EXPORT OF APPLES, 1923 SEASON.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVI, Issue 1, 20 January 1923, Page 60

EXPORT OF APPLES, 1923 SEASON.

CONDITIONS OF GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE.

Conditions for the Government guarantee of legitimate marketing-expenses up to ns. per case on shipments of apples have been formulated as follows :— 1. The guarantee to be limited to approved varieties and classes of fruit, packed in compliance with the requirements of the “ Extra Fancy ” or “ Fancy ” grades, and to be restricted to a maximum of 150,000 cases. ' 2. The Government's liability under the guarantee to extend to the same charges for packing, shipment, &c., as have applied in the past. In this connection local charges up to placing the fruit on to an approved coastal steamer or railwaytruck not to exceed 3s. per case. All subsequent charges to be allowed, provided they are reasonable and necessary in connection with the placing of the fruit on the oversea market ; further, that no allowance is made for cool storage unless an approved system of precooling is adopted, in which event such allowance shall not exceed 5d. per case; and, further, the insurance allowance shall not exceed that required to provide an ordinary marine-risk cover. 3. The guarantee to be limited to fruit grown and shipped on consignment by or on account of bona fide fruitgrowers or fruitgrowers' co-operative societies, through the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation or other channel approved by the Minister of Agriculture.4. The Government reserves to itself the right to limit the quantity of fruit shipped to any particular port should shipping accommodation, freight rates, or market conditions, &c., be deemed unsatisfactory. \ 5. All fruit to qualify for the guarantee must be passed by a Departmental Inspector, and must be packed in accordance with the export regulations, subject to the modifications hereinafter set out.

6. Payment of claims under the guarantee shall not exceed 1 is. per case, and shall be calculated on the basis of the average price received by the claimant for the whole of the fruit exported on his account during the season, as against the average cost of placing such fruit on the market. 7. The Government reserves to itself the right— (a) to insist on all fruit being precooled prior to shipment, if deemed necessary ; (&) to withhold the privileges of the guarantee from all fruit shipped in vessels the storage facilities of which are held by the Department to be unsatisfactory.

EXPORT REGULATIONS. With respect to the export regulations, it has been decided to allow the following modifications as regards apples for the 1923 season : — - Classes. The existing partial red and striped class will be separated, and a distinct striped class instituted. The colour requirements of the striped class will be 33-J per cent, and 20 per cent, respectively of good typical colour for “ Extra Fancy ” and “ Fancy ” grades. Colour Standards. Notwithstanding the provisions of the regulations, which will not be altered in this respect until further experience has been gained, apples carrying 10 per cent, less colour with respect to “ Extra Fancy ” and 5 per cent, less colour with respect to Fancy than is required by the regulations will be accepted ■ during the 1923 season for export to Europe. The above reduction in colour will apply to- all the classes, including the “ striped ” class above referred to. Grades of. Fruit. In addition to the grades “ Extra Fancy ” and “ Fancy,” it has been agreed, on the recommendation of the Fruitgrowers’ Export Committee, that apples conforming to the undermentioned “ Good ” grade will be approved for export for the 1923 season :— . .

“ Good ” grade : Apples of this grade shall be of not less size than 2 J in. (175 apples per case), sound, smooth, and clean. They, shall be mature, well formed, hand-picked, true to name, and free from disease, visible bitter-pit, skin-puncture, or skin broken at ■ stem, and other defects. Slightly blemished apples may be included in this grade, provided that no individual apple shall have more than 5 per cent, of its surface affected thereby. Apples affected by spray injury may also be included in this grade, provided that no individual apple shall have more than 10 per cent, of its surface affected thereby. The individual apples of solid red,” “partial red,” and “striped” varieties shall carry not less than 30 per cent., 15 per cent., and 10 per cent, respectively of good typical colour. The individual apples of “ yellow or green ” varieties shall be of good characteristic colour. . .

The Minimum and Maximum Sizes of Apples for Export

The minimum and maximum sizes of apples of “ Extra Fancy ” and " Fancy ” grades approved for export shall be those set out against each variety respectively in the list of varieties approved for export/

Specifications of Export Apple-case. The inside measurements of the export bushel case shall be 10 in. by nf in. by in. . Sizes of timber The ends shall be made of boards of the following size—10 in. by nf in. by fin. ; one-piece board at each end; both end boards to be planed on the outer side. The sides shall be made of boards of the following size—■ 10 in. by 2if in. by -jfi in. 4 one or two boards optional for each side. The tops and bottoms shall be made of boards of the following size—11 in. by 21J in. by in. ; one or two boards optional : Provided that tops and bottoms may’ be made of boards of the following size11 in. by 2if in. by in., to be used with the addition of four cleats per case of size 11 in. -by 1 in,. by in. Nailing : Nails used to be not less than if in. long, 14 gauge.- Nails to be spaced not more than 3 in. apart, and the outer nails of each board to be not more than 1 in. from the edge of board. Strapping : All cases to be strapped with a wire or steel band, such strapping to be tightly, applied and to be not more than if in. from end of case.

Marking of Cases

The centre of each end of the case is to be reserved for the application of the shipping-mark, which in each instance will be the broker’s number, consisting of

three figures. To enable some uniform system of marking to be adopted, as an aid to sorting out, the other essential particulars are to be placed in the same positions on each case respectively — namely, the grower’s or packer’s registered number in the lower left-hand corner, and the variety, • grade, and size of the fruit in the lower right-hand corner, irrespective of whether stencils or labels are used. Where stencils are used, the accompanying facsimile of the stencil, reduced according to scale, is recommended for a registered export brand. This example sets out the maximum and minimum wording required. “New. Zealand ” should be in not less than if in. lettering. The word “Apples” to be

in not less than | in. lettering. The grower’s or packer’s registered export number to be in the same-sized type as “ New Zealand.” “150” represents the number of apples in the case. This, together with the designations “ Jonathan ” and “ Fancy,” will require to be branded by means of rubber stamps, the lettering of which should be in. The shipping-mark “345,” representing the broker’s number, must be in large figures of not less than 3 in. Both ends of the case are to be branded alike." Paper labels, apart from any form of ornamental design, must also bear the wording represented by the stencil copy.

Should any grower or packer wish to use any other mark, such as the name of his orchard or packing-shed, such marks will have to be applied to either the lids or sides of the case, as it is essential that no other marks than those indicated be applied on either end.

Owing to the large number of exporters having on hand a supply of labels as used by them last season, approval may be given to • use these for this season only, but all such labels will have to. be overprinted or branded with the broker’s number to whom they are shipping, in large'figures of not less than 3 in. .aforesaid. Numerous complaints have been received regarding the careless manner in which the branding of a large number of cases was done last season, especially where rubber stamps and stencils were used, in many instances the words and figures being quite unintelligible. More care must be observed in future in this direction, or the Inspectors will be forced to exercise their powers in rejecting for export all cases not intelligibly branded.

Registered Export Number.

The “ registered number ” issued to all growers under the Local Market Regulations will be declared to be the grower's registered export number also. The registered number of each grower must be branded on each case of fruit exported by him. In respect to fruit packed by a packing organization to which a registered number has been allotted, such consignments may be marked with the registered number of the packing association only, provided that each grower’s fruit is shown separately on the advice-note for examination, and stacked in separate lots so . that the Inspector may have no difficulty in determining which is the particular lot under examination. For example, a line of 100 cases of Cox’s Orange coming from two different growers would be submitted as follows :—

These would be stacked separately in two lots and examined as different lines. Should unavoidable circumstances prevent the adoption of this procedure, resulting in a line " comprising a larger number of cases being submitted as one line, it must be definitely understood that the examination of same would be solely at the grower’s risk, .and in the event of any fruit forming a portion of the line being found to be unsatisfactory the whole line would be liable to rejection..

Packing.

Wrapping-paper : Apples of the various sizes as set out below shall be wrapped in paper of the size indicated opposite each respectively : — Sizes 64’s to 8o’s (both inclusive), paper n in. by 11 in. Sizes 88’s to no’s (both inclusive), paper 10 in. by 10 in. Sizes 120’s to 200’s (both inclusive), paper 9 in. by 9 in. Sizes 210’s to 240’s (both inclusive), paper 8 in. by 8 in. In the event of the size of paper used being smaller than that specified above for any respective size of apples, such apples shall be double-wrapped by overlapping two papers. .

SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLYING TO EXPORT TO SOUTH AMERICA. The modifications regarding colour standards allowed for European markets will not apply to apples for the South American markets. Grades : No fruit below the standard of Fancy grade as defined in the Export Regulations to be exported to South America. Cases : Specifications of standard export case to be strictly observed. Packing : Corrugated strawboard to be used on top and bottom of cases. Wood-wool not to-be used. The use of printed wrapping-paper is strongly recommended. All large fruit to be double-wrapped unless paper of sufficient size is used.

FORTHCOMING AGRICULTURAL SHOWS.

Woodville A. and P. Association : Woodville, 23rd and 24th January. Helensville A. and P. Association : Helensville, 29th January. Pahiatua A. and P. Association : Pahiatua, 9th February. Te Puke A. and P. Association : Te Puke, 9th February. Buller A. and P. Association : Westport, 9th and 10th February. Northern Wairoa A. and P. Association : Mititai, 9th and 10th February. Clevedon A. and P. Association : Clevedon, 10th’ February. . Rodney Agricultural Society : Warkworth, 10th February. Dannevirke A. and P. Association: Dannevirke, 14th and 15th February. Waimarino A., P., H., and I. Association: Raetihi, 15th February. Wellsford A. and P. Society : Wellsford, 16th February. Masterton A. and P. Association: Masterton, 20th and 21st February. Te Awamutu A. and P. Association : Te Awamutu, 21st February. Omaha and Pakiri A. and H. Association : Leigh, 21st February. Rangitikei A. and P. Association : Taihape, 22nd February. Opotiki A. and P. Association : Opotiki, 23rd February. Franklin A. and P. Society : Pukekohe, 23rd and 24th February. Rotorua A. and P. Association : Rotorua, 28th February. Katikati A. and P. Society: Katikati, 1st March. North Kaipara Agricultural Association : Paparoa, 1st March. Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society : New Plymouth, 7th and 8th March Waikato Central Agricultural Association : Cambridge, 7th and 8th March. Morrinsville A., P., and H. Society: Morrinsville, 14th March. Methven A. and P. Association : Meth ven, 15th March. Hawke's Bay A. and P. Society : 20th and 21st March (Autumn Show). Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Association : Temuka, 22nd March. , Matamata A. and P. Association Matamata, 22nd March. Mayfield A. and P. Association : Mayfield, 24th March.

Importation and. Quarantine of Dogs. The prohibition of the importation of dogs into New Zealand from Great Britain, imposed in 1919 owing to severe outbreaks of rabies there, has been revoked as from 8th January. An amendment to the regulations under the Stock Act was . gazetted on 8th January, making the period of quarantine on dogs from the United Kingdom a clear six months. Previously the period of six months included the time from embarkation of the animal in Britain. -

Shippingmark. Registered Export Brand. Number of Cases. Kind of Fruit. Variety. Grade. Size. 345 P607 14 Apples ■. . Cox's Orange . . Fancy . . 163 14 ,t It 175 ■ 175 8 »•» • . 11 > > 188 188 12 210 t. . . • 210 12 ,, 225 225 Total .. 60 345 P607 8 Apples . . Cox’s Orange . . Fancy . . 163 5 It >> 175 175 7 • • ,, • • 188 it * • tt . . 188 9 210 »» 210 11 >> . ■ • ,, 225 225 Total . . 40

Maximum Size. Variety. Minimum Size. Maximum Size. Variety. Minimum Size. Solid Red Varieties. 96 Baldwin 225 ■ I ' 96 Tasma . . ; . 225 96 Hoover 225 1 Partial Red Varieties. I IO Crofton . . 225 I 96 Sharp’s Late Red 225 96 Delicious ... - 225 IO Shor land Queen 225 no Dougherty 240 no Shepherd’s Perfection 225 I IO John Sharp . . , 225 96 Spitzenberg . . 225no Jonathan . . 240 no Stark 225 no King David 225 no Wagner . . 225 96 Rome Beauty 225 no Worcester Pearmain .. 225 no Scarlet Nonpareil 240 no Yates 240 I IO Scarlet Pearmain 225 Striped Varieties. no Adams Pearmain 225 - 120 Ribston Pippin . . • 225 I IO Allington Pippin 225 no Senator 225 120 Cox’s Orange 240 no Statesman . . 225 96 Premier 225. no Stayman . . 225 Yellow or Green Varieties. 96 Alfriston . . - . . 225 no Gravenstein 225 96 Ballarat . . ... 225 96 London Pippin 225 96 Boston Russet 225 ' 96 McMahon’s White ■ . . 225 no Brownlee’s Russet . . 225 no Newtown Pippin 225 no Cleopatra .. . . • 225 96 Parlin’s Beauty 225 no Claygate Pearmain . . 225 96 Reinette du Canada . . 225 96 Dunn’s .. 225 no Sturmer 225 no Golden Pippin 225 96 Washington . . 225 no Golden Russet . . , 225 ' IO Willie Sharp 225 10 Grannie Smith 225

APPLES APPROVED FOR EXPORT TO EUROPE.

Maximum Size. Variety. Minimum Size. Maximum Size. Variety. Minimum Size. Solid Red Varieties. Varieties. 8o Baldwin , 140 I 80 Tasma . . .. 140 8o Hoover . . 140 1 Partial Red Varieties. , 90 Crofton 140 80 Scarlet Nonpareil . . 140 80 Delicious . . 140 96 Shorland Queen 140 96 Dougherty 140 80 Shepherd’s Perfection ' 140 96 John Sharp . . 140 ■ 80 Spitzenberg 140 96 King David . . . 140 : 96 Stark 140 80 Rome Beauty 140 80 Wagner 140 80 Salome . . . . 140 . 96 Yates . . . 140 96 Jonathan ... 140 1 Striped Varieties. ► • • Striped Varieties.. 96 ' Adams Pearmain 140 96 Statesman . . 140 80 Premier , . 140 80 Stayman . . ’ 140 80 Senator 140

Maximum Size. Variety. Minimum Size. Maximum Size.. Variety. Minimum Size; . Yellow or Green Varieties. 96 Cleopatra . . . . 140 ■ 80 Newtown Pippin 140 80 Dunn’s . . 140 80 Parlin s Beauty Beauty 140 140 80 London Pippin 140 • 96 Sturmer .. - . 140 80 McMahon’s White . . 140

APPLES APPROVED FOR EXPORT TO SOUTH AMERICA.