FRUIT PRESERVING COMPANY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1483, 23 March 1886, Page 2

FRUIT PRESERVING COMPANY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Daring the past three weeks I have travelled through many parts of the Orari and Geraldine districts, and from what I have seen and heard there is no doubt the fruit growing industry must be very unfavorable this season ; not, however, by reason of failure of «rop, which, on the contrary, has been exceptionally good and plentiful, but because tho supply so greatly exceeds the demand for ordinary purposes, and on account of the high charges made for the carriage of goods on our railways. The fruit growers in this district are closed out from the principal markets, such as Dunedin or Christchurch, therefore the treasures of Pomona are left to rot on the ground, or are carted away to feed the pigs. This is surely not the most remunerative way of disposing of the surplus stock of the orchards, and question naturally suggests itself whether a fruit preserving industry vwmld not commend itself to the enterprise and pockets of those interested in the matter. Such a scheme, of course, could not be adopted merely for the purpose of meeting occasional exigencies like the present—it could only be undertaken with tho view of permanent establishment in the neighborhood so long as it should pay. That, of course, is the cruical test of all such enterprises, and therefore a careful deliberation of the ways and means should precede any action in the matter, When the staple sources of industry in the country are declining in the market,

it behoves everyone who has tha opportunity and the means to devise every possible scheme for substituting others in their places. Examples have been afforded in the frozen meat and dairy produce factories as well as in the fruit preserving companies in various parts of New Zealand. Why should not Orari and Geraldine combine in establishing a fruit preserving company in their midst ? The subject, I think, is at least deserving of ventilation in your columns, and I hope that those who aro experienced and interested in the matter will accept the invitation to contribute their opinions on the subject.—l am, etc., Peo Bono Publico. Orari, 22nd March, 1886.