution in this direction. The conference further decided to recommend that the sizes of apples for export should be from 2£in to 3jin in diameter. Another subject discussed was the duty on fruit-packing paper. It was pointed out that suitable paper could not be manufactured in the dominion, and the conference resolved to urge the department to admit it duty free. The new regulations proposed by the Government will only be optional as far as next Reason's fruit are concerned, but will be compulsory, for the 1915 season. This procedure ■ will be adopted so as not to interfere with contracts already made for next season.