of those present, a demonstration was given as to how the California fruit 

 is graded and packed for shipment- 



A few cases picked at random from Mr. W. H. Bunting's consignment 

 were opened and exhibited as samples which might be depended upon 

 to create a demand in whatever market they might be placed. 



The majority of the shippers present were keen to learn and thankful 

 for the suggestions given. One stated that the information gained from 

 the object lesson afforded in grading and packing was well worth all the 

 effort in getting up such a shipment. 



From Grimsby the same kinds of fruit were sent, but the carload was 

 made up by only six shippers; consequently, where there were fewer ship- 

 pers each putting up from one to two hundred cases of his own, there was 

 much more uniformity in packing ; yet, even here, we found fruit packed 

 in such a way that it could not but injure the reputation for Ontario fruit 

 on whatever market it might be placed- It was plainly evident to those 

 who examined the fruit that Ontario fruit-growers will have to bestir 

 themselves if they ever expect to compete with California and British 

 Columbia, which now have practically a monopoly on the Northwest 

 market. 



(4) Co-Operation Essential. The greatest need in this part of the 

 business is more uniformity in grading and packing, and vigilant care that 

 none but first-class fruit be offered for sale under a XXX brand. It ap- 

 pears to me that we will never satisfactorily meet these requirements so 

 long as each grower is working alone and independent of his neighbor. 

 What is necessary is, that in each fruit section the growers unite to form 

 a strong co-operative association, that a good energetic man be selected 

 as manager, and that experts be employed to grade and pack the fruit- 

 This would probably necessitate the building of a central^ packing-house, 

 and involve some expense, but the advantages to be gained would well 

 repay for the outlay- Baskets, boxes and barrels could be purchased 

 wholesale to better advantage ; the grower could devote his whole atten- 

 tion to gathering the crop when in proper condition ; the association would 

 relieve him of all care and responsibility in grading, packing and market- 

 ing ; and with this work in the hands of expert packers, the grade would- 

 be uniform, the packing carefully and properly done, and with a good 

 business manager in close touch with the markets, the fruit could be mar- 

 keted when and where it was most in demand. This in the end would re- 

 sult in increased demand on the part of the consumer and increased pro- 

 fits on the part of the producer. 



2—139 



