FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1967, 31 December 1906, Page 1

FRUIT INDUSTRY.

If tbe present hopes are realised (tele graphs a Wellington correspondent) New Zealand by-and-bye will be deriving sonic revenue from fruit in the world s markets. Mr Jacques, the Government fruit-canning expert, is not relaxing his efforts to induce growers to plant suitable varieties of trees, and he also goes on a mission of practical instruction. He has a stall in the agricultural court at the Exhibition, and there he gives de, monstrations of the art of “ packing ” fruit and vegetables. Last week he commenced a series of demonstrations, opening with illustrations of the best methods of preserving peas and goose-, berries. He intends returning to Christchurch to complete the equipment of his stall'. A can-making plant will be set in operation, and thus the whole business of turning fruit will be shown. Referring to the prospects of the industry. Mr Jacques stated that the proposed cooperative factory at Auckland had fallen through for the .present He understood that the vendors had withdrawn tbc : r | offer, but better things were hoped for next season. The fruit crop in Central Otago was very short, and consequently the factory at Roxburgh had closed down. In fact, generally speaking, added the expert, in most districts theie would ho no big movement mado in the canning industry until sufficient quantities of suitable varieties of fruit were available. These were being propagated, and every season now would see more rapid strides made. Large areas had been planted in various parts of New Zealand, but. of course, the industry would take a little time to develop. As soon as these fruits were procurable in adequate quantity the English market would be tackled. From reports which be bad received from Eastcheap and elsewhere, he gathered that there was an enormous field waiting for the development of the canning enterprise. He believed that if the producers turned out a fine article they could ship a million cases a year to Eastcheap alone. Mentioning that a syndicate had been formed in Hokinnga to grow peaches for canning purposes, Mr Jacques said that district was going to do a big business in fruit. He considered that the Auckland pro-, vinco should have a marvellous future in ■ fruitgrowing.