THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 211, 9 May 1913, Page 4

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

The rapid development of the fruit industry in the Nelson province made an impression on Mr S. Martell, manager of the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Company who has just completed a tour of Nelson. On his return home Mr Martell informed a local interviewer that it was very evident to the observant that Hawke’s Bay, so long the pioneer in all pertaining to fruit, must look to her laurels if she would retain them. The vast market of South America had opened the door to a new era for the apple grower, providing that he will adopt methods enabling the commercial man to treat with the business. Nelson and Motueka districts were rising to the occasion, and in view of the enormous increase in apple production which must take place within the next two or three years, it behoved all whose interests clustered round the orchard to be preparing to meet the over supply of the local market, by a proper export trade on sound

lines. The Nelson people had in several districts adopted association grading and packing which had resulted in a very fine uniform grade of fruit being supplied to the buyers, with the result that repeat orders come unsolicited, and they were unable to meet the demand. ‘‘Uniformity of grading and packing ” is their motto, and they were rapidly appreciating the value of the same in rising prices. All best grade fruit is packed in lined cases with wood wool, thus ensuring it reaching customers in best possible condition. According to Mr Martell the cool store now in operation at Nelson is proving a great com.mercial success, and the growers themselves, he said, are arranging for the erection of a co-opera-tive store at an early date. Te be up to the times Hawke’s Bay must have equal facilities.