THE APPLE SHIPMENT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 828, 28 May 1910, Page 8

THE APPLE SHIPMENT.

A SATISFACTORY TRIAL.

• Discussing the recent Nelson apple shipment to Londou,'tho Nelson "Col-' onist" says those who were conversant with tho facts were not surprised to learn that much of the fruit arrived in over-ripe condition, for many growers could not bo convinced of tho absolute necessity for Bhipping the apples before they began to ripen. Tho late varieties, Stunners, Munroes,. Favourite, and Cleopatras, which wcro picked green, realised the best prices, and growers will no doubt profit by their experience, and next'season ship before the apples commence to turn. Jonathans and Cox's Orange, when they left Nelson in March last, wore very taking to the eye. but no doubt reached the market in over-ripe condition, consequently the general average of tho prices would be reduced. Next season these varieties will probably bo shipped in February, and if this is done will reach the market before the same varieties from Tasmania, as Nelson district is earlier than the Australian State.

With the average price ranging from 6b. to Bs. 9d., and the later kinds realising up to 10s. per case, growers, our contemporary says, will make a better profit than if they had sold in local markets, as the expenses are not expected to exceed us. 6d. per case, and tho apples carried a Government guarantee of one penny per pound. When the trial shipment.') were first made from Tasmania a few years ago, several of them proved absolute failures, a loss resulting to the growers and shippers, Since then, however, tho growers have realised the importance of picking their apples unripe, with the result that they are now reaping the benefit of their past experience by realising top prices.