STRAWBERRIES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9020, 6 January 1908, Page 5

STRAWBERRIES.

GROWERS DISSATSIFIED

Strawberry growers around Auckland complain of a very poor season. The export season has been anything but satisfactory. Fruit shipped to New Plymouth and Wellington has frequently arrived at its destination in a soft condition, and after the two days' journey and frequent transhipping, was not in a fit state to entice big prices. The best figure realised during the seauon in Wellington was Is lOd per box, and only equals the highest price received in Auckland. The Auckland Star, in referring to the subject, says:—"With the completion of the Main Trunk line, it is hoped by local growers that a new avenue will be opened up for the disposal of Auckland grown berries, and Wellington will be brought within easier reach. The advantages of railway freightage is rather decried by one Auckland merchant largely identified with the fruit trade. He avows that the consignments from Helensville and Henderson are invariably affected by the vibration and rough handling, and the depreciation frequently represents as much as 2d per lb. With the completon of the overland railway route to Wellington, therefore, the merchant in question is of opinion it will be necessary to provide special facilities for the conveyance of fruit."