ASPECTS OF THE STONE FRUIT INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22022, 3 August 1933, Page 15

ASPECTS OF THE STONE FRUIT INDUSTRY

TO THE EDITOR. g IB May space be accorded to me as an outside but interested individual to make some comments after a period ot observation in Roxburgh district last fruit season? At the outset, one cannot help being impressed by the extent of the industry throughout Otago and also by its fundamental value as a Dominion asset. We, hear so much of the wool, butter, and cheese markets, and are apt to overlook other primary production and its welfare. The remarkable feature of not only stone fruit but all the small fruits and market gardening is the sustenance they provide per head for the area under cultivation and their potential value to the Dominion. One pleasing feature of the depression is the fact that it is compelling the primary producer to improve the standard of quality of his produce and to study better means ol transport of the commodity to the consumer. I found from observation that most of the fruitgrowers were keenly alive to the necessity of high-class production, grading, and packing, but the system of transport was absolutely faulty in every way. I had been informed that the Government inspectors had in past years conducted a series of experiments in rail transport, and the officials were enabled to make pertinent suggestions. These, apparently, are being kept “ steadily in view.” One of the suggestions was, 1 understand, that , the fruit should be stacked to permit of ventilation right through the truck. I made it my business to visit the railway at the peak loading period and view the operations. I was astounded to find that one big van which was loaded with North Island fruit was absolutely devoid of any system of ventilation. Inquiry from various growers at a later period confirmed suspicions, and I found that the bulk of that fruit arrived unfit for marketing and was an absolute loss to growers. In fact, I was assured that every marketing centre reported fruit arriving in bad condition. One would imagine that after so many years of handling fruit the Railways Department would have adopted a system whereby the product would nave a fab’ chance of reaching its destination with a minimum of waste. To see months of labour in tillage, manuring, spraying, etc., absolutely nullified in the transport arrangements was, to me, nothing chert of heartbreaking. I would draw a veil over what must be the effect on growers themselves. Surely a repetition will net be tolerated, and it behoves the association!! in existence to make a desperate move in the matter. The Railways Department must certainly provide porters with a degree of intelligence to be exercised in their loading of friiit. There is, however, an aspect which* concerns the growers themselves. I noted that some fruit, ns it came off the lorries, was showing evidence of overripeness and the distribution of this throughout those “ fruit _ cookers ” would add materially to the disastrous results. It seemed to me that the appointment of a supervisor of loading with.power to reject consignments likely to prove injurious was necessary. Another aspect that interested me in view of the prices that are being obtained, particularly from

the jam factories, was the actual cost of production. I inquired from several growers as to their estimate of the cost of production per lb, but found that, owing to so many complicated factors entering into the question, it was impossible to get a definite estimate. The general view was, however, that the cost was about lid. This was interesting in view of the fact that it showed a definite loss on production of |d on jam fruit. When one considers the margin there is between this production cost and the retailing of the manufactured article, food is given for thought in many ways. Certainly it docs not seem that in the ease of fruitgrowing the economic cry, “ Put the producer on his feet,” is being much heeded. I recognise that the fruit industry as a whole is beset with greater difficulties and problems than confront most industries on account of the perishable nature of its product. The marketing of fruit in some centres has been solved by auctioneers whose sole object is to “clear the rooms.” Until it is clearly recognised, even in normal times, that the continuous disposal of any commodity below its production cost is a sure way to disaster there is little hope for mankind. May I suggest to those whose livelihood depends on this industry that by co-operative effort they can make for their own betterment. I am convinced also, with the knowledge gleaned, that no fruitgrower can remain in the industry with a repetition of last season’s experience of financial returns. —I am, etc.,Stone Fruit. [The Railways Department states that fruit is loaded only in specially constructed wagons which are louvred to permit of ventilation. Numerous tests were made since 1925, and an inspector of the Department of Agriculture made several trips with the fruit. As a result of representations made in 1928, trucks with improved ventilation were supplied and have since been used. The fruitgrowers stated that they had fewer complaints during the season of 1929 compared with previous years, and some stated that they had received advice that the fruit had arrived in excellent condition. Since that season the same method of providing special trucks has been followed, and it is significant that last season no complaints were received by the department from the fruitgrowers or the auction marts either in the North or in the South Island as to faulty transport. The traffic manager keeps in personal touch with the officials of the various Fruitgrowers’ Associations and nny suggestions from them receive prompt attention. With regard to the question of porters, arrangements are made to send specially selected porters for this work and the staff employed consists wholly of experienced men who know what is required, and expressions of appreciation of the co-operation given by the staff have been received by the department from fruitgrowers.-— Ed. O.D.T.]