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The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1954) (about)
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Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4092147
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EXPORT FRUIT COMPLAINTS.
Minister Arranging Investigation
CANBERRA, Friday.- The Minister for Markets (Mr. Parker Moloney) said to-day that the inspection of all fruit in- tended for export was a Commonwealth matter, and, in view of the complaints made about the condition of one or two shipments which recently arrived in Lon- don, he was arranging for a thorough inves- tigation so that steps could be taken to reduce to a minimum any grounds for com- plaint in respect of future shipments.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir,-Being a consignor of pears on the s.s. Maloja, I had a similar experience to that mentioned by the secretary of the Doncaster Fruitgrowers' Association in his letter of May 29. My consignment con- sisted of W.B.C. pears, and I had great difficulty in procuring fruit of sufficient maturity, this being the first picking of the season. The price realised was up to 13/ a case, the highest price cabled. Some of the pears were condemned for being over- ripe, and they were thus worthless. It is apparent to any experienced grower that the refrigeration must have been at fault, and that an even temperature was not maintained throughout the vessel. I there- fore desire to add my protest to that of the Doncaster orchardists against the remarks of the Trade Commissioner for Victoria concerning the supposed condition of the fruit at the time of shipment.-Yours, &c.,
G. E. RICHARDS. Sutton Grange, June 2.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir,-I have been following the reports relating to the condition in which some shipments have been reported to arrive in London. It is time that something was done to counteract these inaccurate re- ports. It behoves the Minister to demand that when making these adverse reports the Agent-General shall furnish the Min- ister with full particulars-name of grow- ers, variety of apples, full details of con- dition of fruit, and packing. When these come to hand the Minister should, after having obtained a report from the inspec- tors interested, let such growers be warned that in future their fruit will be subject to special overhaul at loading stations. Per- sonally I am of the opinion that the names of such growers should be published. I cannot understand why growers will not unite in appointing a thoroughly practical grower, with business capacity, and with no
other duties than to watch the arrival of
each shipment of fruit, note the condition in which it rrives, and make a report on any poor packing and any other matters that mutually affect the growers. Growers would thus have an independent, unbiased representative, who would furnish an ac- curate report. The cost of appointing such a person is absolutely trifling, taking into consideration the results that will be ob- tained. This is a matter that the V.F.M.A. might well concentrate on. By no other means will satisfaction ever be obtained. We all are fully aware that seasonal con- ditions preclude the fruit from colouring. Growers are hardly accountable for this. Mr. Ward mentions the various districts which have put up reliable packs, but be does not mention Pakenham. I am satis- fied, on the whole, that this district's pack is equal to the best. I do not for one moment agree that softwood cases are gradually coming into general use. My prin- cipals, Parnham Pty. Ltd., who ship to one of the oldest fruit brokers in the United Kingdom (White and Son), have never asked me to adopt softwood cases, neither, as far as I know, have they been asked to use these by their principals. I have been able for years to obtain a splendid hardwood case, and there is nothing in the difference in the prices received for each class of case to warrant my using any other.
-Yours, &c.,
G. J. ALDWINCKLE. Pakenham. June 5.