FRUIT EXPORT CONTROL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 219, 15 September 1928, Page 22 (Supplement)

FRUIT EXPORT CONTROL

THE BOARD’S REPORT GOOD WORK BY SHIPPING COMPANIES. “One of the most satisfactory in regard to price that fruitgrowers of the Dominion have experienced,” is the report of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board on the season just ended. Reference is made to the gratifyih< results of holding fruit at Southampton. The board also reports:—“lt. is very pleasing to be able to record that there were no claims on the Government guarantee as a result of the 1927 season's export, and this fact must have been very pleasing to the Government as well as to exporters.’’ In dealing with specification of growers’ marks in the consignments for the information of brokers, the board states that it will reconsider the question; but it recognises that a pool will have to be made of these occount sales and all shortages credited therefrom. As a result of the 1927 season's sales it was considered desirable to make some alterations in the brokers handling New Zealand fruit this season, and two of the London brokers previously employed were deleted and the firms of Task, Cornish, and Smart, and C. Goodwin, Ltd., both of Covcnt Garden, were added to the list. “We would like to take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation of the very helpful co-operation, of the overseas brokers whom we arc using in the United Kingdom. It is evident front information received that the brokers appreciate the distribution system which the board has brought into operation, and are doing everything in their power tu keep prices at a payable figure.’’ Distribution Control. “In the heavy shipping season which was experienced in Wellington this year, the effect of the Control Board’s distribution scheme has been very noticeable, and it is saf c to say that if the board had not had the power to nominate both broker and market there would have been serious trouble in respect to the overseas documents. Under the present system, the board is able to draw on supplies from various sources, for the immediate filling of steamers, whereas under the old system when fruit was marked for certain ports, the board was not able to touch this fruit, although there might possibly be, at the same rime, a shortage on a boat ready to sail.”

The questions of grade and size of fruit ‘are dealt with in the report, and the board is convinced that “the sizes now being allowed under the respective grades have proved generally satisfactory.” Further investigations are being made as t othe advisableness ■ of continuing to ship under “good." grade sizes smaller than are allowed under the “extra fancy’’ and “fancy” grades. The system of space contracts instituted in 1927 and followed in .1928 proved more or less satisfactory. The board had had a very anxious time owing to lack of sufficient fruit io complete allotments of shipping space. Shipping companies had the vessels available, and were involved in extra expenditure through some of the steamers having to be held back awaiting arrival of fruit cargoes. Towards the close of the season it became evident that space reservations by growers for later periods were insufficient, and it became necessary for the board to make arrangements with overseas ship owners Tur increased space. Space for 60.000 cases additional was secured, and it is satisfactory to be able to report that no fruit available for export was refused because of lack of space. A Space Problem. “Tn this connection we have to thank the Overseas Ship Owners’ Allotment Committee for the consideration shown throughout the season in arranging suitable, loadings, and for the considerable help given at the last moment in allotting additional space sufficient to cope with the surplus fruit offering. We believe that as the quantities for shipment increase, space problems will be inclined to become more acute, but at the same time those connected with the handling of the fruit, at this end arp realis.ng more fully each year the difficulties the exporters have to con- j tend with, and with their co-operation | the board feels that the position can be i met: neverthless it is essential that ' growers, in making their space contracts. should* estimate as closely as possible the space required.’’ J Direct loadings during the season at certain ports —Auckland, Gisborne, and Nelson —are reviewed, the drawbacks as well as the advantages being pointed out. Speaking generally, a larger proportion of this year’s shipments have gone to Southamnton and London, the former port having been used in the early part of the season as a distributing centre. According to reports received from Mr Stephens, Southampton has proved to be a good port to handle all early shipments, but. he also reports that for Continental transhipments Southampton does not offer the same facilities as London and Hull. Regular shipments have been sent to West Coast ports, also to Hull, the latter port offering best facilities for transhipment to the Continent. Prices. Prices being secured in United Kingdom markets do not generally show a return comparable with last season’s particularly good average. is difficult to account for this, as despite the fact that Australia and New Zealand have shipped practically double last year’s quantities, there has been a corresponding shortage in the American carry-over, and actually there is probably no more fruit on the market this season than was available last.” In some quarters it is stated that crop reports from Australia and New Zealand indicating extra heavy quantities had the effect of restricting buying of re-

tailors to actual requirements, this factor keeping prices low. Desirableness of direct shipment to the Continent is referred to, as outlets are then* afforded for certain varieties exported from New Zealand. The board will keep a direct service to the Continent closely in view.

Shipments to South America gave the board considerable anxiety, but realisations for the season are better than have been secured in the South American markets since the board took over the handling of fruit shipments. The average prices secured for the various varieties shipped to South America are as follow:—Delicious. “Extra Fancy,” 19s 8d; Delicious. “Fancy,” 18s 7<l; Jonathan, 15s 3d; other varieties. Ils 4d. The board is of opinion that there should be a much more extensive South American market for the right kind of New Zealand fruit. The duty on fruit entering Rio, Brazil, however, Is 3s 6d per case, whereas the United States fruit has practically a free entry. Hope of a good trade with Montreal is held by the board. Government Guarantee. Recognition of the great value of the Government guarantee for financing purposes is placed on record. The board reports that it is difficult to say whether any claims will result In regard to this season’s shipments. Some varieties sold in Great Britain were below the guarantee figure, but better varieties realised fairly satisfactory prices, and should go a long way towards offsetting low’ values. Excellent realisations from South America will also hold considerably in this direction. The board is hopeful that if claims do result they will only be for moderate amounts, and will not involve the Government in any considerable pay-out. Expenditure on management, travelling expenses, advertising and honoraria. and other items, amounted to £3407 0s 6d; the levy yielded £5451 8s 2d, and interest on fixed deposit £94 8s 10d—a total of £5545 17s, leaving a balance to credit of £2138 16s 6d. The outstanding item in the balancesheet is advances against shipments £363,254 —more than double the amount advanced last season. The report contains informative tabular statements of the quantities and disposal of fruit, exported to all destinations.