RECORD FRUIT SHIPMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 915, 7 March 1930, Page 11

RECORD FRUIT SHIPMENT

EXPORT FROM DOMINION Special to THE SUN WELLINGTON, Today. The possibility of a record shipment of fruit from New Zealand this season, possibly 1,500,000 oases, was indicated by the Director of Horticulture, Mr. -I. A. Campbell. Last season’s shipments totalled r. little short of one million cases, and the previous year th 6 Dominion touched the million mark for the first time. This season's yield, therefore, will represent; not only a record shipment, but a record increase of about 50 per cent. The big totals of fruit crops now being revealed in the country are the natural result of the policy of orchard development, which was inaugurated after the war, and mean that orchards are now reaching maturity and giving maximum results. Advance bookings by growers this season were larger than ever before., and since the season began these bookings of shipping space have been increased. A good season for fruit is anticipated, th** difficulties of last yearn not having raised their heads this summer. In addition to big shipments, very fair prices are anticipated, largely due to the fact that New’ Zealand fruit is no longer limited to the British market, and that, shipments are being spread all over Europe. This is ascribed to the influence of the Control Board’s publicity campaign and the of London agents, made po - sible through the steady level of quality maintained by good grading sysNew Zealand frail I b do ing corners of Europe to which it has never penetrated before. Continental buyers are also stated to be purchasing c.i.f. at satisfactory terms. Later, difficulties may arise, as purchasers of large quantities may expect a sole agency of New Zealand fruit in their • territory, and will receive it, but can- ; not eliminate competition from AusI tralian fruit, which they ma.y expect to do. However, these difficulties can be adjusted if they occur.