FRUITGROWERS DISCUSS HOLIDAY SHIPPING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18985, 3 February 1930, Page 6

FRUITGROWERS DISCUSS HOLIDAY SHIPPING.

The Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association met on Saturday evening, Mr E. Freeman presiding. A letter was received from the Christchurch Tomato and Stone Fruit Growers’ Association replying to a letter from the Fruitgrowers’ Association about the importation of fruit (from Australia) and stating that a special committee would be set up to act with the Fruit Growers’ Association and form a joint deputation to wait upon the Minister of Customs when he next visits Christchurch. The following committee was set up to act with the Tomato and Stone Fruit Growers’ Association :—The presdent (Mr E. Freeman), Messrs G. E. Billson, F. W. Cone and the secretary (Mr W. E. Davidson). The shipment of fruit during the Christmas holidays was dealt with in a letter from the Union Steam Ship Company. stating that the watersiders would not work on Christmas Day or Boxing Day or on the afternoon of December 24. Consequently no cargo was discharged on these days. The company always tried to arrange for cargo steamers to take the Wellington cargo during that period. The company could not guarantee to lift currants or other fruit during the Christmas holidays, but would do its best to assist the association in every way. The chairman explained that the letter was in reply to an inquiry made by the secretary. The delay at Christmas time was a serious matter to small fruitgrowers. All they could do was to let the shipping company know beforehand what was required to be shipped.