NEW ZEALAND APPLES AT HOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3315, 26 September 1917, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND APPLES AT HOME.

The Eastern Morning Nows, Hull, referring to the consignment of ton cases of apples of the brands known as Cleopatras, Jonathans, Stunner Pippins, and Stayman Winesaps, grown by Mr F. G. Duncan, of Central Otago, which were sent to the High Commissioner through the agency of Messrs A Moritzson and Co., of Dunedin, says:—“This industry in New Zealand is one which is developing rapidly, and it _ is fully anticipated that after thc_ war shipments of a commercial nature will be made to this country. As indicating its growth it might be pointed out that In 1908 23,500 acres were under commercial orchard cultivation. and by 1915 this had been increased to 45,000 acres. In 1913 and 1914 apple exports to the value of £7OOO per annum had been made, and in 1915 these had risen to ever £20,000. This fruit is the produce of a three-year-old orchard, and certainly bears testimony to the suitability of Central Otago as’ a fruit-producing country. In this district there have been peat development* lately in connection with fruit. Irrigation has been taken 5n hand by the Government on a large scale and also bv private companies. The land in the fruit-growing

districts of Central Otago is, for the most port, light 5 Ihe drainage is good, and while the -ainfall is small, there are large rivers traversing tho whole district, whioh makes irrigation a practical possibility. One company—tho Cromwell Development Company —has a scheme in hand which cost £45,000, and will irrigate an immense tract of land. Tho comparatively cold winter weather experienced in this district has, moreover, a. good effect, as it reduces greatly tho_ possible ravages of fungoid disease* and insect pests." A writer in The Financier says: "What can be done in the way of fruit cultivation in New Zealand has been amply demonstrated within the last few years. This is the newest industry of the dominion, and it promises to be one of the largest, and certainly not the least remunerative. It was started when Sir Thomas Mackenzie, tho present High Commissioner, was Minister of Agricuiture ; and he gave it every encouragement. Trial shipments of apples have been made to this country, and the fruit has invariably arrived in as sound a condition as when it was picked from the tree. Up to tho present the demand from South America has been so considerable that nothing is to bo gained, from a commercial point of view, by sending the fruit to thi* country, but with the extension of the industry, not only the British, but the Continental markets could be supplied, while the opening of tho Panama Canal will give quick, direct transit to tho immense population of the eastern States of the United States of America. In connection with t/iis industry, it should be remembered that the fruit season in the Northern Hemisphere is the opposite to that in New Zealand; consequently tho markets of Great Britain could be supplied when they are bare of home-grown supplies. Applegrowing for export has long since become a staple industry in Tasmania. It has also been profitably undertaken in Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, and more recently in Western Australia, which promises to become one of the largest exporting States of the commonwealth. But there will be plenty of room for Now Zealand to enter tho London market after the war, and the ' fine quality of tho fruit is bound to ensure for it a ready sale." Regarding the consignment 10 cases of apples of the varieties known as Cleopatra, Jonathan, Sturmer Peppin, and Stagman Vinesaps, grown by Mr F. G. Duncan, Centra! Otago, a writer in The Financial says: "'The apples, which arrived by tho I , have been reported upon by Messrs Ridley, Holding, and Company, fruit salesmen, of Covent Garden, who have made certain suggestions, which if carried out, should add to the commercial value of the fruit. Each apple was wrapped in tissue paper and tho top and bottom of the cases were lined with wood-wool. But this is not sufficient. The sides should also have been lined, and if wood-wool is not available corrugated paper should be used. The importance of grading is dwelt upon, and, generally speaking, care should be exercised in tho packing. Tho size of apples recommended for export is from 2in to 2£lnj those from 2-jin up to 3iin do not carry well, and, moreover, are not in such demand. As indicating the_ rapid development of the fruit industry in New Zealand, it may be pointed out that in 1903, 28.500 acres were under commercial orchard cultivation, and by 1915 this had been increased to 45,000 acres. In 1913 and 1914- apple exports to the value of £7OOO per annum had been made, and in 1915 these had risen to over £20,000. The fruit just to hand is the produce of a three-year-old orchard, and certainly bears testimony to the suitability of Central Otago as a fruit-producing country. In this district there have been great developments lately in connection with fruit. Irrigation has been "taken in hand by the Government on a large scale, and also by private companies. One company—tho Cromwell Development Company —ha 3 a scheme in hand which will.cost £45,000, and will irrigate an immense tract of land. Central Otago, however, is not the only districtin New Zealand in which fruit cultivation is carried on. Magnifioent apple lands have been opened up in tho Nelson district, where the clear sunshine record is over 3000 hours per annum, equal to 84 hours of sunshine every day. Tt is the bright sunshine, of course, that gives the apples their rosy appearance, which makes them so attractive for the table and adds to their fine flavour. Tho fruit industry in New Zealand and Australia is one which should appeal to many of the young follows now at the front who are on tho look-out for a congenial and healthy open air occupation after the war, for apple culture does not take all tho orchardist's time. Poultry, pip, strawberries, vegetables, for all of which thero are abundant markets near at hand, form valuable side-lines for tho apple farmer."