FRUIT-GROWING.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17472, 5 June 1922, Page 8

FRUIT-GROWING.

NELSON ASSOCIATION. (SPBCL4L TO "THE FBESS.") NELSON, June 3. Many important matters of special interest to all fruitgrowera were discussed at the annual meeting of the Nelson Provincial Fruitgrowers' Council, held at Motueka. There was an attendance of about fifty, and Mr-F. E. Nottage (president; was in the chair. The report of tho Management Committee, among other things, stated that the policy of the executive had been "export." Thanks to the loyal help of members, and modifications in connexion with the grading regulation, the total export had been 84,947 cases. The bulk of the fruit had been shipped to London, with a limited quantity to Glasgow. Efforts to reopen the South American trade were not successful. Prices for fruit per first had been very satisfactory,, and it was hoped that the good averago would be maintained throughout the season. Glowers had benefited by the reduction in the cost of shipping freights, cases, and paper, and it was hoped to secure further reductions for the coming season. The executive suggested for the future: (1) More complete control of Nelson export bv local exporters; (2) the shipping of Nelson fruit direct from Nel>on whenever possible; (3) consistent with maintenance, strong and stable finance# would gradually red uoa levies on export fruit, as the amount available for export increased. Tho balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £5-45. Tho chairman stated that the meeting on June 9th would elect delegates to the Dominion conference. Nelson would be represented by nine delegates, which was the largest number the nroviiice had yet had at a Dominion conference. Referring to the report and balance-sheet, the chairman rcmairked that tli© year had ended with a credit balances which was a. matter for congratulation. The principal revenue had been from the export of fruit. Local market problems- could not be touched till local settlers were organised, and that could not be brought about till there was compulsory standardisation. With compulsory standardisation there must be a small levy to run the organisation.

Mr Nottage formally moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr A. Gilbert, in seconding the motion, said that a serious blunder had been made in not exploiting the S:>uth American market to a greater extent. He understood that good offers were made to th© Federation from South Amorica, but were not taken up. Nelson should cultivate what could be termed tho natural market of South America.

An amendment was moved that, in view of the credit balanoe, the Council's levy of 3d per case on export be reduced by Id. The feeling of the meeting was overwhelmingly against the amendment and in favour of the council having a strong finance. The amendment found only three supporters. It was stated that two shipping lines were making enquiries in connexion with the loading of fruit at Nelson for shipment at oversea ports. The chairman said that this was an indication of the increased interest by shipping companies in the carriage of apples. Sir MoKee moved, to the effect that the Provincial Council endeavour to have a committee of experts set up to report on x the carriage of fruit overseas. This, he said, was a matter that the Council should take up itself. The loss through faulty carriage was enormous. The Government, he was sure, would help. If three or four experts in New Zealand got together, it would result in benefit to the industry. The 'industry depended on the profitable sale of fruit overseas, and that could not be secured till the fruit was properly carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr McClurg brought up the question of compulsory standardisation for Dominion markets. Under standardisation, he said, the buyer knew what he was getting. If Nelson was first in the field with standardisation, it would be a great advertisement, H'. moved "That the meeting authonso the delegates to the Dominion conference, in the event of the remit on the subject being turned down by the conference, going to the Government and asking for compulsory standardisation for Nelson for three years.'' The motion was seconded by Mr Bisley, who strongly, urged the need for improved marketing conditions. A better pick would mean better prices for Nelson growers. Mr Morris suggested that auctioneers should be asked to back up the revest. Mr McKee suggested a petition signed by the growers of the province. This, he believed, would be more effective than a deputation to the Ministers. . • The motion was carried. Mr MclCee embodied Ids suggestion of a petition in a motion, which was carried, the petition to be signed by growers, brokers, retailers, eto. Mr E. Vollmer moved that the' meeting was of opinion that the export levy should apply next-season to all fruit exported, whether to England or anj other country. It seemed to him, he said, that the exporter was paying all the cost of the Council. The motion was seconded by Mr Gilbert, who hoped that the Council would endeavour to find markets in. and shipping space for, South America. The Minister for Agriculture had told him that the South American market Bhould be developed. Mr Henderson said that if growers nould set a figure, at which the Council could make contracts, business with South America could be looked for. • From the experiences on the English market that season, they must endeavour to develop the South 'American market. Growers should .not set too high a figure, but one that was likely to lead to business. The Council, however, would require early information as to the price required and the quantities of fruit that would be sent to South America. . Mr Nottage expressed the. hope tnat locally-sold fruit would eventually pay a lfevy also, and this view evidently found much support at the meeting. Mr Yollmer's motion was carried, and a further motion that the Council go into the matter of a levy on all fruit was also carried. Mr Gilbert moved that the Council take into consideration t)ie question of a fruit advertising campaign, and the motion was carriedSeveral important suggestions regarding the marketing of fruit in Wellington were brought forward by Mr E. H. Bisley. The present methods of selling fruit in Wellington, he said, were capable of great improvement. For one thing there were far too many brokers. Growers should confine themselves to ono or two auction rooms. They might even go so far as to have an auction roonl of their own. At present there were a number of brokers, each with a sjnall audience, whereas it would be profitable to have buyers in large numbers, and secure better competition. He drew attention to the large amount that Nelson growers paid for the cartage of fruit from the wharves to the Wellington auction rooms, which could be saved if there was an auction room on the waterfront. Also extra handling was now entailed, and under a better system Nelson growers would get a better price for their fruit. They would almost be able to put a price on their fruit. Mr Bisley also thought they might have a representative of the growers at Wellington to watch their interests. It was possible by improved | methods to add perhaps 2s per case to j their fruit. Growers should cive these I matters their earnest consideration. If

they did he was sure it would mean the difference between orchards being profitable and unprofitable. It was resolved that it be a direction to the Council thoroughly to investigate the marketing of fruit at Welngton. . It may be added that Nelson fruitgrowers hare taken action in regard to an advertising campaign _ to increase the consumption of fruit in New Zealand. Mr F. E. Nottage was re-elected president.