FRUIT-GROWING INDUSTRY.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 229, 19 November 1887, Page 3

FRUIT-GROWING INDUSTRY.

Exporting New Zealaad Fruit. Mv L. D. Nathan has asked blie advice of the Royal Horticultural Society as to the best time and best method of sending somo of our overplus fruit homo to the English market. No more important question than this has come before the Society, and they wisely decided to call a special meeting so as to thoroughly discuss the matter. Now, as I had a little experience of the Scotch market a little over twenty years ago, perhaps a few hints to those who may be intending to send fruit may be of benefit. Nothing but fruit of first-class quality will suit the British market, and as I understand that freight will be by weight or measurement it will cost as much to send inferior as the very best ; whereas the difference in the sale price would be considerable, almost as great as what is obtained for a lot of the badly-packed and damaged fruit sold during the season in our auction marts, and the price obtained by our fruiterers for first-class fruit over the counter. I have seen inferior Jeisev apples sold at 'id per lb, at the same time that first-class Jersey apples were selling from 6d to 8d per lb. Now, New Zealand growers would have the advantage of sending fruit into the British market when it was almost free of European fruit. About the end of April all the longkeeping varieties are beginning to get exhausted, and dining May and June the same scarcity continues ; but during July the early continental fruits bpcrin to make their appearance in the British market, and at once tell on market prices. During May and earlj. in June I believe the best market would be found for oui fruit. Our fruit would need to be shipped from here during March, April, and May. All fruit should be packed in boxes of a specified size. The shipments would mo 4 likely fall into the hands of largo dealers, w ho supply the trade, and the trade uould probably order by the boy, knowing exactly what quantity would bo sent. Not only would the exact wiine-sis-ed boxes suit the trade at Home, but in shipping and handling in quantities it would al-o curtail space and other expenses. The mode of packing would al>o need serious consideration, so that the fruit could be kept in the very best condition till it reaches the consumer. The prices obtained will be mled by such condition. The quality ot our fruit, too, must be taken into consideration. Our fruit in this part of New Zealand is not of such good keeping qualities as that which is grown in climates with colder winters. Take, for instance, our apples. Finer-looking fruit it would be hard to get. but examined internally uhat do wo find ? The cells and tissue of the fruit are much larger and softer than tho^c of fruit grown in tome other climates. This question will need to be attended to when packing. In pointing out these few matters I only wish to bring the .subject before those fruit-growers who may not be able to attend the Horticultural Society's meeting when the matter is discussed. Any practical suggestions or any matter bearing on the subject this paper will be glad to publish, as the direct importation of fruit to England, if properly conducted, will be the means of bunging considerable wealth to New Zealand. But everyone who intends sending fruit mu^t understand that nothing but the very best and peifeetly sound, well packed will succeed in gaining remunerative pi ices, and at the same time make a good name for oui fiuib in the British market. Once the^e tv> o points are gained Biitain could absoib during the three months named all the first-class fruit New Zealand was able to "end. Second-class fiuit would never pay for the freight and other chaiges.