THE FRUIT MARKET

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3191, 15 September 1917, Page 3

THE FRUIT MARKET

Notwithstanding tho large increase in tho area of productive orchards, the local market was ablo last season to absorb tho wholo of the fruit brought forward (says tho Secretary of Agriculture in his annual report). This was to some extent duo to the unfavourable season, but it ie abundantly evident that the local market can be enormously developed, ami that no serious anxiety need bo felt should tho export of fruit be impracticable for a considerable thno to conic. Apparently the best mean 6 of increasing the local consumption of fruit would bo to arrange for the grocers to carry supplies of suitable fruits in cartons of, say, 51b. or 101b. If tho grocers were supplied direct from central packing sheds the cost of distribution would bo greatly reduced, and I am convinced _ that if apples, for instance, were delivered by grocers in the cities in tho ordinary course of their business at, nay, id. per pound, a very large demand would bo experienced, and there is no doubt that this would enable both growers, packing companies, and grocers to obtain thoroughly payable prices.