DECREASED APPLE SALES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 14

DECREASED APPLE SALES.

GROWERS LIKELY TO SUFFER. AUCKLAND, Sepember 2. Those interested in the fruit industry are surprised at the much less demand there is for New Zealand truit, particularly apples, as compared with previous years. Mr Harvey Turner, in an interview, said:—“There has been a serious drop in the sales of fruit, which is hard to account for. Of course, we are told money is tight, but still there is ample available for art unions, speculating in shares, races, and amusement. Far too much money has gone this year in art unions. People have only a certain amount of money to spend, and if it goes in one way it cannot be spent on other things. It is a pity, however, that the children should have less fruit to eat. Apples are so good for people, and yet it is in that ’line there has been the biggest falling-off in sales. Prices for apples at the present time are fully 25 per cent, under the rates ruling a year ago. Apple growers must suffer in consequence, and unless the demand improves, and prices rise again, it may mean that some men will have to abandon their orchards. Bananas and Australian mandarines are meeting with a normal demand, and publicity has increased the sales of oranges from the Islands, but the position with regard to apples is very bad. Too much money is going in art unions, racing, and amusements, with the result that the apple grower has to suffer.”