N.Z. FRUIT EXPORTS

Southland Times, Issue 18840, 5 June 1920, Page 6

N.Z. FRUIT EXPORTS

AN INTERESTING REPORT. ANXIETY REGARDING NEXT YEAR’S SHIPMENTS. - The Director of Horticulture, Mr T. W Kirk, at the recent New Zealand Fruitgrower’s Conference, Submitted an interesting report dealing with the fruit export, 1920 shipments and the condition of the fruit exported.

The following return of export shipments for 1920 should prove of great interest to the fruitgrowers of the Dominion. The shipments were made up as follows: —The s.s. Athenic, which, sailed in April, look 14,095 cases; Port Napier, which also sailed in April, took 13,187 cases; and the Corinthic, just sailed, 6403 —a total of 34,585 cases. Of this number, 18,644 cases (including 1376 half-cases) were shipped from Motueka.

The quality of the fruit passed was good as far as could be seen. To say it .was absolutely free from such diseases as bitter pit and water core would be an impossibility, as this was in evidence in some of the lines being handled prior to grading and packing, but the fruit was carefully watched for these faults during gradings and packing operations. Colour—The colour of the fruit from Mapua was well up to standard. Much of the fruit as far as this requirement was concerned could have passed as extra fancy, but no attempt was made to pack under this grade, hence, the margin of colour in fancy grade was very wide, namely, 25 per cent to 100 per cent in many instances.

Condition.—None of the fruit submitted could be classed as immature. In the Athcnic the Jonathan and Munroe’s were in good condition, but the Cox’s were inclined to be approaching too near ripeness and kept on the trees too long. This variety must go earlier and colour must be sacrificed for condition and adjustments made in the regulations accordingly. Two lines of these were turned down for the cracking round the stems, characteristic of the variety under some conditions; another line for spot and blemish. Some Munroe’s were also rejected for blemish in this boat. In the Port Napier the colour of the Jonathan was higher than in the Athcnic; in some cases the fruit was inclined to ripeness, especially the larger size. All the other varieties were in excellent condition.

For the Corinthic all Jonathans, with the exception of 83 cases, were turned down for over-ripeness. All other varieties were in good condition. The Statesmen's variety might need a bit of adjustment rc colour requirements bn the same lines as for Cox’s. Blemishes.—All lines were well within the regulations as regards blemish, in fact, I think I can safely say that with the exceptions mentioned, the full concessions in this respect, were not availed of. The shippers endeavoured to keep well within the margin.

Sizing.—On the whole the sizing was good. There were instances where a little more variation was indulged in than the regulations allow, but this was more due to endeavours to get good finishes in packing than other reasons. Packing.—There were instances of loose cases that came under my notice, and when loading these were put back for adjustment where found, and also at time of inspection.

There is a considerable weight of opinion in favour of'*'aboiishmg the size mark on cases of export fruit in view of the total number of apples contained in the cases being placed thereon. This number itself is an indication of size. This concession would simplify the marks and save considerable time. I would strongly recommend its adoption.

The engagements made with growers for space in the Home boats seem to require a little more definition. It would probably be best to get association secretaries to get their member.- to sign for space as soon as the fruit sets--in November. I believe they would be ready to do this if at that time “Federalion” could tel! them when and where the fruit was going and what financial arrangements had been made. It is only in this way that many growers can arrange credits for their own packing arrangements. A statement should be laid before growers regarding next season’s export not later I than' September and growers should be able to sign definitely in November. ' SUMMARY. Generally speaking the fruit shipped was of good quality, the colour standard being good throughout; possibly too much variation for fancy grade owing to the fact that extra fancy grade was not picked out, but included in the cases containing fancy grade.

It was conspicuous that some of our best varieties for the later boats were withheld from export, especially Delicious and Sturmcr, while in the early boats every endeavour was made to pet away as man}’ inferior varieties, particularly London i'ipp'.u and Kcinctte du Canada as possible. This to large extent, must lie attributed to the Government guarantee of Id per lb, as these varieties were not likely to realise that, price on the New Zealand markets, and it is doubtful if Mich varieties will clear expenses to the Home markets. A quantity of the fruit submitted was on the fine side, and the condition on arrival at Home will be interesting.