The Fruit Export Act. M9 



THE FRUIT EXPORT ACT. 



Notes on Amended Regulations. 



By I. Tribolet, Chief, Division of Horticulture. 



AMENDEto regulations under the Fruit Export Act appeared in the 

 Govei'mnent Gazette of 13th February, 1920, and some of the out- 

 standing features are noted hereunder : — 



Oranges. — The 26 in. by 12 in. by 12 in. box is adopted for 

 oranges instead of the 26 in. by 12A in. by 12^ in. The half box is 

 therefore 26 in. by 12 in. Depth optional. 



Apple Box. — The adoption of the 18 in. by Hi in. by 10 in., 

 inside measurement, is equal to one of 2070 cubic inches 

 capacity, and as the Imperial bushel equals 2219 cubic inches the box 

 is somewhat less than a bushel in capacity. This was done alter com- 

 municating with the Governments of Australia and Tasmania who are 

 working on the same lines. This box both here and in Canada is 

 taking the place of the 20 in. by 11 in. by 10 in. one, the jj-eneral idea 

 being to make it the universal standard apple box. 



Tlie Pineapple Boxes are 27 in. by 16 in. and 27 in. by 14 in. 

 Depths optional remain. These measurements may be found to be not 

 entirely satisfactory, and it is quite possible that in the course of one 

 or two seasons something better may be evolved. 



Marking Both Ends of the Boxes. — At the urgent request of those 

 handling our fruits on shipboard and overseas it was decided to have 

 the shipping mark of the agent appointed by the exporter placed on 

 the one end of the box. On the other end the marking in accordance 

 with Section 6 (a), (6), (c), and (d), still obtains. 



Fruit Boxes. — It almost seems that if some improvement in boxes 

 does not soon take place the wood of which they are made will have 

 to be standardized and included in the regulations. Such flimsy 

 receptacles were turned out last season that tliey were hardly fit to 

 carry fruit across the street, let alone a long railway and sea journey. 

 This was especially noticeable in the citrus l)oxes, and accounts for a 

 good deal of the wastage that was heard of. It is hoped, therefore, 

 that this phase of the export trade will show improvement next 

 season, otherwise a good deal of fruit intended for export will not get 

 further than our own docks. This is given as a timely warning. 



Third Class Fruit. — A change has been made in the terms 

 designating the third class fruit. Previously it was known as 

 "Graded,'^ now it is known as ''Choice." so that the grades are 

 " Extra Selected," '' Selected," " Choice," "Lowest Grade." 



The pear " Idaho " has been added to the list of those that are 

 not recommended for export. 



The Methley plum has been sized as follows: — Extra selected,. 

 If in. ; selected, 1^ in. ; choice, 1^ in. ; lowest grade below \\ in., 

 2 inches being considered too high for extra selected in this variety. 



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