The Motueka Star PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. "Te Oranga Moti Iwi." FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 61, 14 March 1902, Page 3

The Motueka Star PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. "Te Oranga Moti Iwi." FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902.

On the sth of March the direct Waikato left Lyttelton tor London having amongst her cargo 1253 eases of apples and, 50 cases of pears, consigned to the Agent General by the Styx Apple Company. .The fruit, -which was in excellent condition, was carefully graded and packed under the supervision of Mr J. C. Blaekinore, the Government Pomologist, who affixed the the Department of Agricul- * ture to each case. This is evidently the shipment mentioned in a letter to the editor of this paper by Mr Blackmore, written on the 26th of February.

The heavy yield of apples throughout the colony has had the effect of glutting all the markets, and has also brought under the notice of growers the desirability of seeking a market elsewhere. Now that we have such regular, and quick communication with the Old Country, we see no reason why apples should not be included in the list of exports, along with fi-ozen mutton, poultry, butter, cheese, etc. The steamers now engaged in the trade have been especially fitted up, and it has been demonstrated by the Tasmania n people that the trade is a most remunerative one. This district has gone in largely for apples ; there is a plentiful supply of good keeping varieties still on hand, and as the English market is available till the end of June, we see no reason why an experimental shipment of say 3000 cases should not be despatched from Motueka. If the matter, which hasalready been discussed by leading orchardists, is taken in hand without unreasonable delay, we feel sure the Agricultural Department will see that some competent person is engaged to superintend the grading ,and packing of the apples. A trial shipment from this district, o** from any other for that matter, does not mean a loss, because we believe the Government, in order to help to develop the trade, has guaranteed a certain price per case. A beginning must be made sooner or later- ; the sooner- the better in view of the fact that next year the yield will probably be double what it is this season. The Tasmanian people started some years ago, under less favorable circumstances

than now obtain ; the trade has gradually increased year after year and according to the Tasmanian Mail it is estimated that 230,000 cases will be consigned to England during the next three months. We trust to be in a position next week-to inform our reader's that a canvass amongst the growers has been made and that it has been decided to test the London market.