FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14889, 31 January 1914, Page 14

FRUIT INDUSTRY.

THE SEASON IN OTAGO. (SPECIAL TO "THE FBBSS."). . DUNEDIN, January 30. . Fruit-growing in'Otago this season is expected, to reach a record standard as regards quantity, quality and commercial value. The trado has been very brisk since the opening of the season. As -far' as stove fruits are concerned, representative dealers state that the orchards of Alexandra and Clyde hold the market 1 easily in everything that makes fruit acceptable and profitable. It is thought that, the growers there must be doing remarkably well. The yield appears to have, been very good, and there is little, cause for complaint against, the. prices obtained in the open market. Peaches and apricots in crates have averaged 4d per lb to the grower, while a fair .. quantity of- especially choice fruits averaged Gd per lb. v The strawberry crop this summer has been remarkable in several features. The yield has been fairly heaw, and maintained over a long period; indeed, the. season has lasted threo ' months, which is tho longest experienced locally for many years. Growers havo done very .well, -the best dessort ; fruit' averaging, throughout, at least 7d per lb in the wholesale market. Earlier in the season the prices were remarkably high. Locally-grown strawberries are still coming into tho marts—a variety known as Lord Overton, which is said to be a heavy cropper and a.good carrier. . WELLINGTON, January 30. lhe Government intends to encournge fruit growers to send fruit to the American markets. A shipment would have been made by the Moana leaving to-day, but no space was available. On next month's boat, the Aorangi, a thousand easi>s of peaches from the Moutere Fruit Growers' Association will be sent. The Government j guarantees one penny per pound net to I the growers.