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Owing to a general shortage in the fruit crop very satisfactory prices were realized for fruit of good quality. In view of the good prices ruling there was, however, a tendency on the part of some growers to market poor-grade stuff, and a number of instances of unfair packing, both of fruit and vegetables, came under notice. No doubt the recommendations of the Fruit Marketing Committee when given effect to will go a long way towards remedying some of the present existing evils. A shortage of oranges took place on the local markets due largely to the shipping strike on the Pacific Coast. The situation was, however, relieved by importations from other sources free of fruit-fly infection. Imported Fruit, Plants, etc. The examination of all imported fruit, plants, bulbs, &c., was carefully carried out at the different ports of entry in the Dominion prior to being allowed entry. The bulk of the consignments arrived in good order and condition, being clean and free from disease. An increase 011 the previous year's figures is noticeable in the quantity of oranges and tomatoes from the Cook Islands, and also in respect to bananas from Samoa. Orange importations from Australia and Jamaica also show an increase. There was a substantial increase in the number of packages of plants and bulbs imported from overseas. Imported nuts show a decline especially in regard to almonds, supplies of which have been restricted on account of hostilities in Spain. Several lines of walnut meat were found to be infected with the larvsß of the Indian meal-moth, and the usual action was taken in respect to these. The fumigation of a number of consignments of imported grass-seed was carried out in accordance with the import requirements, and a considerable quantity of weevil-infested grain was similarly treated on behalf of local merchants. Fruit Cold Storage. A matter of vital importance to the fruit industry is that of cold storage both on land and aboard ship. Many problems affecting the keeping-qualities of fruit have been gone into during the year and a considerable amount of experimental work carried out. A important feature is the storage of fruit on board overseas vessels, and in this connection the efficacy of various methods of dunnaging has been receiving attention. The adoption of any particular method is a matter that will require careful consideration owing to the variation of the size and depth of the holds and the different systems of refrigeration in use in the fruit-carrying ships. So far there has been very little evidence that any of the new methods tried out are any better or worse than the dunnaging practices that have been operating in the past. Other experiments included the testing of the keeping-qualities of apples (Gravenstein) picked at different stages of maturity ; incidence of bitter-pit on Cox's Orange Pippins ; delayed marketing of Cox's Orange Pippin apples and Winter Cole pears; refrigerated gas-storage trial on shipboard with apples (Cox's Orange). Local cold-storage trials dealt with the influence of fertilizer treatment on the keeping-quality of apples (four varieties) ; influence of oiled wraps in the control of superficial scald ; copper sulphate treatment in controlling the spread of grey mould on pears ; wastage in Cox's Orange Pippin apples ; control of soft-scald in Jonathan apples, &c. In response to the requests received from fruitgrowers the matter of establishing a fruit cool store in Central Otago was investigated. Preliminary work in eonncetion with the establishment of a precooling store and central packing-shed at Rarotonga was also carried out on behalf of the Cook Islands Department. A comprehensive scheme of experimental work with fruit is in hand for the 1937 season. Several small consignments have already been shipped overseas, and the fruit for local storage trials is being assembled in cold storage. Instructional and Experimental Work. Special consideration has been given to the matter of affording advice and instruction 011 ail phases of fruit and vegetable growing and horticulture generally. The dissemination of information in this regard is not only confined to commercial growers but is just as readily given, when required, to those who have only small areas for domestic purposes. This personal contact is very much appreciated, and the instructions given are usually followed, with the result that there has been an increasing demand for advice. The needs of fruitgrowers and others have also been catered for by the giving of public lectures and practical demonstrations in the various Instructors' districts on matters connected with orchard management generally, instruction in the preparation of fruit for market, &c. Of the seventy-five manurial trials which were laid down in the different fruitgrowing districts in the Dominion, fifty-five have been discontinued. The differences in the results from the various treatments which were referred to in last year's report were maintained, and in many instances became more marked. Nitrogen continued to appear to be the most important element in fruittree manuring. The complete manure plot is invariably the best in all trials conducted. Carbonate of lime has given very little response except in some of the trials in the North Auckland district. The results

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