CITRUS FRUITS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19378, 16 July 1937, Page 4

CITRUS FRUITS

CAN N.Z. SUPPLY ITSELF?

OFFICIAL SURVEY

CLIMATE SUITABLE

(Special to the Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day.

Amid the regularly recurring discussions over the shortage of citrus fruits on the Dominion markets, a very comprehensive survey has been going on regarding the possibility of developing production so that New Zealand can make itself fairly independent of imported fruit. The historical, cultural and economic aspects of the industry have been set out in what is called a preliminary survey written by Mr. W. M. Hamilton, an officer of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and is published in a substantial booklet on the authority of the Minister in Charge, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan.

The suitability of New Zealand's climate for citrus fruits was tested by the missionaries so far back as 1818, when a few sweet orange pips were brought from Sydney, and planted at Kerekeri, Bay of Islands. Two trees grew, and both are still bearing fruit, one at the residence of the Misses Kemp at Kerekeri, and the other at Mr. W. H. Mountain's residence at Waimate North.

Several commercial nurseries were established in Auckland district about 1850, and there have since been considerable plantings of sweet oranges Suitable Localities The liability of citrus trees to damage from frost limits the area of suitability on the Dominion, and only about 7 per cent of present plantings occur south of Auckland province. The official survey discusses this aspect fully, and describes all the areas in which citrus trees are growing, the most extensive groves being at Kerekeri, where there are 11,498 lemon trees and 20,205 orange trees. This area is considered suitable for further development, as well as other places in Auckland province which are known to be free from frost.

It is also suggested that suitable areas for citrus plantings are along the shores of Tauranga harbour close to the sea, the area behind Te Puke, and the Gisborne area which is stated to be particularly suited for the growing of sweet oranges and New Zealand grape-fruit for the South Island markets.

Though Nelson was not included in the survey owing to lack of information, it is suggested that certain areas seem reasonably free from damaging frosts, and could be utilised to supply local requirements. Economic Factors The inquiry included the question of costs of production in competitive countries compared with those available from New Zealand producers Californian costs, it is shown, averaged 2s OJd for orange and 3s s£d for lemons per packed case, the New Zealand figure being about 4s 5Jd pei case exclusive of marketing. Maintenance costs are hign in California, ana the survey, after discussing other factors in production, concludes with the opinion that assuming that the New Zealand article meets with consumer approval, our growers, protected by a high sea freight and a tariff, should have little fear of Californian competition.

The Lemon Supply The statement has been made, according to the official survey, that lemon plantings in New Zealand are sufficient to supply the whole of the Dominion's requirements when the trees are all in bearing, but the survey suggests that the consumer's viewpoint also must be considered, for present prices make lemons a luxury, and nobody is able to say what would be the demand if lemons were at a price within reach of all potential buyers.

The annual production is 120,000 bushels, of which only 70,000 are known to have been properly cured and packed. Imports average 14,000 cases of fancy and extra fancy fruit. The conclusion is reached that in the larger groves, cost of production in New Zealand compares favourably with costs in Australia and the United States. The cost of selling and retail distribution appears to be unduly high, but this, states the survey, is no doubt in part due to the scattered nature of the population, as well as to the systems of handling and distribution.

Grape-Fruit and Oranges

New Zealand produces 23,000 bushels of grape-fruit and the imports are a little over 7000 bushels. A difficulty with New Zealand production is the limited duration of the season, and a suggestion is made for gasstorage of this fruit in order to maintain regular supplies to meet a demand which will grow if it is constantly met.

No serious attempt has been made to capture the local market for sweet oranges, and the survey admits that the general quality grown in New Zealand is not equal to the best imported lines.

"But our best types," it states, "if carefully processed and graded are of sufficiently good quality to meet the approval of customers at a reasonable price."

Present production is only 7000 bushels, but is likely to increase annually as the Kerikeri plantings increase with age. Imports are about 330,000 bushels per annum. Consumption is at present onlv one-third that of Australia, Great Britain and the United States, but would increase if prices were lower. "To sum up," states Mr, Hamilton, "the position in respect of lemons and grape-fruit in New Zealand is fairly sound. In the case of sweet oranges, the position is more complex, but expansion in the production of selected types may be justified in view of the present world outlook." Valuable suggestions are made for further research and organisation in connection with the industry, and the survey stresses the value of organisation by the growers themselves, so that by co-operative methods many of their production and marketing costs may be reduced.