DOMINION FRUITGROWERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19205, 23 June 1924, Page 3

DOMINION FRUITGROWERS.

THE RECENT CONFERENCE. OTAGO DELEGATES’ REPORT. The Otago delegates at the Dominion Conference of Fruitgrowers, held recently in Wellington, report as under on the result of the discussion on fruit control; The proposed Bill is in two sections — viz., one dealing with dominion export control, and the other with control for local markets. A synopsis of the proposed Bill was only available for delegates to the Provincial Council at the last moment, with the result that the Otago delegates to the Wellington conference could not he given any mandate to support the export portion of the Bill. As the local control section is optional, it was decided that Otago could not reasonably oppose it. Elio final instructions to delegates were to refrain from voting on the export section of the Bill. In addressing the Wellington conference the Otago delegates pointed out that, through no fault of ours, Otago was in no better position to give a definite decision in the matter than was the case at the previous conference 12 months ago. It was found that Marlborough was in the same position as Otago, and, although not in a position to say they were antagonistic to the Bill .they were not prepared to commit their respective provinces by any vote in favour of the remits. Wit 1 ' the exception of these two provinces, all other provinces are unanimous in regard to supporting the Bill—so much so that one is inclined to the belief is the reason why no vote of exporters is suggested to bring this part of the Bill into operation. With this view the Otago delegates did not agree, and strongly urged that the right to vote on the subject bo embodied in the Bill. Practically all provinces agreed that gooling for export would be impracticable and inequitable, and it will he seen that Otago’s contention ip this respect has been given effect to in the resolution finally passed. Otago claimed a representative on the Control Board on her own account, instead of in conjunction wuu Canterbury, hut as only exporters can vote on the question, and os Canterbury does not at present export, it leaves the matter in Otago’s hands meantime. The following motion was then put to the meeting and carried Otago delegates refraining from voting: “That this conference urge on Parliament the necessity for an Export Fruit Control Act on lines which have been set out, with a provision fixing a maximum levy, and making it impossible to market fruit from any district on a pooling system unless at the express desire of that province as indicated by a poll of producers.” The local control section of the Bill was fully discussed, and it was decided to suggest that pip fruits only be voted upon in the first instance, with provision to take a vote on stone and citrus fruits should the growers of those fruits desire it later. The following motion was carried; “That this conference recommend and urge upon the Government the necessity 'of bringing into operation a Local Fruit Control Act on the basis of part II of the proposed Fruit Control Act, with a proviso that local control will apply only to nip fruit until such time as control is asked for hv a majority vote of growers of any other class of fruit.” The position now is that a letter will bo addressed to the Government conveying these two resolutions, with a covering letter explaining that Otago and Marlborough had' refrained from voting. It is to bo explained to the Government that, while the Otago delegates had no power to commit Otago shippers in any way, there was a probability that they would support the Bill it provision is made to take a vote and Otago is not asked to pool with any other province. Tire position now is that a committee will be sot up to further the interests of the Bill and assure its passage through the House; but the committee would like to have a decision from Otago apd Marlborough in support of the Bill. LOCAL MATTERS, ETC.

The conference passed a resolution supporting the efforts of the Otago people in the matter of the intension of the railways to Roxburgh. Trucks.—A deputation with representatives from all provinces (Mr Davidson representing Otago), waited on Mr M‘Villy, in the absence of Mr Coates. A sympathetic hearing was accorded the deputation, and the members were' assured that every effort would be made in the meantime to increase the number of covered trucks, and further investigate the matter of better ventilation. It was pointed out that experiments showed a rise in temperature of 15 degrees between the time of loading in Alexandra and arrival in Dunedin. Through Rooking.—The secretary of the federation submitted a written report on this matter, and it will bo brought forward by Mr Davidson for further consideration by this association, wnioh introduced the remit, and any results will no doubt bo communicated to other associations. Varieties for South America. This will bo watched carefully, with a view to protecting Otago's interests. Larger Deliveries for South America.— The conference supported Otago’s contention that to send larger than 80 of any varioty was only asking for trouble, in view of last season’s experience. Alteration of Standards. —In support of the remit asking for a reduction of the colour standards bv approximately 5 percent. in each grade and variety, it was stated by the Nelson people that, in order to get the colour standard, in many cases it was necessary to leave the fruit too long on the trees, and it was claimed to be better to have fruit a little less coloured and sound on arrival Home than more colour and poor condition. After considerable discussion. the matter was referred to the department, but the general feeling seemed averse to any step likely to injure the reputation of Now Zealand fruit by lowering the standard. Labels.— The question was referred to too board of directors, with a recommendation that no radical change in last year’s labels should bo made in view of the fairly largo stocks held in various ports. Shipments to South America —An assurance was given that no commitments for South America would be made until after duo consultation with the province concerned. Freight to South America. —The feeling was in favour of securing refrigerated space, but failing that, fans to be installed to assist ventilation. A report from a special committee set up to study transport and cool storage, while in favour of cool storage, did not recommend a lower temperature than 40 degrees. The feeling of the Otago delegates was that under ordinary conditions Otago fruit with proper ventilation would carry safely to South America, and that as the fruit is landed under very hot weather conditions, the shock to tho flesh of the fruit coining out of a cool chamber might counteract any benefit. The matter was finally left to tho Export Committee.