CITRUS FRUIT GROWING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 348, 8 May 1928, Page 13

CITRUS FRUIT GROWING

EXPERT FROM AUSTRALIA EXPORTERS WANT MARKET IN N.Z. Growers of citrus fruits in Australia are looking for overseas markets for their produce. Last year 27 per cent, of the citrus fruits imported into New Zealand came . from Australia, but the Australians \ would like to see a larger market here and to see some of the Government j restrictions lifted. Mr. H. G. Such, one of the principals j of the Central Citrus Association in Sydney, arrived by the Maunganui this j morning to see what he can do about j improving the New Zealand market | for Australian citrus fruits. During his stay in Auckland Mr. Such will also give any advice which is asked for regarding the growing and cultivation of lemons, oranges and grape fruit. The organisation to which he belongs consists of representatives of all the co-operative citrus fruit packing houses in New South Wales. These growers are trying to procure bigger overseas markets, and are rather

worried about Amelcan competition. This year a very large crop is expected and the fear of competition is disturbing, as each year more and more country is being planted with citrus fruits. Mr. Such has heard excellent reports of the New Zealand-grown citrus fruits and he considers that it is only a matter of time until the whole of the Dominion’s supply is grown by her own people. “I have come over to talk with your growers and to see i-f I can influence your Department of Agriculture to relax some of its regulations,” said Mr. Such to-day. “The principal regulations refer to the wrapping and fumigation of fruit. I think it is certainly necessary to wrap the fruit, but that apparently interferes with the fumigation. I would also like to see whether citrus fruits cannot be made the subject of reciprocity in duties.” Mr. Such considers that the Australian fruit which comes from the packing houses is equal to the best American grown. At present a large amount of citrus fruit which comes into New Zealand is not the best that is grown in Australia. It is sent by private individuals and unorganised growers, and such fruit is badly grown and packed. An effort is being made to get more of the growers to belong to the Central Association, as it will j mean that better fruit will be grown and exported. Mr. Such has a property of 35 acres of citrus fruits at Griffith, in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, which is excellently suited to the growing of oranges, mandarins, lemons and grape fruit.