EXPORT FRUIT

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 72, 27 March 1933, Page 13

EXPORT FRUIT

BREACH OF REGULATIONS

PROSECUTION AT NELSON

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

NELSON, March 25. A case of interest to exporters of fruit came before Mr. T. E. Maunsell, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon, when James Thomas Shirtliff, orchardist, of Redwood's Valley, was charged that "ho did forward to an appointed store at Port Nelson certain fruit, viz., sis eases of Cox's Orange appies for export overseas, which said fruit was noticeably at variance with the description of such fruit set out in the export brand on the packages containing the same, contrary to the provisions of clause 25 of tho regulations made under the Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, 1908, relating to the export of fruit from New Zealand and enuring under the Orchard and Garden. Diseases Act, 1928, and contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided,"-

Mr. J. H. Thorp, an inspector under the Act, laid the information.

When asked to plead the defendant said he owned the property, but had nothing to do with the orchard, which was run by his son. If he was responsible for his son's or the empioyeos' act he must plead guilty. Mr. Thorp, in outlining the case, said the. regulations allowed for 270 apples per case, but those sent down by the defendant contained 288 and were under 2in in diameter, whereas the regulations provided for a minimum of 2 l-Bin. A copy of the conditions governing export was sent to each, grower, who should be aware of the regulations. The consignment was sent back to the orchard on account Of slack packing, and when it was again inspected at the .port it was found that small apples had been put in. to make up for the slackness. Mr Thorp added that 27 per cent, of the consignment was under normal size.

"The orchard is registered 'in the defendant's name," said Mr. Thorp, "and I regret to have to bring the father here."

The Magistrate imposed a fine of £5 with costs, 12s.