INTERESTING NEW VENTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22065, 22 September 1933, Page 8

INTERESTING NEW VENTURE

FRUIT CANNING AND PULPING ABSORBING CENTRAL OTAGO APRICOTS NORTHERN FIRMS’ PROPOSAL As a result of successful negotiations between two-well-known northern firms of jam-makers and fruit preservers a large fruit canning and pulping factory is to be established in Dunedin for the purpose of handling from 200 to 300 tons of Central' Otago apricots every year. The announcement will be greeted with special enthusiasm by many people, among whom might be mentioned the stone fruit growers of Central Otago in the first place, who can now look forward to stable values for this class of fruit, and secondly the army of unemployed girls at present in Dunedin about 200 of whom will be required for the staffing of the new factory. For some time northern fruit preservers have been considering the question of extending their operations to allow of the treatment and handling of apricots at a point as near as possible to the source of supply, and the letting of the contract yesterday for the erection of the necessary buildings marks the entry into the locjil commercial field of a project which promises extraordinarily. The new company, which comprises Messrs S. Kirkpatrick and Co. (Nelson), and Messrs Thompson and Hills (Auckland) will operate in Dunedin under the style of the Dunedin Jam Company, Its premises, which will be modern to a degree and fitted up with the best plant available, will be situated in Maclaggan street, almost immediately opposite the Shamrock Hotel.

The new company intends to commence canning and pulping during the coming season. It is recognised by the two firms concerned that the Central Otago apricot has no equal in the Dominion, and it has been found desirable to treat the product as near the orchard as possible. The erection of the necessary factory accommodation is now in hand, the tender having been let to Mr J. O’Driseoll yesterday morning. The architect (Mr D. G. Mowat) was asked to prepare plans for a factory designed on the most modern and up-to-date lines, and the plans that have been drawn indicate that the work of erection, since it Is to be hastened on as fast as possible, should employ a large number of men.

The company expects to employ at least 200 girls during the busy coming season and in addition a number of men. The effect of the establishment of such a manufactory in Dunedin is being keenly anticipated by growers of apricots in Central Otago who suffer every year as a result of the curious uncertainties of the local stone fruit market. An irregular and swiftly changing demand has in the past seriously disconcerted growers and retailers alike, but it is now expected that with a large known requirement amounting to over 200 tons per season it will be possible to bring about a market stability that should be to the benefit of all concerned.