APPLES FOR EXPORT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 18, 26 February 1914, Page 8

APPLES FOR EXPORT.

SOUTH AMERICAN POSSIBILif lES. i'' (SUN Special.) *s ,0 DTJNEDIN, February l&f There appears to be ample scope in New Zealand for fruit-growers in establishing an export trade with South America, and thus provide for the disposal of surplusage without the necessity of involving heavy expenditure in canning factories. ■ Recently an American fruit merchant visited Otago for the express purpose of. obtaining supplies of apples' to; serve the big demand in Buenos Ayres. He offered one grower to enter into a. contract to accept delivery of thirty thousand cases annually at 8/- and 6/6 per case, according to quality, the Contract being for ten years. The gr.ower was not in a position to make a contract. It is interesting to note, however, that in different parts of Central Otago growers are preparing to enter the oversea markets. Thousands of apple trees have been planted during the past two years, it having been recognised somewhat tardily that it is unwise to depend absolutely on soft fruits which do not keep unless preserved. Mr Percy Sargood has planted 10,000 hardy fruit trees on . his homestead block at Lake Wanaka, and others intend to follow his lead. CITY MEN TAKE A HAND. In connection with the expansion of the fruit-growing industry in Central Otago it has been noticed that much of the development has been effected by city men with big interests in the city. While their enterprise in the country is commended, it is recognised that this form of "development goes very little inthe direction of settling the fruit belt by the sturdy type of settler, who would establish homes in the country. Many people sometimes wonder if the State's heavy expenditure on railways and irrigation in Central Otago will eventually facilitate speculative development rather than profitable settlement. The yields of some orchards are really wonderful. One notable example may be cited. Ten years ago a townsman took up 25 acres of land in Central Otago. He planted 15 acres with varieties of soft and stone fruits. For seven years he worked hard to gain i living off "side crops." Emancipation came in the seventh year, when he netted £SOO. The following year his returns totalled £750, while last year he topped £IOOO. Included in his output were two tons of fine apples.