8i4 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [ii Dec, 1911. 



OVERSEA MARKETS FOR FRUIT AND FRUIT PULP. 



/. G. Turner, CJiief Horticultural Officer. 



Following close behind the active immigration policy of the Govern- 

 ment and recent local enterprise in land selection, there has been a con- 

 siderable increase in the acreage put under orchard cultivaticn. This vv.ll 

 naturally result in a proportionate increase in production. Accordingly, 

 action in the direction of ascertainingi the possibilities of other markets is 

 a necessity of the hour. 



With a view to obtaining particulars as to the possibilities of oversea 

 markets, the Agent-General for this State in London was addressed last 

 June, with a request to furnish information as to whether tomatoes, passion 

 fruit, plums, peaches, cherries and fruit-pulp would be likely to meet with 

 a favourable reception on the markets of the United Kingdom during 

 certain periods. Information was also asked as to the most favoured 

 methods of packing the most suitable kinds and capacities of packages, 

 sizes and varieties of fruit most likely to meet with good markets, market 

 expenses per package, probable prices that would be realized, and any 

 other information which might prove of use to Victorian shippers. Par- 

 ticulars as regards the possibilities of the Continental and ether markets 

 were also sought. 



In reply to the abo\e request. Sir John Taverner, the Agent-General 

 for Victoria, has made in(]uiries and has furnished tlie following informa- 

 tion : — 



United Kincdom. 



Office of the Agent-General, Victoria, 



Melbourne Place, Strand, 



London, W.C., 



16th August, 1911. 

 Sir, 



I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Director of Agriculture's 

 despatch of the 2gth June last, and to inform you of the result of the inquiries 

 I have made in the matter. 



Peaches. — I am advised that there would be a good demand for this fruit at 

 the time of the year mentioned by you, viz., January to March, and that the same 

 would meet with a most favourable market on the United Kingdom markets, 

 the only competition being from South Africa. No clingstones shoiild be sent, and 

 the peaches should be packed in trays containing twenty-four peaches, each being 

 wrapped in tissue paper packed with aspen wood-wool and done up in packages 

 of three trays each. If packed in this manner and found to be in good condition 

 on arrival, it is thought that they would realize from los. to 15s. per tray. A 

 sample of aspen wood-wool used in the packing of South African fruit is sent 

 herewith. 



Plums. — There would be a good demand for this class of fruit at the period 

 quoted by you (from January to April), the only competition being from South 

 Africa. The best variety to be sent is the Kelsey, this being known on the i: arket 

 here. They should be placed in trays containing thirty-six plums and packed in the 

 manner suggested for peaches. The approximate price which thej' would realize 

 is, I understand, about 6s. per tray. The commoner kinds, such as Pond's Seed- 

 ling, Green Gage, Diamond, &c., might be sent in half cases. 



Cherries. — It is doubtful if a market for this fruit could be established here 

 in view of the period mentioned (December and' January), and only small quantities 

 should be sent. The finest should be packed in 2 lb. boxes, 10 boxes being crated 

 together ; others may be packed in half cases. Owing to the fact that cherries 

 have never arrived on this market at the time of year mentioned I regret having 

 been unable to ascertain what price they would bring. 



In this connexion I think tliat a very good outlet for our fruit could be found 

 in the United States of America, and I am attaching hereto a copy of a lettej 

 received from the I. Rheinstrom & Sons Co., Fruit Preservers, of Cincinatti, 



