~~------~-,--~------~

THE ORGANISATION OF THE INDUSTRY THE EXECUTIVE OF THE A.D.F.A. Board of Management. The members of the Board, Agents' Representatives and th:o Ge1wr,o;l S'ecrctary arc listed on the Contents pag·c of this issue. Committees. Tree F1·uits: Mt·. R. M. Simes, M.B.E. (Chairman), MesSI'S. C. J. Ward, H. W. Newton, R. H. Curren, R. F. Trott, A, Busbddge. Prunes: Ml'. TI. M. Simes, M.B.F.. (Chairman), Messrs. C. J. Ward. H. W. Newton, R F. Trott, A. E. Horne, Hon. T. Steele.

Costs of Production: M1·. R, M. Simes, M.B.E. (Chairman), Messrs. C. J, Wm·d, W. V. F

Dri~d Fruits Processing (Packing) Committee: Mr. R. M. Simes, M.B.E. (Chairman), Messrs. W. V. Ford, ,J. R. Gordon, J. C. Harrison, W. Malloch, E. N. Seary, E. C. Orton (Technical Adviser), A. G. Watt, the General SeCl'etaJ'y, C.S.I.R.O. Associates: Messrs. R. N. Mut·se, F. Penman. Dept. of Primary Industry: Mr . .1<'. J. Lesock. Production Problems Committee: Messrs. K C. Orton {Chairman), J, S. Cutler, J. H. Lapthorne, L. B. O'Donnell, W. D. Fh·th, W. J. l'ill:u, R. G. Horsburgh (Branch reptesentatives), L. G. Cameron (Board represVictoria); C. W. Till (Sou:h Australia); L. B. O'Donnell (New Sm1th Wales); A. G. Watt (Western Australia). COUNCILS AND BRANCHES Federal Council, 1957: Victoria-Messrs. I. G. Cameron, J, L, T. Dickie, M. W. D. Firth, W. B. Haws on, 'vV. J. Kh·win, J. H. Lapthorne, E. E. Lloyd, F. G. Lloyd, F. R. Messenger, E. Morey, J. Olsson, E. C. Orton, R. C. Polkinghorne. S'outh Australia-Messrs. H. L. Audrew, R. H. Cul'l·en, M. B. Jones, H. T. Loxton, C. W. Till, D. Trcscowthick, F. L. Tripney, R. F. Trott. New South ·wales-Messrs. A. E. Horne, R. H. Pike, W. J. Pillar, G. Shadbolt. Western A\1stralia-Messrs. J. Duff, J. H. Taylor. :i Packers' Delegates: Mr. W. V. Fotd (Mildura), Mr. B. J. D'Orsa {Nyah/Wool·incn), Mr. V. R. Kemp (Sonih Australia). }: Agents' Representatives: MesSl'S, C. J. WaTd, H. W. Newton. s ..A. River District Council: Messrs. R. M. Simes, M.B.E. (Chairman), J. K. Midclleton (Secretary). J;·d-Murray Valley District Council: Messrs, E. E. Lloyd (Chairman), S. L. G. Bishop (Secretary), raddura District Council: Messrs. E. C. Ol·ton (Chairman), J. Henshilwoud, M.B.E. (Secretary). j\1urrumbidgee District Council: Mr. H. Willington (Secretary). Non-Irrigated Council: Messrs. R. F. Trott (Chairman), R. J. Ward (Secretary). Young District Council: Messrs. J. W. Manchester (Chairman), M. G. Porter (Secretary),

Branch Chairman Secretary Angaston D. Trescowthick S. J. Johnson Barmel'a C. W. Till R. C. Harvey Berri ...... H. II. Stone A. G. Maddern Bung\Jnyah-Koraleigh T. J. Campbell L. Cox Cadell .. K. A. Dunk M. M. Go1·don Clare . , W. H. Penna J. S. Read Coomealla . , W. J. Pillar N. Thornton Curlwaa .. L. B. O'Donnell J. A. Page Go! Go! .. H. Scheele H. Watson Goodnight J. R. Little T. L. Connick Kingston W. J. Manning P. J. Lane King,; vale A. E. Horne J. W. ManchMerbein W. F. Middleton J. I~. T. Dickie Mildura .. J. R. Gordon J. Newman Moorook .. H. T. Loxton E. C. Reid Mypolonga , , M. 0. Prosser E. J. Schunke McLaren Flat R. F. Trott R. C. Guerin Nyah District G. C. Hobf;on J. A. Black Pomona .. L.A. Webb W. H. Bond Red Cliffs .. J. Olsson I. G. Cameron Renmark F. L. Tripney J. F. Sharley (Acting) Robinvale .... M. W. D. Firth G. S. Cameron S.A. Prune~growers R. F. Trott D. W. Haynes Tongala ... , .... G. A. Brown-Graham D. E. Barry Wood Waikerie R. c. Isaacson H. R. Stan Waterview .... E. R. Flynn R. M. Flynn Western Australian A. G. Watt A. J. Bishop Wirrimah G. Walker J. Guymer Woorinen ... , J. R. Oswin R. C. Polkinghorne Yenda ...... H, Willington THE STATUTORY BOARDS. Commonwealth Dried Fruits Control Board: Mr. Eugene Gorman, Q,C. (Chairman) Members: Messrs. P. Malloch, M.B.E. (Marketing) J. R. Gordon. E. P. Shepherd (Commercial), A. S. G. Watt, E. N. Beary, H. H. Goodman, F. T Hand, R. M Simes, M.B.E.: J. J. Murdoch, W. J. Kirwin (Growers), J. F. Wearne, A.A.S.A. (Secretary). Victorian Dried Fruits Board: Ml·. J. Olsson (Chairman), Messrs. F. M. Read, M.Agr.Sc. (Deputy), J. S. Allison, D. W. Cockroft, J, S. Cutler, H. V. Davey, D. E. Barry Wood (Grower 'Members), Mrs. E. M. Sufl'ern (Secretary). Dried Fl'lli.ts Board (South Australia): Messrs. F. M. McMillan (Chairman), A. G. stl'ickland, M.Agr.Sc. (Deputy); R. H. Curren, C. W. TI11, R. J. Ward (Grower Members), P. N. Fleming, F.C.I.S.(S'ecretary). New South Wales Dried Fruits Board: Messis. J. D •. Bryden (Cllhahman), L B. O'Donnell, J. J. Mm·doch, P, C. Cox, A. E. Hot•ne (Grower Members), Miss }<;, M. Graves (Secretary),

Dried Fruits Board (W.A.): Messrs. E. S. w~tt, O.B.E. (Chairman), A,. Hooper, G. E. Hawke, C. A. Shal'man, W. H. Taylor (Grow• Membel·s), J. P. Herlihy, A.A.S.A. (Secretary).

Page Two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS NUMBER 2 APRU.:-;-JUNE .. , 1958 CONTENTS * * BOAR[}.: OF MANAGEMENT OF THE A.D.FA Editorial-" A Formula for Health" 4

Mr. R. M~ SH~ES; M.B.E., 'Ba'rmera, S.A. (Chairman). Board of Management Decisions ...... 5 Mr. P. MALLOCH, M:.B.S., Miidura, Vic. Production and Marketing . . 7 Mr. H. H. GOODMAN, Woorin~n. Vic. Special Article--1958 Review of Dried Fruits 18 Mr. A. G. WAH; Greenmo\Jnt, ·W.A. Horticultural and Research Notes 2J Mr. l. B.-O'DONNELL, Curlw~a. N.S.W. Publicity ...... 31 Mr. l.- G: --CAMERON,- B'ird;aodton, Vic. The Statutory Boards . . , . . , . . 36 Mr. H. H. STONE, Berri, S.A. Organisation of the Industry-2; Federal· Coun~il-5; Finance Mr. J. R. GORDON, lrymp!e, Vic. -6; A.D.F .A. Branch Activities---30; Taxation-34.

AGtNTS' REPRESENTATIVES Messrs. C. J. WARD, J.P., A.A.S,A., and H. W. NEWTON. * The B~rd__ ;.f _·Manftg8'ment -~~ ~lecfed by the Federol Council of The· AD.F.A:, OOilsis~ing of. Grower repre· CPVER sentativeS. from 'ihe prodUcing St.,tes of Vicforie, South OUR PHOTO Austrolib;i .New South Woles an·d \Western Australia, .!!nd Pi!!ckers' r6prli!sentat_ives. · Gadget Field Day introduced this Sweatbox 'Lifter in­ Ag6~ts"·. :R~pr~s_entatives 'a~n~ Board. m9etings 'In vented·by grower T. F. Bull. Th.e. grab is fitted to a tractm·'s M' advisory '·i::aj:)ticity. · hydraulic lift and is remotely controlled .. The n.ext issue of the '. '·:;·._ ., :-- "News": reports fully on a most successful Field Day. GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION ED.ITOR OF Tf1E. "NEWS" · M•. R. B. CU~TfS. F.A.S.A.; A,c.I.S. ·-*

'HEAD' OFFICE . UST OF ADVERTISERS Bank.-The Comm"~ITcia1 13ailking Co:inpany of Sydney Ltd. "Sunraysia Hou!le," 24 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne, C. I lmplements.-·Daniel Harvey Ltd.; McPhersons Ltd.;' Ronaldson Bros. & Tippett (Bo• 4524). Ltd. Tolephooo: FY l019. Motor Cars• .-----General Motors-Holden's Ltd. Telegraphic Address: "Adfosson, Melbourne.'' OU Companies.-B.P. Aust. Ltd, Packing Houses.----Aurora Pa_cking Company Pty. Ltd. : Barmera Co-operative Packing Co." Ltd.; Lymple Packing Pty Ltd.: The Mildura Co-operative Fruit CORRESPONDENCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS Co. Ltd.; Red Cliffs Co-operative Packing Co. Ltd.; Renmark Fruitgrowers• Co~operated Ltd.; Robinvale Producers Co-operative Co. Ltd.; Woorinen Re_ports ~nd Contributions a~e welcomed, -and should Fruitgrowe1·a Co-op. Co. Ltd. be addressed to The Editor, "Australian Dried Fruits Mate.-ials.-lmperial Chemical Industries Ltd.: Papermakers Ltd.: Sisaikraft News," Box 4524, Melbourne, C.l. Distributors Co. Pty. Ltd;; -Wunderlich Ltd. lnsuranei\=.-Law Union & Rock Insurance Ltd.; Victoria Insurance Co. Ltd. Branches and District Councils of The A.D.F.A. ore $ervices.-National TrWitee'i\ of Australasia Ltd. ~sked to' forward items of interest through their appointed Press Correspondents. Advertisers may obtain details of rates on applica­ tion ·to the Ge!leral Secretary. PUBLISHED (;>UARTERL Y PRICE 1/-. * Issue guaranteed to all Dri_ed Fruits Growen as an A.D.F.A. Service. A FORMULA FOR HEALTH

From the findin~s qf s~ientists ~nd chemists we knoW toC.day that th~ foods we eat_ ccintain ;it~mlns .. pi'<>~ carbohydrates, fats and many trace substances. .. ·· · · . From this knowledge and the scientific assessment of calorific values there has developed an appreciation that a balanced diet is essential to good health, Energy is synonymous with good health: and a balanced• diet n)ust include foods whic~ creafe energy. · · · ' Thus, while it has always been the aim of any community'to eat those foods whi~h will maintain good health it is only in recent years that the realisation has grown thSre is far more in eating the foods we like than merely enjoying a satisfying meal. To-day, as never before, the health-giving constituents of food are being properly studied-not only in the laboratory but also in the home. Selection of the proper foods and their correct preparation are an important occupation of the housewife, and with the ·scientific information whkh has been given in so .many ways she is he­ coming more convinced that a balanced diet is necessary for the well-being of her family. Dried Fruits are being accepted as a food which must form part of a balanced diet. They contain vitamins, carbohydrates, protein and fat, .and have a very high calerific value. They contain the trace substances of iron, cal­ cium, mineral salts, phospho~ous, sulphur, iodjne, potash, sodium and magnesium. Because they are quickly assimi­ lated they provide almost instant energy. Their fructose (natural sugar) content has no harmful effect on teeth, and there is a growing awareness that Dried Fruits are preferable to sweets and sugar confections which cause tooth decay. The health motif of a balanced diet has popularised the need to maintain correct bodily weight. The result has been that diet menus to reduce weight are being constantly publicised, and, alas, for those who like good eating many delicious foods are debarred. . It has been generally accepted that as Dried Fruits contain a high carbohydrate content that they _should be avoided in any diet designed to reduce or control weig,t, but it is pleasing to note that dietitians are Mw· adv<>· eating their inclusion because of their energy value. Thus, weight producing foods (which usually are energy builders) can be deleted or severely regulated, for by including Dried Fruits the necessary energy can be provided. This growing appreciation of including Dried Fruits as an essential part of any diet can be related to the health emphasis of A.D,F.A. publicity. The whole range of Dried Fruits recipes publicised through cookery books and leaflets stresses the health factor, and housewives are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to include Dried Fruits, in some form or other, in the daily diet. And so, in addition to producing quality Dried Fruits, the Industry, through the medium bf its publicity, must cont,inue to create an increasing awareness that Dried Fruits are a nutritic:us, essential form of daily di~t. It will be a day of grand achievement when, as a matter of course, Dried Fruits are found on every meal table as are to-day, bread, butter and eggs. r------Red Cliffs Co-operative Packing Co. ltd. BOX 139 RED CLIFFS FITZROY A VENUE Includes iri itS Activities and Services . . • Dried Fruit and Citrus Packing • Block Services and Harvest Requirements • Garage - Lubritorium - Hardware • Engineering Services • Real Estate, Business Agents • Insurance - Fire, Life, etc. • Financing Production Costs Owned and Controlled by Red Cliffs Growers . . GROWERS FINANCED AGAINST COMING HARVEST

Page Four AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS The June meeting of the Board was held in Melbourne. All members were pr·esent and, as usual, a long Agenda was dealt with. In summary form the more important items are published below. Other business is reported elsewhere in this issue.

Levies to Branches Stabilization Plan Final payments for Season 1957 have been made. This At the time of the n11eeting no reply had been received was possible from Asso-ciation funds although full final from the Department of Primary Industry to the Asso­ levies had not been collected 1by Head Office pending the ciation's latest submission. No discussion could, there­ cleaning; up of sales for the seas-on. fore, take place. Vine Fruit Allocations, Season 1958 Rack Dehydration Further releases for export totalling over 70,000 tons Messrs. W. F. Yann, Consultant, and K. Halsall, of the were made to the Export Control Board. The- Common­ Department of Primary Industry, conferred with the wealth market reserv·e- was reduced as the original m;~ti­ Board very fully on researches already carried out and mate was considered to be too high. No recommendation .what was nec·essary in the· future. to alter State consumption quotas Was deemed necessary . Publicity Washing and Drying The various activities we're fully reported on and con­ On recommendations received from the Processing sidered. (Packing) Committee further experiments and enquiries Federal Council have been proceeding. To be held in Melbourne from 12th to 14th November. Production Problems Premises The A.D.F.A. Committee continues to examine manY Head Office having moved to the top floor Qf "Sun­ growers' proMems. raysia House" into more comm.odious premises Board melnhel's (and a number of visitors) inspected the new Vine Pack Estimates, Season 1958 offices. Taxation An. estimate at the end of May was placed at 87,970 tons. There was an appreciable, and welcome, rise in A letter received from the Federal Treasurer gave a Raisins. number of reasons why petrol-engined tra_ctors should not be ex·empted from petrol tax. 'Noxious Weeds Next Meetings The various State Dried Fruits Boards have examined Dates for the rest of the year were set, and are the, first steps necessary to have burr-casting plants de­ scheduled for 22nd-24th July, 9th-11th September, 28th- clared noxious weeds. 30th October and 11th November.

ANNUAL MEETING

This y·ear's Council is to be held in Melbourne on 12th- Publicity Report and Budget. 14th November. The location is Scott's Hotel. The Board will then n'lleet again on the day beforE' The Prime Minister has been invited to open the con­ Federal Council commences to approve the full Agenda, ference, and it is hoped that his many duties will permit him to accept. Nominations for Board of Management In the past it has been the practice for the Board of Branches, Packers, Agents and Distl·ict Councils have Management to hold a meeting immediately before been circularised advising that nominations shall close Federal Council meets, and at this meeting all reports with the General Secretary twenty-one (21) days beforEi' for submission to Council have been examined ant.l the day of election, and the names, addresses and Qccupa­ approved. - tions of candidates shall be forwarded to Federal Coun­ FOllowing on suggestions at last year's Fed·eral Coun­ cil delegates within seven (7) days of the closing -of cil that delegates be given a measure of time befor(>. nominations. Council to peruse and absorb the more important reports Nominations close on 24th October. the Board has decided that this year it will meet on 28th to 30th October, so that the following reports· can be_;. Retiring Board members, who are eligible for n-omina- immediately mailed out to delegates and bi•anches- tion and re-election, are: Victoraa: Messrs. P. MallOch, M.B.E., J. oR. Gordon. Board .of Management 1 Report. General Secretary's Report on items from F'ederaJ South Australia: Mr. R. M. Simes, M'.B.E. Council 1957. - NierW South Wales: Mr. L. -B. O'Donnell.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Five fiinance ASSOCIATION'S CASH POSITION

In addition to confirming lists of .cheques drawn since the last meeting, as submitted to members, the Board examined the cash availability of the Main and Publicity Funds as at 31st May, 1958, allowing for the following adjustments-

Main Publicity Other items Fund Fund Gontras .. + 874 Receipts Advances repaid and/ or Head Office levi-es . . £12,429 £25,212 advanced ...... + 2,812 3,000 Interest received .. 1,289 4 Capital expenditure 229 42 Deferred discount reserve 3 13,718 25,216" Expe'nditure + 1,850 + 5,011 Expenses of Board and Head ·Cash on hand at 1/9/1957 .. + 3,332 + 808 Offioe Management and in- cidenti.t.ls . . . • . • 15,322 Cash on hand at 31/5/1958 +£5,182 +£5,819 Publicity promotion .. 17,163

Operating Deficiency - 1,604 Operating surplus .. + 8,053

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Page Six' AUSTRAUAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS [/.Jto.ductio.n and Jl!la'tfteting PACKS AND ALLOCATIONS, 1958

The estimate at May 28, -considered by the BOard at its A.D.F.A. to supply other than the market's full require­ June meeting, showed a rise of some 1600 tons, mainly- ments, and it cannot be held responsible if the trade does in Sultanas and Raisins. ' not take proper steps to ensure that stocks are adequate­ The varietal estimates and the increases over the. April for the rest of the season. tonnages show the following: Currants Sultanas Raisins Total Tree Fruits tons tons tons tons The end of ·May estim?-tes showed slight rises over May estim'·ates . . 11,300 68,500 8,170 87,970 April. The May figures are: Increases over April . 116 748 760 1,624 Apricots , , 554 tons, an increase of 10 tons, Having taken into account the slow sales of the homlil Peaches . . 443 tons, an increase of 1 ton. market as against the comparative period of last year Pears . . . 97 tons, an increase of 7 tons. (8006 tons in 1957; 4982 this year) the Board could see Nectarines 42 tons, an increase Of 8 tons. no reason for maintaining the Commonwealth reserva~ Final packs f.or 1957 were Apricots, 949 tons; Peaches, tion at 21,700 tons, particularly when demand from over­ 129; P·ears, 26; Nectarines, 20. seas is buoyant and while price levels remain attractive. Care has had ~o be taken to ensure that an unjustifiabl·e The whole of the 1958 Apricot pack has been held surplus is not held in Australia which may not be taken for the Commonwealth and has been completely sold. up later and which, in the meantime, is not only building Exports of Peaches, Pears and Nectarines are permitted, up storage charges but is also "dead money." provided the home market is covered. The pack has been re-allocated as follows: Prunes Market Currants Sultanas Raisins Total tons tons tons tons The 1958 processed pack at May 28 was estimated at Commonwealth 3,800 10,500 3,500 17,800 1453 tons, an increase of 30 tons over 1957. The entire Export . . 7,500 58,000 4,670 70,FO pack has been reserved for the Commonwealth. Slow sal•es in the Commonwealth have given the Board some concern, although it is known that apart from the 1957 MARKET SALES appreciable stocks which merchants held at the begin~ ning of the season there was an abnormal quantity on The following analysis shov,rs the proportio~s of 1957 retailers' shelves. Dried Vine Fruits sold on the various markets. They are taken from the season's final adjustments: Our direct reports from the 1)etail trade show these to he pretty well exhausted and a stronger demand should Currants Sultanas Raisins now commen-ce, To stimulate this it has been emphasised % % % to the trade by letter, cirCular, leaflet and press release Commonwealth " 41.6 19.3 78'.5 that stocking up is desirable if fruit, which can very well Services .. " 0.4 0.1 0.7 be sold overseas, is to be held for Australian consumption. New Zealand . . . . 8.3 6'.9 8.1 An obligation rests with the wholesale and retail trade, Canada 20.9 20.2 4.5 as well as The A.D.F.A., to see that the home market is Europe and Eire .. * kept supplied, and the notifications to the trade should Other 5.5 2.2 * help towards the realisation that they, too, have a part United Kingdom .. 23.3 51.3 8.2 to play in supplying the consumer. If the trade fails tQ appreciate the supply position this year it must he fully 100.0 100.0 100.0 understood that it is not because of any desire by The * Denotes exports were fractional. ------·------' RENMARK FRUITGROWERS' CO-OPERATED LIMITED RENMARK

A Company-Owned and Controlled by the Growers of Renmark for. the Co-operative Packing anJ Processip.g of Dried Fruits Packers of the Well-known "ARK" Brand -- Dried and Fresh Fruit -- Timber, Hardware, Produce and General Merchants GROWERS FINANCED AGAINST COMING HARVEST

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Seven DRIED GRAPES FOR DISTILLATION Application has been made to the Minister for Customs and Excise to grant permissioh, unde1· the appro­ priate regulation of the Customs and Excise Act, to sell dried grapes for distillation this season. The estimated quantity available is 859 tons including Buck Currants which hav·e been shown separately. Buck Other State Currants Varieties Total tons tons tons Victoria 82 370 452 South Australia 71 291 362 Western Australia 45 45 198 661 859 The Minister's decision is ·now awaited. RAISIN MARKETING REVIEW Following on the detailed review which was printed Board helpful data to fmesee the implications which in the January /March issue of the "News" the Board of could arise: Managen1ent gave consideration to the likely effect on 1. The quantity now being sent to the fresh fruit Raisin production if Walthams planted in the 1Robinvale market. area for purposes other than drying were permitted in the future to be dried. 2, The quantity now being sent to wineries. 3. An assessment of the dried tonnage if, in the The Robinvale Producers' C'o-op. Co. Ltd. has .been future, permission is given for the Wa1thams to asked for the following information so as to giv.e the be dried. STABILIZATION PLAN The Board's decisions as quoted in the last issue of the "The weri.kness of a· 'give-or-take' scheme is that, if "News" has been conveyed to the Secretary of the De­ put into practice, it would create financial hardship to partment of Primary Industry in the following letter: growers if the following contingencies arise (and they "My Board underst~nds that the attitude of the Minis­ could conceivably do so) during the period of a Plan- ter and Cabinet is as set out in th-e Minister's statement 1. Returns could consistently remain below costs .of issued at the close of the )nterview on 21st Februal'Y to production yet be above the Government guaranteed the effect that- floor (or calamity) price. "1. The Gove·rnment's previous offer of a 'give.:.or-take' 2. R·etentions by gTowe1·s in a season or seasons when schem.e is generous, and that it is doubtful whether returns are above costs of pl'-oduction before con­ it could be made more so. tributing to the Fund could be so small that they u2. A 'give-or-take' scheme meets the criteria of a would not comi)ensate for a season, or seasons, normal stabilization scheme. when returns are below costs of production yet above the Government guaranteed price. "3. A full cost of production scheme .cannot he enter·· tained by the Government unless this Association "The occunence of either of these contingencies would is able to submit new facts which would alter the give no financial security t-o growers, and, indeed, would Governmen~'s decision. place a tremendous burden on them, and it is for this security that the Industi·y seeks a Stabilization Plan. "4. It is doubtful if, through past history, Raisins could be included with Currants and Sultanas in "Without the se-curity, as outlined, growers would be a scheme, whether for full costs of production or scarcely ·better· -off with a Plan than without one. In for 'give-or-take'. other words, within the framework of a Government­ "My Board has given very careful consideration to the sponsored Plan g'rowers would be expected to operate Government's views as expressed by the Minister, and some form of stabilization of their own to meet either -wishes to make it quite clear that its approach to a suit, of the contingencies stated abov,e. A self-imposed personal able Industry Stabilization Plan recognises the follow­ scheme of stabilization would be financially iiTllpossible if ing~ growers have to also contribute to a Fund after returns reach an agreed level above averag·e costs of production, "1. The Industry must exp,ect to nl•eet, within the and, at the same time, bear the loss when returns are lesS limits of jts own resources, normal seasonal fluctua­ than average costs of production yet above the Govern­ tions arising from peaks and valleys of production. ment guaranteed calamity price. It would seem that these "2. A Stabilization Plan should not be one of Gom"­ bm·clens would alter the whole conception of what a monwealth Government subvention. Stabilization Plan is expected to provide. "The only variance between the views of the Govern­ "My Board has endeavoured to meet the Government'S ment and this Association on these fundamentals is their Wishes ·for a 'give-or-take' scheme. It can see that practical application so that growers may be assuTed that growers will gain material advantages in retaining a levels of averawe returns do not fall below average costs margin when returns exceed costs of production and in of production. having a Government guaranteed calamity price, but 1b "In brief, the Industl'y considers a Stabilization Plan cannot appreciate that these advantages a~equately com­ must achieve the object of ensuring that growers, on pensate for the dangerous financial position which average, do not produce at a loss. growers would find themselves in if either of the con­ tingencies mentioned do arise. "In the opinion of my Board, and of the growers it rep1:1esents, a 'give-or-take' scheme cannot give the film­ "My Board clearly sees the need for growers to re­ mum financial security that, season by season, is absO­ cover, season by season, their average costs of produc­ lutely essential, tion at least.

Page Eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS 11It has been earefully noted from the discussions with has demonstrated that at all times its marketing polic-y your officers on 12th March that the Commonwealth has been to secure the best seasonal returns com­ Government has no restrictive powers over Production mensurate with the vital long-term need to retain all and Commonwealth sales and prices, and only a limited markets which are able and willing to huy Australian control over Export prices, but it is felt that sufficient fruit, particularly in seasons of high production. safegUards against committing the Government to an ''It is ·apparent then that safeguards: already exist, ahnormal liability are embodied in the conditions already particularly in respect to Production and the Common­ agreed to in the previoUs Plan. Thus- wealth market, sufficient to alla,y the fears of the Govern­ ment which have been read into the discussions with your Production offi-cers on 12th March. uQuantitative limitations have already been set "It has always been realised and conceded that in any based on existing plantings and potential output. In Plan only average costs of production can be used, and the unlikely event -of extensive expansion, which the the survey carried out by the Bureau of Agricultural Industry in its present economi-c position would, and Economics has demonstrated that 18 acres is indicative must, strongly resist, such additional production carries of the average holding in the Industry. Nevertheless, the no ,benefits of a Government guarantee. Restrictions survey samples disclose that a majority of growers has against ov·er-production already exist in the Sugar -consid-erably smaller holdings than the average. industry, and the very fact that gTowers can onlv re­ ceive a guaranteed price on a fixed maximum annual "Of the 50 samples used by the Bureau of Agricultural t-onnage will, necessarily, provide an effective eontrol Economics over any tendency to increase plantings. ~ 29 holdings were of 22~ acres or less. 11Furthermore, the long-term effect of additional 21. holdings were over 22~ acres. plantings must act as an effective brake for these "Of the 29 smaller holdings 27 have less than 20 acres, reasons--- and the av·erage is 17.6 acres. "(a) there is, at present, no larg"e· area of land avail­ "It is apparent that 54 per cent. of the growers in the able and ready fo'r immediate planting. Any area total samples used are below the average holding, and or areas suitable for vines producing drying even if a guarantee of meeting full average costs of 'varieties would take at least a year, and, per­ production is conceded by the Government the majority haps, longer, to be brought into c-ondition for must suffer financially against the average. planting. "This factor, coupled with the contingencies already ·"(b) vines do not come into economic eommercial mentioned, demonstrates the extent that the majority of production for three years so that during a five­ growers would suffer under a 'give-or-take' scheme. ·• year Plan any appreciable increase in the pro­ duction potential could occur only in the last "My Board, therefore, puts forward these cogent two years. In any case, quantitative limitations reasons to the Gov~rnment for a re--consideration of its safeguard the Government. attitude against a scheme guaranteeing full average costs of p'roduction, and reiterates its contention that "(c) growers will. foresee, and would certainly be growers cannot be expected to produce at less than made aware of, the disastrous. effect on their average pruducton costs. long-term economy if increased plantings are resorted to, for\ at the end of a five-year Plan "The possibility of increasing production and selling either at prices selected by the Industry has been mentioned as the Government's conception of free enterprise. My (i) they are placed entirely on -their own Te­ Board cannot agree with the 'reasoning that· it can pro­ sources if the Plan is not renewed; or duce what it likes at whatever prices it likes, for it (ii) if ·renewed the Plan would surely provide c

AUSTRALIAN DRIFD FRUITS NEWS Page Nino "2. The existing- market potential is 9000 tons. This could rise_ to 10,000 tons by developing- the United FOR TIIIJJ King-dom market. "3. Averag-e annual production for the last 25 years (1934-1958) has been 7550 tons. PROTEUTION "4. In that time production has exceeded 10,000 tpns three times (1941, 1943 and 1944); exceeded 11,000 tons once (1953); and nearly reached OF YOUR ESTATIJJ 14,000 tons once (1954). "5. These peaks have always been caused throug-h re­ AND YOUR stricted buying- by the Wine industry. In the years 1941, 1943 and 1944 national security regu­ lations restrieted buying- by Wine inte1~ests so that Raisin pr-oduction could meet the war demand. In DEPENDANTS 1953 a:pd 1954 hig-h Gove-rnment excise duties in Australia ancl import duties imposed by the United Kingdom Government caused a recession in wine production. H6. Conditions in the Wine industry, through lower Australian excise 'duties and United Kingdom im­ port duties, have improved and the outlook for the next five years indicates a continued demand for fresh Gordo and Waltham gFap.es. c'7. In 15 out of the last 25 seasons Raisin production, has been less than the 25-year average of 7550 tons. The existing and foreseeabl.e- conditions in the Wine industry w-ould regulate Raisin pro­ duction to- not more than the potential market absorption of 9000 to 10,000 tons. ''8. On past history and existing and future Wine marketing prospects there is good 11eason to anticipate that Australian Raisin production will not fulfil the needs of all markets during the next five years, and that, in consequence, prices must remain firm. "The foregoing outline: is supported .by a graph, and in reading it due emphasis must be placed on the con­ ... give careful thought to the planning of your ditions stated in 5 above in relation to the seasqns Of peak production. The graph shows that with the excep­ Will. tion of the production peaks of 1953 and 1954 s-easonal tonna_g-es are lower in the latter part of the 25-year A senior officer of National Trustees will gladly period than in the earlier part. give you advice which may prove most valuable­ "To fores,ee the prices at which Raisins may be sold in planning ahead for Probate and ensuring that during the next five years is. of course, imnossible, al­ though based on the above history of production and the provisions of your Will and the administration market absorption it could . be conjectured that there of your Estate will be carried out EXACTLY as should be no violent fluctuation either un or down. Any mov•ement would, on the Industry's antiCipated inability you desire for the protection of your assets and to- fully supply overseas markets, tend to harden. the welfare of your dependants. "Past records of prices' do not help in giving a reliable picture which could be taken as a future guide, for with You assume no obligation in having a confidential the cessation of the •hulk marketing scheme: a sharp drop discussion. Write, ·ring, or, better still, call and occurred in 1954 and 1955. This sudden eham1;·e was coupled with three seasons of relativelv high -production, arrange it now. caused bv restricted buying- by the Wine industTy. The viol-ent change in United Kingdom marketing conditions will not be repeated in the next five years unless war intervenes when prices would ris·e. The conditions. in the Wine industry do not suggest that the high levels of Raisin producti-on in 1953 and 1954 will be repeated. CONSUlT •.• "Bv 1956 p'ri-ces had started to climb: this continued in 1957 and will continue in 1958. The following summary shows this movement in terms of sweatbox returns for the Sunraysia area: S·weatbox Total Season Return Production £ tons 1953 94.286 11,191 1954 67.070 13,999 1955 63.912 8,918 TRUSTEES 1956 70.628 4,224 EXECUTORS AND .AGENCY CO. OF 1957 89.682 5,495 1958 98.000* 7,410* AUSTRALASIA LIMITED * Estimated. "As the extent that fresh g-rapes will be bought by the Reg. Office: 95 QUEEN ST., MELBOURNE. MY 1781 Wine indnstry in the immedi.!lte future seasons cannot be. gauge.d it is difficult to forecast what tonnage of

Page Ten AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Raisins will be annually produced over the next five 113. A Plan providing anything less than costs of pro­ years. A forecast can be attempted by examining prO·· duction gives little stability except in the event of duction for Seasons 1946 to 1952 which were subject to a general calamity. Between the level of ·average natural seasonal variations and reasonably normal opera­ costs of production and the level of a guaranteed tions by the Wine industry. The graph shows that calamity price growers have· no means of main·· production during these seasons ranged from a peak taining stability. of 7071 tons down to 2444 tons, or an average of 5270 "4. Safeguards against abnormal lia,bility by the tons. The history, as shown by the graph, substantiates Government already exist in respect to production the trend that annual production in recent seasons is and home· market saJ,es and :Prices. remaining loWer tha,n the average annual production of "5. There are very good reasons why Raisins should 7550 tons (25 years period). · be included in a. Plan on the lines· sought by the "As an estimatB for the next five years history reveals In-dustry. that generally production will not be high and that, in "Thro'ugh you the Minister is respectfully l'equested to consequence, priees will remain firm with a tendency to consider and submit to Cabinet for approval a Stabiliza­ rise rather than drop. tion Plan which "My B,oard, therefore, considers that there is good "1. Guarantees full average costs of production. reason f.o~ the inclusion of Raisins. in an Industry Stabi·· "2. Includes 1Raisins. Iiz·ation Plan. "3. Provides for separate CUrrant, Sultana and Raisin "The comments expressed above may, therefor.e, be pools." summarised as follows: ~ This letter is conSidered to be a good ·review of thP "1. The Indush·y needs a sound equitable Stabilization reasons by the Industry f.or a Stabil~lzation Plan. Until Plan. the Department has fully examined what has been said fu·rther progr-ess cannot be considered by the Board. "2. A Plan must guarantee growers their costs of production. The recent ref,erendum has demon·· Cost Movements strated that anything less than costs of production is not acceptable and of little use as a means of The B.A.E. have been aske-d to provide cost index financial stability. movements for 1958. A LESSON IN CO-OPERATION Rece.ntly a Senator asked The A.D.F,A. to what extent stability than having all co-operatives or al~ proprieta;ies. the co-operative movement is practised in the Industry. In alll1JOst all producing areas co-operatives and pro­ It was pleasing to give a review showing how strongly prietades operate against one another and the spirit of co-operation enters into Industry activities. competition has maintained a high standard of effiden"cy and provided an •e,xcellent service to growers. Go-operation is divided into three main sections: It should be noted that on ihe broad principles of pro­ 1. General industry co-operation. tecting the grower and sharing equitably in marketing 2. Industry co-operation by packing houses. facilities all A.D.F.A. co-operatives and proprietaries 3. Industry marketing co-operation. abide by the provisions laid down by The A.D.F.A. Within those provisions considerabl·e. elasticity of movement is General Industry Co-operation possible so that every grower has the choice at anY time The commencement of the co-ope"rative movement in of dealing thr-ough a co-operative or a proprietary, or, the Industry can be traced back almost to its establish­ as is sometimes the -case, with both. ment in 1888 when unfavourable marketing c-onditions The essential diff·erence between co-operatives and were experienced due to individual growers drying, proprietaries is tha:t the co-operatives trade on the prin­ packing and selling their own Dried Fruits on the open ciples of the co-operative movement and the proprietaries market. Mildura and Renmark growers f-ormed separate trade as private, trading organisations. Trusts which brought into being a system of organised selling at relatively uniform prices. Industry Marketing Co-operation This first step towards full co~operation proved success­ Here the conditions may be divided into two sec­ ful and in 1907 these two Trusts amalgamated by form­ tions: ing The Australian Dried Fruits Association. Over the 1. Co-operatives and proprietaries operating· through years this Ass-ociation has gradually assumed necessary a co-operative selling company. function so that to-day almost all sections of the IndustJ.·y 2. ProtJrietaries selling through their own proprietary practise, or subscribe t-o, A.D.F.A. conditions of co­ selling organisations. operation. On the surface the above conditions appear to be com­ Both co-operative and proprietary packing companies, pli-cated, hut, in fact, are not so. They demonstrate how with one or two exceptions, subscribe fully to the prin­ effectively co-operation is practised in the Industry, yet ciples and practices of A.D.F.A. co-operation. at the same time. allowing for that essential competitive Industry Co-operative Packing Companies element to continue. Once again the overall functions of The A.D.F.A. en­ The extent of co-operative packing hous·es within the sure that equity to the gTower is maintained whether he Industry, as opposed to proprietary packers, is shown in deals with a co-ope'rative or a proprietary. the following table. ' From the brief picture of Industry conditions it will State Co-operatives Proprietaries be appreciated that through The A.D.F.A. almost the Victoria . . . _ :. 5 4 whole of the Industry operates on a co-operative basis. South Australia . . 11 4 Even those seetions which are outside The A.D.F.A. abide New South Wales 5 3 to a lesser, or greaterr extent by the principles and Western Australia 2 2 practices enunciated by The A.D.F.A. The tonnages of fruit annually handled by co-opera­ And it has only been possible to •establish these prin­ tives and pro"Prietaries are roughly in proportion to their ciples and practices by common consent of growers that relative numbers. the interests of the individual must he secondary to the This balance of co-operatives and proprietaries within interests of all. Unity of purpose has always been a the Industry has proVJed to be far more helpful to its fundamental requirement amongst Dried Fruits growers.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Eleven RAISIN PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN THE U.S.A. Sorlle important and very-interesting reports and articles were recently received by The A.D.F.A. and these have been utilise-d to provide an outline of the U.S.A. Industry. T~e main report was from Mr. R. A. Sherwin, Agricultural Attache at the Australian Embassy in Washing­ ton, re-cetved through the Department of Primary Industry. Mr. R. C. Wilcock provided informative details of production and processing methods, and the "California Fruit N-e-ws" of 7/6/1958 gives recent opinion Qn mar- keting prospects. ' Ea:ch of these 1·eviews Js too long to, print fully, but the value of them is not lost! by ·Condensation.

To many of those who have been in our Industry for Growers -of Thompson Seedless grapes who wish to some years conditions in the U.S.A. will not be new, but decide betweell drying or sellmg grapes for wine making many newcomers, especially World Wa1· II veterans, may do not need to finalise their course until much closer find something to interest them in this brief background to harvest. of the world's largest producer of DTied Vine Fruits-. Plantings Concentration on Plantings Grapes take three years to reach the bearing stage which normally extends over 30 to 40 years in Cali­ GTapes ar.e, ~Town in the United States foT a variety fornia depending -on a number of factors such as soil con-­ o! uses, of which ~aisin, wine and fresh g·rape consump­ tion are the most ImpoTtant. Apuroximately 94 per cent. ditions, management, etc. Economic conditions in the of the area planted to grapes is located in CalifoTnia. industry may also influence growers in pulling out old vineyards with declining yields. In California, planting·s of Raisin grane varieties are concentn~t·ed in the F'resno County (117.000 acres), These facto·rs, plus the area of grapes in the different Tulare C'ounty (27,000 acres) and Madera Countv age grouping, are important in an assessment of trends in (14,000 acres), all of which are located in the central planting and production. Unfortunately a~e- groupings part of the San .Joaquin Valley. The main nroduetion of of grape plantings are not available but the following dried Raisins is underf:aken in the Fresno Gounty which figures on areas planted before and since 1930 provide has an average 'rainf~ll of approximately 10 inch-es per some' guide to the. position: anntfm. Most of this is received in the winter months­ Grape Areas Planted Prior to and Since 1930 October to Mmch-and in the g-rowin_Q,' season it is sup­ Varietal Type 1930 or earlier Since 1930 In 1956 pleJnented by irrigation. Although nearly half of the area Acres , Acres Acres of •Raisin grape varieties occurs outside the Fresno Raisin . . 145,401 72,874 (33%) 218,275 County, the gTeater part of the production from these Tab1e . . 44,188 39,630 (47%) 83,818 a~eas is ~sed for purnoses other than dryine:, e . .R'., for Wine . . . 81,976 59,649 ( 45%) 131,625 wme makmg. for Rale fresh, or for canning. Climatic con­ ditions which influence the time of Tinening are an These figures suggest that two-thirds- of the a!'>ea of important factor in cleterminin£?; whether Raisin- varieties Raisin grapes have been planted for more than 25 years will be sold' fresh, while the· diversion of g-rflnes to wine While slightly more than half the table and wine grap~ making- is influenced _partlv by the unreliability of good areas have heen planted for at least a similar period. This harvest weather in the area. · would lead to the assumption that much heavier plant­ ings will be required over the next 201 years if' the al'ea Within the limits set hy climatic conditions there is -of grapes is to be maintained near its pres·ent level. s:cope for varyin~ the: end llse .of manv of the varieties of grane.s grown in California. The Raisin varietief'l, and The bearing area of Raisin varieties declined from nartif'.uh~.rly Thompson -Seedless, are nscd extensivPly for 1951 to 1956 by 29,363 acres from 231,169 to 202,806 the fresh market and for winB m~'tking-. This ability to acres, planting-s over the period amounting to 23,766 divert supplies to d.ifferent markets ba::; w~::~.bled the g}.ane acres, industry to ml'l]n~ adiustments in its deliveries and achieVe a greater stability in prices. Yields · The production of Raisin grape varieties has ranged Acreages in 1956 between 1,808,000 tons and 1,247,000 tons while yields The area of Raisin grape varieties in California was per acre have ranged from 5. 7 tons to 8.3 tons. Over the 202,806 acres, the main varieties being represented as last 20 y~ars there has been a steady increase· in the follows: average yield per acre recorded for Raisin grape vari­ Bearing Non-bearing eties, the average annual rate of increase ,being. 0.12 tons Varie.ty Acreage Acreage -per acre. This increase has .been associated with a declin­ Thompson Seedless 176,176 acres 13,416 acres ing acreage and is p'robably partly due to the elimination Muscat '...... 23,373 p.cres 1,782 acres of marg-inal areas. Improved production practic·es have Sultana 2,222 acres 9 acres also been a factor. A smaller proportion of young· vine­ Zante Gurrant 1,841 acres 41 acres yards with lower yielding capacity has also cpntributed Other Varieties .. 415 acres 194 acres to higher average yield -pe'r acre over this period. 202,806 acres 15,469 acres Horticulture Drying of Raisin grapes is mainly restricted to the The Raisin crop year is usually thought of as begin­ Counties of Fresno, Tulare and Madera which account for ning about De.cember 1st, because about then or shortly 80 per cent. of the bearing acreage. theTeafter pruning takes place. 'Growers contemPlating supplying the fresh maTket with In pruning the vines, the canes which produced the T?omrpson's ~ave. to make their decision at the begin­ recently harveSted crop are cut off and from four to eight mug of the g-roWing season· for, to· secure the desirable canes of the present Year's growth are left for the pro­ size and anality of grapes; the_ vines are cinctured. This duction .af coming_ crop. These are tied on to wires sup­ reduces the yield ·by about one ton peT acre on the ported by stake& set up ·by each vine. average. Any portion of the cron not suitable for sale _Generally, during the winter months fertiliser is ap­ fresh because of size or damage is normally disposed of plied and during dry winters the vineyard is irrigated one for wine making. or more times.

Page Twelve .AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Around February 15th spring cultivation starts. First, After picking, the grapes are left on these paper "Single-ploughing" a single furrow on either side and trays for 10 to 12 days in the direct heat of the Sun. close to the vines. Then, "French-ploughing," or "Kirpy­ During this tilllle, they turn from their natural green­ ing"-a side hook-shaped plough used for ploughing in amber colour to ,dark brown, but retain the bluish tinge the row between eaeh vine. which is called the "bl-oom." Then comes discing, harrowing, and furrowing. By Then, the trays are "turned." This is a tricky operation this time, it is almost the middle of Mareh and the new which is accomplished by placing the edge of an empty tender shoots, or new canegrowth, are perhaps a foot paper tray just under the edge of the full one; then or IniOre long. folding the empty one ov;er the full one,' grasping- the Spring irrigation g'e.ts under way with a resultant high far side of the full and empty together and quickly humidity in the vineyard. This causes mildew, s-o sulphm· flipping the two over in an arc toward the operator so as is blown on to the vines. to accomplish actually turning the- grapes upside-down from one tray onto another tray, thereby exposing the Cultivation and irrigation is repeated at a'bout three uncured side to the sun. _ to four weeks intervals until about August 1st, to August 15th. In about an additional seven days the grapes are cured and the .trays are "rolled." This is nothing more than By this time the grapes are nearing maturity-perhaps the term indicates. The tray is rolled, sometimes with the testing 18 degrees to 20 degrees sugar. edges tucked in, and are left in this manne-r to even up Just before harvest the ground between the. rows of for several days. This permits those berries not thoroughly vines is prepa1·ed. by "floating" or smo-othing so that a dried to lose additional moisture through absorption by level surface i's had on which to lay the trays of grapes. the dri,er berries. After this has taken place, a vineyard truck is taken Harvesting down the rows and the trays of fruit are either dumped When the grapes reach a sugar test of about 22 degrees into boxes on the vineyard truck or the trays are hauled picking gets under way. into a shed and the boxing is d_-one there. Each picker is furnished with a pan (very similar to a large dish pan). This is placed under the hunches of Utilisation grapes on the vines and• the main stem of the bunch of Over the seven years from 1951 total production of grapes is cut, allowing it to fall into the pan, When the grapes varied by as much as 900,000 tons and as there pan is full (holding 22 lbs. to 24 lbs.),·it is emptied ont-o was limited change in the quantity used for fresh con­ a "tray"-a piece of heavy paper two feet by three sumption, most of the variation in utilisation has been feet which the picker lays on the smooth ground between for wine making and drying. Wine making absorbed as the rows. much as 1,642,000 tons and as little as 101,200 tons in

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AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirteen any .one year, while drying for Raisins accounted. for be­ are- plac,ed in sulphur houses. The fumes permeate the tween 672,000 and 1,152,000 tons. grapes, and sets, or fixes, the colour, or in other words, The fresh market is considel'ably less elastic than the preserves somewhat the natural colour of the grapes. wine or dried fruit sectors but in years of high g1'ape Sulphuring takes four to six hours_. production it does absorb. somewhat larger quantities, The cars are then removed and plac-ed in the dehy­ usually as the result of the diversion of a smaller pro­ drator tunnels. Hot air, at about 150 degrees, produced portion of the table grape production t-o wine making. by the burning of, natural gas in large burners, is forced The diversion of wine grape, varieties to the fresh mar­ through the. tunnels by huge fans. In lSi to 20 hours in ket has been relatively steady as also has been the the tunnels the "grapes" have been -dried down to a diversion of Raisin va1·ieties to the same and except that moistm;e content of around 15 -or 16 per cent. and have the level of Raisin diversions has been at a somewhat become '~Golden Raisins." higher level in 1955 and since. These Goldens are then scraped off the trays into The fresh market pl'ovides little scope for absor·b­ boxes and are then ready for the stemming and packing ing substantially larger quantities -of Raisin grapes in operations. It is not impossible to make shipment of seasons of high production, one factor being the n~cessity Golden Raisins within 48 hom'S after the grapes are for determining disposal policy early in the growing picked fresh from the vines. season when harvest prospects are difficult to assess. Variations in crop availability have, therefore, largely Processing to be taken up by the wine or Dried Fruit industry. Ther-e are no material differences in the cleaning, Th:e use of g"rapes f-or drying varies ·considerably, stemming and packing of Naturals versus Goldens. having ranged frolU! 1,152,000 tons in 1952 down to It should be kept in mind, however, that Naturals are 6'72,000 tons in 1954 and 1957. Factors influencing the gra.ded as to size whereas colour determines the grade volume dried include the size of the crop of Raisin of Goldens. grape varieties and of all grapes, recent history in Raisin Raisins are cleaned and packed just prior to shipment marketing, the outlook for disposal of the oncoming and not, as some suppose, packed at the time of receipt crop, and the demand for g·rapes for wine making. from growers, then st-ored and later shipped. Production In the cleaning and pr-ocessing operations the Raisins are emptied from the 1boxes onto a belt-conveyor which A conversion of four tons of fresh grapes to make carries them into contact with a studded revolving drum. one ton of Dried Fruit is accepted in Calif-ornia and This removes the Raisins from the bunch stem. Then many of the Dried Fruit statistics are based on this they are carried by shaker under a series of vacuums. assumption. Figures for Dried Fruit production are as These vacuums pull out the immature shrivelled berries follows: and most of the larg1er stems. From here they are ele­ Production of Natural vated on to a grader (in the case of Natural) which Year Dried Fruits Thompson's- separates them int-o two grades; Small (Midgets) and short tons short tons % Medium and Large Select. The Midgets are taken out 1940-49 Av. . . 230,227 195,227 84.8 of the line at this point and al\e: stored for later packing. 1950-55 Av. . . 218,498 187,215 85.7 The Select Grade continues on into an elevator which 1956 ...... 200,000 175,000 87.5 takes them up to the "Cap Stemmer." By .controlling the 1957 (estimated) 165,000 139,000 84.2 speed of this machine, the small stems at the end .olf Year to year fluctuations in the volull1le of Raisins pro­ the Raisins are removed.- Extreme care must be exercised duced have been substantial, the change from the pre­ in tile operating of this; machine so· th~t the fruit is not ceding year's production having averaged a;bout 30 per damag1ed and yet acc-omplishes a thorough stemming job. cent. The variation has been greatest in the volume of From here they enter the- washing and rock machines Muscat and Sultana varieties dried. Natural Thomvsons which are a series of troughs which have cross bars in in the 15 years between 1940 and 1955 .varied less than the bottom over which the Raisins are -carried by a 20 per cent. from the preceding year's production on current of water. The rocks, being heavie·r, settle ·behind seven occasi-ons, but on four occasions the variation ,ex­ the cross bars. ceeded 40 per cent. Then they go over a perforated shaker to remove the excess water and then over a long wide sorting belt Disposal where the final inspection takes place. The grower may -or may not have contracted to sell his crop to a packer. Generally speaking, the great Packing majority of growers do not s,ell until harvesting is com­ From this belt, in the ·case of bulk packs, the Raisins pleted, and the crop is held on own farms until sold. fall into. the bulk-scale and this machine automatically Each crop is bought by the packers on a competitive weighs and' fills the shipping ease. basis except those growers who are. mrembers of a co­ For the packing of cartons, the Raisins are diverted operative. into conveyors at the end of the inspection belt and When a grower s-ells his crop, delivery is usually made carried to the various packaging lines. shortly thereafter. Upon delivery careful inspection of In all instances, bulk, cartons, or bags, each package each box is made to determine proper maturity, curing is individually . fumigated by dispensing a measured and quality. amount of liquid fumigant into each. The above pertains to the producti-on of Natural (or At various strategic points along the processing line Sun-Dried) 1Raisins. there are permanent (non-electric) magnets to remove Golden Thompson Seedless Raisins are produced from any metal which may hav•e got, into the Raisins. Non­ the same variety grapes as Natural Thompson Seedless electric magnets are used so that if there is a power Raisins, but the growers instead of putting the grapes failure, even momentarily, all of the metal collected on. trays, as in the ·case of "Naturals," pick them in would drop back into the flow of Raisins. The permanent boxes and sell the grapes to dehydrator operators. magnets are so strong they will pick up one pound six inches below them. It is almost impossible to pull a These grapes are then dipped in caustic soda to "erack" pocket knife off of one of these magnets. the skins which permits the moistm·e to escape and the sulphur dioxide to permeate the grape;:;. Consumption The per capita consumption of 1Raisins in the United Dehydration States has declined steadily in the post-war period but Emerging from the caustic soda dip, the grapes are the increasing population has largely Qffset any reduction thoroughly washed with clean water and are spread on in the volume of Raisins absorbed by the domest1c la1•ge wooden trays which are stacked on cars. These cars market.

Page Fourteen AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Pe·r Capita Consumption of Raisins in U.S.A. The dive'rsion of substantial quantities of Raisin Index grapes to wine making can be expected to continue with of Per Capita the probability that somewhat larger quantities will be· Consumption : absorbed. The quantity of wine marketed has been in­ Period Pounds 1930-39 = 100 creasing and stocks are now at the lowest level in the 1945-49 2.3 96 post-war period. This could be· a significant factor in 1950-54 1.9 79 evening out the quantities of dried Raisins being pro­ 1955 1.8 75 duced in the next few years. 1956· .. 1.7 71 In "California Fruit News" (7/6/1958) Mr.- Ernest Gallo, Modesto vintner and Board -chairman of the Wine Outlook Institute, said he. looked for a \shortage of grape supplies In May, 1958, Mr. Sherwin commented that year to because of the increasing demand for California wines. year vanations in yielP,s of grapes and in the utilisation He foresaw vintners competiiJ._g more actively for Raisin of the crop llllake it difficult to assess. the outlook for variety and other grapes for crushing. kaisin proauctwn and marketing in the United States. This is confirmed by Dr. George L. 1\!Lehren, director li'rom the v~e.wpoint of stocks the market outlook for the of University of California's Giannini Foundation to the 1jj58 crop is favourable following the short crop in 1957 Wine Institute. He, too, sees both vintners and table which resulted in the full clearance of the crop at sub­ grape shippers competing more actively for grapes, and stantially higher prices than those· obtained in preceding H,aisin packe·rs being obliged to meet this competition. years. The outlook is enhanced by the. fact that wine With such a prospect confronting him in the near mventories are at the lowest level of the post-war period, future, the grape grower appears to find it hard to ap­ while the demand for wine is increasing due to the grow­ prehend a later . period in which demand may slacken, ing population rather than to any change in per capita supplies will be abundant, andJ field prices will be down consumption. again. It is too early for a reliable production estimate of The fact momentarily ove"rlooked is the l~eadiness with the 1958 Raism crop. The area has experienced a very which Raisin grape plantings can be expanded-and wet winter and a delayed spring. However, in view of uSually are when field prices 1become· attractive. In the the light Cl'OP in 1957, a near normal is expected this constant shifting f1·om crop to crop, farmers are looking year. Late in April a frost was experienced in low-lying for a erop that appears to have as favourable an out­ districts in the .11'resno area, and while some vineyards look_ as this one "now pictured for grapes. These favour­ were severely affected it is veported that the damage was able prospects could result in extensiv·e new plantings not sufficiently widespread to affect the total crop of grapes. And in just three years the supply situation materially. · could change greatly from what it is now. -Much heavier plantings .of Thompson Seedless grapes The 1·ecent favoUrable field prices, the clean-up of the weve reported in the Fresno area last winter, but figures 1957 Raisin crop, and the prospect of active competition of actual plantings will not be available until next J:une. for Raisin grapes this season do not have any eonnectio.n It will be three years before these vines -come into pro­ with marketing problems that may confront the Raisin duction and influence the supply position. It appears industry in "the y·ears immediately ahead. It is evideht, d·esirable to defer any assessment of trends arising from though, that these matters are influencing growers in these plantings until figures of actual plantings are their attitude toward the proposal to expand Raisin pro­ available. motion when and if it is deemed necessary. OVERSEAS UNITED KINGDOM the week had had a depressing effect on all London mar­ kets and with buye'rs being unable to obtain deliveries, First- arrivals of Australian fruit have set the pattern trading had come to a temporary standstill. for what promli.ses to be a well-suppo1·ted market for some time to come with early arrivals being cleared * * * * quickly. Buyers have not been slow to take up the old But with the London dock strike setUed by the end crop Australian stoc~ as apart from Persian fruit there of June, trading had returned to normal. There had is little else to choose from, from the point of view of been a very finn tendency in the Dried Fruit market price, until the new crop Mediter'ranean fruit arrives. , during the week with dealers, ·especially in London, pur­ (Public Ledger, 14/5/1958.) chasing whatever supplies of Australian Sultanas were * * * * offered. In Currants,, with spot supplies of Greeks be­ Replacement of Currants has now becoine a serious coming short, Australian fruit was being more sought difficulty and the virtual certainty of no Greek carry~ after, with steady sales being made from the very sn1all over this season gives a sure prospect of a good recep­ tonnage available. tion for the new crop Australian. First steamers carrying * * * * 1958 ·crop fruit are now to hand and the quality is At 7th July, Antwe·rp stocks of Currants and Sultanas known to 1be of a high standard fully in acc-ord with ha-d been returned to London. Of these there continued to early reports from Australia. (Public Ledger, 17/5/1958.) .be a steady trade for 5Mcrown Sultanas, but 3-crown sup­ * * * * plies were neglected due to Continental buyers consider­ The market for Smyrna Sultanas continues quiet with ing them nOt good value as against 5~crown. Stocks of holders cautiously probing for a basis on which interest 6-crown fruit ex Antwerp were 'returned to London. can b~ revived. Further arrivals o.f Australian new crop Currants are anxiously awaited but so far as London is The excellent* demand * for new crop * Australian * Sultanas concerned the wharf strike has interfered with supplies. continues with good sales being made in all ports at firm (Public Ledger, 31/5/1958.) prices. (Australian Dried Fruits Board, 7/7/1958.) * * * * With the announcement of prices for new crop .Sul- * * * * tanas active interest was shown with good sales being Stocks at 7th July of new season's Australian fruit made. The quality of the Sultanas is really excellent---the held in the United Kingdom were Currants 444 tons, finest seen for many years, (Aust. Dried Fruits Board, Sultanas 1526 tons. 23/5/.1958.) * * * * * * * All ·o"ffers of Spanish Raisins are temporarily with- On 6/6/1958* The Australian Dried Fruits Board reM drawn. No reason has been given for this mrove, but some ported that· the deterioration in the dock strike during merchants think that France may be considering making

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page .Fifteen purchases for wine making. (Aust. Dded Fruits Board, 7/7/1958.) * * * * Mr. F. Penman, of lVIerbein Research Station, has sought information, on behalf of the British Food Manu­ facturing Industries Research Association, as to whether Australian manufacturers of mincemeat (fruit mince) had experienced swelling of Sultanas and, if so, what steps they had taken to overcome it. Useful information has been obtained and passed to Mr. Penman. The Export Control Board has also been informed. (A.D.F.A. Board Minutes, 11/6/1958.) U.S.A. A detailed repmt has 1been made on the proposal to import Australian Sultanas into the United .States. This included a rev1ew of th~ notice to Raisin Advisory Board officials that a C:alifornia importer had made such .a pro­ C.B.C:. helps the posal to the Australian Dried .Fruit Control Board, that the latter Board declined to authorise a sale of ~aisins "Man on The land" for export to the U.S. without California industry ap­ proval, and the advice from the U.S.D.A. that neither it nor R.A.B. could approV{~, or disapprove of such an import proposal. ("California Fruit Neyvs," 7/6/1958.) United States importe1·s continue to request Australian exPorters for quotations on Sultanas in an effort to sup­ ply U.S. Raisin needs. The Australian Commonwealth Dried Fruits Control Board, however, is adamant in re­ fusing to permit exports to the, United States, unless all official request is made by the U.S. Raisin industry. This the Raisin Administrative Committee is not legally authorised to do. The Dried Fruits .Control Board has taken cognisance of the fact that it cannot control the movement <>f THIS Bank's knowledge of the problems Raisins legitimately sold to Canadian buyers who may, in view of high price levels in the United, S-tates, decide of The Man on the Land enables it to to res·en sueh Raisins to U.S. users. There are indica­ tions that a small volume of Australian Raisins has al­ help in a .practical way. The Bank's services ready been purchased by U .~. Raisin use1·s. for manufacturing purposes. (''Califo·rnian Fruit News,'' and friendly advice are available to customers 5/7 /1958.) * * * * who seek them. Though some Raisin industry faCtors are estimating that this year's Raisin production will be less than the very low crop of 162,531 tons of last season, this is not As the Bank has a by any means the consensus of the industl":y. Prices offered, or likely to be -offered, growers .for Raisins and Savings Bank suba for grapes for crushing will influence grovrers in their allocation of grapes to these two principal users. Both sidiary, the one office packer fieldmen and growers report that recent very favourable weather has stimulated vine and fruit growth provides all the bank­ of Raisin varieties. Grape clusters appear to ,be nwre elongated than last year, which is favourable to beny ing facilities required size and improved >Raisin quality. Many in the Raisin industry ar"e of the opinion that total grape production by the whole family. may not be as short as forecast and that Raisin· pro­ duction may well exceed 1957 crop. ("California Fruit News," 5/7/1958.) * * * * A prosperous Raisin industry r-equires strong, effective p1·ocessing and marketing agencies. This need will be even greater in the next several yeirs as new Thompson Seed1ess vineyards come into bearing. The effectiveness of the selling job will be enhanced to the extent that growers and handlers tackle their common problems in THE a spirit of understanding and mutual trust. The ·thoughtful grower must realise that neither his COMMERCIAL BANKING COMPANY Raisins nor any other product has any monetary value until it is marketed. In the final analysis, this means OF SYDNEY LIMITED Consumed with Satisfaction. He must realise that al­ ESTABLISHED 1834 though Raisi'ns possess valuable nutrients, utility, and taste appeal, the;y are not essential·to to-day'~ Well-fed U.S. citizen. C. B.C •. SAVINGS BANK LIMITED That consumers continue to buy Raisins regularly and (Daposits guaranteed by the parent comp3ny) relish them is due directly to the fact that an effective processing and packing jo.b is done to a basically good raw product and that thereafter an ene:rgetic selling job is done by the industry's marketirig agencies, independent and co-operative. ______:======- Page Sixteen AUSTRAliAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS For the valuable, essential services they render, the TURKEY marketing agencies aTe entitled to their margin of profit. News of the 1958 Turkish crop suggests that it is --­ WithOut it they cannot remain strong; and able to serve developing satisfactorily at this stage. Of the 1957 bal­ producers well. ("Californian Fruit News," 5/4/1958.) ance of 4000 tons half are in the hands -of speculators and the balance owned by the Co-operative organisation. * * * * -Reports also suggest the Cretan Sultana crop is develop­ Production o'f Apricots, Peaches and Pears is expected ing satisfactorily with all 1957 stocks cleared. (Public Ledger, 24/5/1958.) to be very light during the coming season. Heavy rains and almost continuously moist conditions during the * * * * blooming periods of these crops have resulted in spotty Further news from Izriiir concerning the 1958 crop sets by varieties and by localities. The heavy rains suggests that a spell of very hot weather may have c-on­ limited the movements of bees and many crops are light tributed to a reduction in the previous optimistic esti­ due to poor pollination. The inability ·of growers to main­ mate o£ the expected yield. (Public Ledger, 31/5/1958,) tain p1·oper spray programmes allowed the spread and RHODESIA development of brown rot and other fungus .d_iseases. However, the abundant rains have been favourable for Revie,ving Australia's trade with the· Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland during 1957 the Australian providing good deep soil moisture conditions in most Trade Commissioner "reports that Africa is becoming fruit gTowing· areas of the State. (Austn. Govt. Trade quit~ a bun-eater and Australian Dried Fruits are· highly Commissioner, San Francisc-o~May report.) regarded. Prices ·of Australian fruit lTIIUSt .be in the hands of distributors in the F1ederation at the earliest p-ossible GREECE date in the season otherwise the Union of South Africa secures an advantage. Exports of Australian fruit to the Greece, this .year, has experienced a most favourable Federation in 1957 increased by 50 per cent. Qver the export season in relation to both quantity and price for previous y-ear. (Australian Trade Commissioner, Salis­ Currants and Sultanas due quite largely to short sup­ bury, Rhodesia.) plies of Turkish and U.S. fruit. (F·oreign. Crops and SOUTH AFRICA Markets, 5/5/1958.) The Western Province Fruit Research Station is estab­ * * * * lishing an . experimental grape farm at which research The 1957 crop is now estimated at a record 65,000 will be conducted into the establishment of hetter grape short t-ons. The previous record was 55,000 short tons in varieties and 'rootstocks, economical methods of irriga­ 1953. Average production (1950-54) ·is only 41,700 tons. tion ·and improved trellis systems. (Travers Circulm', New acreage in Crete, where Sultana production is con­ 10/5/1958.) c·e.ntrated, is responsible for the increasing output. ("Californian Fruit News," 5/7 /1958.) SINGAPORE The Singapore Cold Storage Co. Ltd. seeks. quotati-ons * * * * and sampleS of packaged Currants and Sultanas and a It was reported from Patras that a deal had been further quotation for H: oz. packs, packed in cellophane, agreed between Greece and F·rance for the latter to takf' for Army requirements. The grades of fruit favoured for 10,000 tons Currants ex the coming cr-op. This is be­ retail sales are 5 an·d 4 crown, and 3 crown is suitable lieved to be for sound marketa.ble fruit. However, latm· for Army requirements. The firm operates the largest news stated that although discussions are going on, no retail f-ood business and 1bakeries in Singapore and definite agreement has yet be,en reached. (Aust. Dried Malaya. (Australian Trade Commissioner, Singapore­ Fruits Board, 7/7 /1958.) May, 1958.)

THE MILDURI CO-OPERATIVE FRUIT CO. LTD. MILDURA NOMINAL CAPITAL £1,000,000 PAID-UP FUNDS, £544,000 Packers of all Classes of Dried and Fresh F1t1.1its and Citrus Manufacturers of Marmalade, Cordials, Fruit Juices, Tomato and Worcester Sauces "PADLOCI{" BRAND Packing Houses: Mildura, lrymple, Merbein, Curlwaa, Coomealla (N.S.W.) Factory: Mildura

All Classes o~ Insurance Risks Undertaken. Life Assurances Effected. Growers' Requisites Stocked at all Branches.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Seventeen S4Jecia£ U'ttide 1958 REVIEW OF DRIED FRUITS An excellent review of marketing prospects as showing in June has been issued by the Export Control Board. The review states that satisfactory progress has been made to date in the marketing overseas of Australian Dried Vine Fruits from the large 1958 Season's pack. However, it should be noted that in the United Kingdom, Australia's Iarg,est export market, the strike by doekers at the Port of London caused a number of vessels to, be diverted to Continental ports. Unless sold o'n the Gi::mtihent, the additional charges inv.olved in reconsigning large quantities of Dried Fruit back to the United Kingdom will offset advantages obtained in other export markets.. COmments on individual markets appear later in this report. Production market prices with the ex-ception of the United Kingdom and Continental countries (these pric·es are determined In a report to the lndustl'y in May, 1957, Mr. F. Pen­ when new season's fruit arrives in the U.K.). man, Office'r-in-Charge of the C.S.I.R.O. Research Station, Merbein, Victoria, stated that from examinatiOns made Canada of the vines, indications pointed to the 1958 crop being In 1957 sales to Canadian buyers amounted to: considerably larger than the 78,286 tons in 1957. With extremely favourable weather -conditions during the, cul­ Currants 2,191 tons tural, picking and drying periods, this prediction proved Sultanas . . 12,684 tons Raisins 250 tons correct. -- Estimates for the 1958 season are as follows: Total 15,035 tons Currants .. 11,300 tons Canadian prices for the 1958 Season were increased by Sultanas .. 68,500 tons the following amounts over the prices' determined for Raisins ...... 8,170 tons the 1957 Season: Currants . . . . £8/- /- stg. per ton Total . . 87,970 tons Sultanas . . . . £4/- /- stg. per ton The latest estimated allocations. of the 1958 Season's Seeded Raisins £18/10/- stg. per ton pa-ck are: •Referring to Sultana pric·es :for Canada, it should be Currants Sultanas Raisins Total noted that, whereas the majority of exports in 1957 were to.ns tons tons tons of 1 and 2 Crown Grades, exports in 1958 will be of 3 Australia . . . . 3,800 10,500 3,500 17,800 and 4 Crown Grades-which in effect will mean an Canada .. 2,118 15,000 1,150 18,268 additional £3 to £4 per ton,, owing to non-availability of New Zealand .. 800 4,200 1,250 6,250 lower grades. , Other Markets 500 2,000 2,500 United King-dom (in­ Orders received from Canadian buyers to 9th June, cluding Continent) 4,082 36,800 2,270 43,152 1958, were as follows: · Currants . . 2,118 tons Total Estimated Pro­ Sultanas 13,992 tons duction ...... 11,300 68,500 8,170 87,970 Raisins 1,129 tons AS an indication of the exceptionally high quality of Total . . 17,239 tons this season's Sultana pack, the following are the probable· tonnages of individual crown grades: As from 1st July, 1958, Canadian prices will be in- creased as follows: I Crown 650 tons 2 Grown 2,000 tons Currants . . £4/-/- stg. per ton 3 Crown 8,000 tons Sultanas . . . . £10/-/- stg. per ton 4 Grown 25,000 tons S'eeded Raisins .£111/-/- stg. per ton 5 Crown 30,100 tons New Zealand 6 Crown 2,700 tons 7 Crown 5 n tons The Board is very conscious of the value to the Industry of the continuin.e.- support given to Australian Dri·ed Vine 68,500 tons Fruits by New Zealand ibuyers. Faced with very serious Total economic conditions, the New Zealand Government has New Crown Grade Designations restricted. the entry of a g'l'eat number of items but still Arising from conferences held during 1957 between allows unlimited entry of Currants, Sultanas and Raisins Industry representatives and the Department of Primary from Australia. Industry, ree:ulations were amended in order to delete During 1957 sales to New Zealand buyers were as the terms uPlain Grade" from the descriptions for Cur­ follows: rants and Sultanas. In effect what was "Plain Grade" in Currants .. 846 tons 1957 became· 1 Crown Grade, 1 Crown Grade became 2 Sultanas . . . . 4,343 tons Grown Grade and so on. Raisins . ·i • • • • 504 tons --- The introduction of these new desi.e:nations, in addition Total 5,695 tons to the exceptionallv hig-h quality of the Sultana pack, necessitated the Dried Fruits Control 'Board when deter­ Consistent with the· Board's policy of fair and reason­ mining- export Prices for -the 1958 ·Season having very Rble prices for New Zealand buyers, the CUrrant and careful regard for the maintenance of the business re­ Sultana prices for Season 1958 were determined on the c-eived annuallv from manufacturers, bakers. pastrycooks ba~::is of £2 ner ton reduction over the closing nric·es in in ±he United Kingxlom, Canada, New Zealand and 1957. This decision was made after long consideration Other Markets who have purchased approximately 45 of the New Zealand economic sjtuation and the generous pe1· cent. of Australia'S annual exports in 1, 2 and 3 treatment of our products by its Government. Grown Grades. The Seeded Raisin prices, as with all other markets were inc~e~sed in order to o?tain the higher returns t~ Export Prices 1958 Season which Rmsm growers are entitled and to encourage fur­ On the 21st March. the Dried Fruits Control Board t.her drying of •Raisin variety gTapes to meet export met in Melbourne to determine the 1958 Season's export demands. '

Page . Eighteen AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Orders received from New Zealand buyers to 9th June Sultanas were as follows: Three Crown and Four Currants .. 646 tons Crown ...... £127 to £130 stg. per ton Sultanas .. 3,167 tons Five Crown ... . £130 to- £136' stg. per ton Raisins ...... 1,684 tons Six Crown ... . £137 stg. per ton upwards Seven Crown .. £145 stg. per ton upwards Total 5,497 tons Un.see•ded Raisins £130 stg. per ton It should be noted that the Seeded Raisin allocation to New Zealand this season will be limited to 1250 tons. Seeded Raisins , . £155 stg. per ton 1957 Season's sales in the United Kingdom on an ·ex Other Markets warehouse basis were: During 1957 Australian exporters shipped to British West Indies, Ceylon, Singapore, Malaya, Japan, East Curl'\ants Africa, Indonesia, Pacifi-c .Islands, etc.- 2,320 tons at an average price of £107 stg. per ton. Currants 575 tons Sultanas 1,3 7 5 tons Sultanas 31,961 tons at an average price of £130/5/- stg. per Total ...... 1,950 tons ton. The prices determined for these markets are main­ tained at a level of approximately £2 per ton above the Seeded Raisins prices for New Zealand. 405 tons at an av·erage price of approximately £116 Orders re-ceived to 9th June were: stg. per ton, Currants 425 tons Sultanas .. 1,380 tons 1958 Season's sales in the United Kingdom to 6th June, on the same basis, were:

Total ...... 1,805 tons 1Currants. 40 tons at an average price of £109/3/4 stg. Due to considerable industrial unrest in Ceylon and per ton. stoppages by dock workers, orde'rs from this market have fallen from 610 tons in 1957 to approximately 200 tons Sultanas. 3169 tons at &n average price of £131/18/4 this year. stg. per ton. However, arising from the recently concluded trade· ag"reement between the Governments of Australia and Raisins Japan, orders from Japanese buyers this s-eason are Unseeded: 200 tons at an average price of £130 exp~cted to reach 1000 tons. stg. per ton. Continent, Scandinavia and Eire Seeded: 1360 tons at an average price of £155 stg. Direct Agency arrangements have been entered into per ton. over vecent years by Australian exporters with Agents on the Continent and in Scandinavian countries and Eire. Enquiries From U.S.A. The maximum dire-ct business transacted in any previous Due to a shortage of Sultanas in U.S.A. this year, year was 1429 tons in 1955. Orders received from ibuyers enquiries were made in April by Californian buyers as in the above countries to date are as follows: to the possibility of obtaining suppli·es from Australia. Western Germany 3,289 tons Before the matter had been considered fully by the Board Sweden ...... 293 tons in consultation with the U.S. Raisin Administrative Com­ Eire ...... 268 tons mittee, uninformed comments were made in .the Cali~ Denmark . . 252 tons fornian Press on 19th April under the heading "Low · Holland . . 233 tons Price Raisin Import Threat from Australia Arouses Con­ Switzerland 86 tons cern." The Board took immediate action by replying that Norway ...... 29 tons it was s·eriously CQncerned at suggestions that its actions had not been in the- best interests: of. the U.S. producer, Total ...... 4,450 tons and forwarded for publication a previous resolution "that The prices determined for these markets ar.e: in line no Australian fruit would be authorised for shipment with those. received for comparable grades in the United to the u.s·.A. until such time as the Raisin Administrative Kingdom. Every effort will be made; to retain the above Committe·e, on behalf of the U.S. Industry, advised the markets, but it will be appreciated that this; year's sales Board of its complete agreement." were facilitated by a shortage of fruit from their cus­ This explanation was given wide publicity and the tomary suppliers. Board has received a letter of appreciation from the Every effort is being made to sell on the Continent, Raisin Administrative Committee. Preservation o:f close at comparable U.K. prices-, fruit diverted there due to friendly relationships with U.S. and Australian p·roducers the -dock strike in London. Freight and other charges is, in the Board's opinion, of great importance. amounting to approximately £10 stg. per ton will be in­ volv·ed in reconsigning quantities .back to U.K. The Board is mindful, howeve·r, of those C'ontinental buyers who Co-operation With Other Producers have placed or-ders for direct shipment from Australia. Following the visits made by the Chairman to Greece, Latest advices indicate satisfactory progress and con­ Turkey and U.S.A. in i957, the Board is periodically ex­ tinuance Qf existing prices in disposing of diverted fruit. changing information with the Dri·ed Fruit marketing United Kingdom authorities of these countries. In recent corres-pondence with Greece and Turkey, particularlv in relation to On Sunday, 11th May, 1958, a Special Meeting of the "switch deals," the Board has repeatedly pressed the view Board was held in Mildura to consider a detailed survey that undercutting prices, which has had the automatic and recommendations by the London Agency regarding consequence of "switch" deals, must inevitably react to new season's opening pri-ces. the serious detriment Qf producers in all countries. It After very lengthy consideration, thes-e. were finally is understood that there is a strong probability of uswitch resolved as follows: dealing" ,by Turkey being .discontinued or at le'ast greatly ·Currants Pr'ices ex U.K. Warehouse modified. One Crown .. £102 to £105 stg. per ton Two Crown .. £106 to £110 stg. per ton A further summary Three Crown . £110 to £114 stg. per ton Four Crown . £115 to £119 stg. per ton will be made of the Export Markets position in the Five Crown .. £120 stg. p·er ton upwards Al1llual Report o:f the Boa1·d to he published in August.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Nineteen MADE BY DANIEL HARVEY • • • it must be good! HARVEY MERIEIN MODEl TOOl BAR DISC PLOW IN THE ORCHARD- PLOWING UP TO THE TREES The usual procedure when plowing up to the trees is to offset the plow to the extreme right and plow one or two rounds throughout the orchard. Adjustment where the plow head is attached to the tool bar enables o shallow furrow to be plowed near the tree ond the other two furrows progressively deeper. After the first one or two rounds, slide the plow along the tool bar to the left to a PLOWING AWAY FROM THE TREES position where the tractor wheel runs in the furrow and complete Set the plow in the last described position in the previous paragraph with the tractor wheel in the furrow and start the plowing in the usual manner. plowing, making a crown midway between the rows of trees. Continue plowing until the left hand tractor wheel becomes too close to the trees, then offset the plow to the extreme left hand of the tool bar and finish. off. HARVEY DIRECT HARVEY TOOl. COUPlED 3 .. FURROW CULTIVATOR MOULDBOARD PLOW

FOR ALL TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC LIFT This Cultivator is mode in cutting widths to suit the power of various makes of troctors. The cultivator is attached to the hydraulic linkage and is raised bodily by the lift, the cultivating depth being controlled by the A sturdy general purpose implement for field, orchard or hydraulic lift lever. A square bar is situated at the forward end of market garden. Can be offset to either side of the tractor the cultivator to which five slideable clamps are bolted. The two or placed at any position along. the tool bar to suit the job outside clamps fit on to the tractor lift arms." The centre clamp in hand. Equipped with 8.7 bodies and steel shares( h1gh carries the uprights for the top link and the remaining two clamps clearance beams and adJustable gauge wheel. Cuts 27 Lnches. carry the frame of the cultivator, HARVEY OFFSET TANDEM DISC CULTIVATOR FOR ORCHARD AND CITRUS GROVE AS WELL AS BROAD ACRES This cultivator has won favour among orchardists, vignerons and general farmers through its outstanding per­ formances in cover crops and all diffi­ cult field conditions. The demand for this type of cultivator has grown considerably during the pos1 years, consequently, to meet the re­ quirements of a greater variety of working conditions numerous improve­ ments hove been introduced on to the WIDTH OF CUT design of the implement. Provision Is made to fit on extra disc to each gang, thereby Its performance is unequalled In toll stubble, four to five foot increasing the cutting width. Also, there is available a disc orchard cover crops, extra heavy Wf!ed. growth or. other . con­ attachment with a small disc (16"), which, if fitted to the ditions where maximum penetration as lmposstb(e With ordmary back gang, almost eliminates the back furrow, which, under disc cultivator. certain conditions, is objectionable.

' ' --1R1filii!~Ja1111MI(I]li!\U.---- ' ' DANIEL HARVEY tiMIT~D , I , , , • f'i.,', I PLEASE SEND FREE LITERATURE. BULLETIN No. 347 and 350 BOX HILL; MELBOURNE; VIC. WX 1025 (~,:Lines) I ( ' >; ~ ' ...~" J ' NAME ... : ...... I Distl'ihutors-SOUTH AUSTRAUA-Silbert, Sharp & Bishop Ltd., I Rundle St., Adelaide, also at Naracoorte & Mt. Gambier; Cole & Wood­ I ADDRESS ...... : ...... ham Ltd., Renmark. NEW SOUTH WALE5--David Shearer Pty. Ltd., I Railway Parade, Burwood; Dangar, Gedye & Malloch Ltd., Young St., • Sydney. QUEENSLAND-Werner Machinery Co., cnr. Grey and Russell I• Sts., Brisbane. TASMANIA-South Tas., Wm. Crosby & Co. Pty. Ltd., I 119 Collins St., Hobart. Northern Tas., Max Geeves Ltd., 177 Brisbane I St., Launceston. WEST. AUSTRAUA, Westralian Farmers' Go­ I operative Ltd., &69 Wellington St., Perth.

Paue Twenty AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS ------....

C.S.I.R.O. ANNUAL REPORT, 1956-1957

The-following extracts which refer to Dried Fruits have noted between observed and calculated drain flows, and been taken from the report and are published as an indi­ will be investigated further. cation of the work being .carried out. Piezometers and test wells have been installed in pairs to provide a record of ground-water conditions at the Irrigation Research Stations plot areas of the Wakool Land Use Committee, including Excessive rainfall during 1956 led to serious flood the area of pa'sture being established on Moragh loam in pro-blems in many of the irrigation districts of south­ the developing Deniboota Irrigation District. ·eastern Australia and to heavy losses of plantings. In Land Use.-A soil survey of 260 acres which was _the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas, while there were earried out during the year for a small group of growers heavy losses of peaches and citrus in undrained areas1 at Trentham Cliffs, New South Wales, indicated that the there wer-e· actually none in areas which had been tile area is unsuitable for development for horticulture at drained. Such experiences highlight the urgent need for the present time. protection of irrigation areas by InJeans of adequate sur­ face drainage and for much more detailed knowledge of Horticulture.-Microscopical examination of dormant . the internal drainage characteristics of soils and under­ Sultana buds in May, 1956, showed- 43 per cent. to -be strata, both in existing and proposed irrigation lands. fruitful compared with a ten-y.ear average of 50 per cent. A potential crop of 30-32 cwt. per acre was fore­ In the spring of 1956, a discussion gr-oup on ground­ east for the Sunraysia district. Growers were advised to water hydrology was held at Merbein Station. This, the 'p'rune to a greater number of buds than usual. On ten first of its kind, was attended by 39 officers from 1~ Aus­ survey sites an av;erage of 25 per cent. more buds were tralian authorities concerned with ground-water. left and the 1957 harvest averaged 33 cwt. p.er acre. The Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission A potential crop of 36 cwt. per acre is forecast for of New South Wales continues to make an annual con­ the 1958 harvest in Sunraysia from a figure of 50 per tribution to funds of the Griffith Station. In the Murrum­ cent. fruitful buds in May, 1957. bidgee Irrigation Areas and elsewher-e·, co-operative work is done with offieers of the ComlTIIission, especially on Vines which had been completely inundated at Ren­ ground-water problems. mark during the River Murray floods of Sipring, 1956 burst up to ten weeks later than normal. Fruitfulness wa~ The Commonwealth Dried F'ruits Control Board, the in general lower than normal, v·ery weak canes being Mildura Packers' Association, Go-operated Dried F'rUits almost entirely barren. Sales Pty. Ltd., and the Nyah-Woorinen Enquiry Com­ Zante CUrrant vines sprayed with 2,4-D in lieu of cine­ mittee continue as contributors to funds of the Mer.bein turing to promote fruit setting gave bette'r-quality fruit Station. in the 1957 harvest than vines Siprayed with PCPA, al­ On behalf of the Department of External Affairs by though yi·elds were the same. In a preliminary trial arrangement with the Organisation, the Senior Officer­ 2,3,4-T showed promise, without any formative effects iii-Charge attended a training centre and study tour on on vine growth. irrigation and drainage in the Union of Soviet Socialist Yield of Sultanas has .been significantly related to hours Republics. of spring· sunshine 17 months and 29 months befo're .har­ vest. A 11egression equation has been determined for each Irrigation, Soil Preservation, and Soil Recl.amation of the districts Mildura, Merbein, Red Cliffs, and Coome­ Investigations have proceeded in the Renmark district alla. A significant general decline of about 25 per cent. of South Australia, the· SUnraysia and Swan Hill districts in yield over the last 17 y·ears in Coomealla may be due of Victoria, and the Wakool area of New South Wales. to an ageing in the vines in 'this settlement, which is not yet old enough to have reaehed the stability of the older Observations in piezometers and aug·er holes were settlements. made to assess ehanges in ground-water conditions caused in the Renmark district by the. record flood of the- River A further relation is being developed between Sultana Murray. This was part of a co-operative investigation vield and mid-winter temperatures seven months before with the South Australian Department of Agriculture· of harvest. damage to plantings and of the associated soil conditions. Evapotranspiration from Sultana plots in summer Information obtained was available to the •Renmark amounted to about 2~ inches of water in the ten days Irrigation TTust to guide their irrigation and drainage aft~r i~rigation, then dropped to about Ji inch per wee'k, programme. W:hiCh IS probably close to the transpiration figure. The Tests of a screened bore on the farm of Swan Hill difference repr-esents loss by direct evaporation from a Irrigators' Research Committee revealed that the over­ surface still moist from irrigation. Direct determinations burden had a low hydraulic conductivity, m~Rking it of soil moisture were used, together with an estimate of dou,btful that the land could be drained by pumping from moisture movement down from or up into the root zone the sand bed at 20 feet deep. Further determinations derived from changes in soil chlorides. -of hydraulie conductivity_ in other parts of the farm Daily transpiration from these vines was also estimated have confirmed the pres·ence of areas likely to give by using H. L. Penman's formula, modified in the light economic response to tile drainage at 5 feet deep or more, of the experimental l'esults above. For Deeember, Janu­ but an area suitable in size and other respects for experi­ ary and February, daily transpiration· again averaged ment has not yet been located. about 0.10 inch, with a range from 0.052 to 0.142 inch The relation betwe·en flow from tile drains in Mallee per day in the 1955-56' season. soils, and hydraulic c-onductivity determined by the Plant Nutrients.-The hypothesis of winter uptake of niezometer and auger hole n)ethods, has been ·studied. n~t~·ients, ~n P.articu~ar of nitrogen, ·and of July as a Hydraulic conductivity deereas·ed with depth, partly critical pertod m frmt bud development, is supported by owing to increasing clay content, but also to presence of results from winter applications of sulphate of ammonia a very _sticky, easily dispersed clay. Work has been in two triRl.s. Sultana Yields were increased significantly hampered by apparent decreas-e- in hydraulic. eonductivity b_y late Jun~/early JlflY applications, but not by applica­ \ in time during a determination, apparently oWing to tions. later m t~e wm_ter_: earlv September applications entrapped air. Apart from this, discrepancieS! have been also- mc11eased y1elds sigmfieantly. In trials where weeds

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twenty-one are controlled by sprays without cultivation, creosote Facilities were made availn>b1e for an officer of the g·ave yield increases for the second time in three years, Divisi-on of Industrial dhemistry to test the performance where it had been appHed in mid-May or mid-June. This of solar energy absorbers for drying fruit. suggests a soil sterilising effect which increases soil nitrate. Various organic sOlvents we1~c tested for their suita­ bility fo"r estimating the amount of cutide on a grape. Intensive investigations of the nutrient requir·ements A definite amount of mate1'ial was extracted with non­ of the Sultana vine in the field continue to provide vaTi­ polar solvents, and of these chloroform and carbon tetra­ able reSults. It is obvious that, in general, and under a chloride were ·the most efficient. Polar solvents were variety of cultural praetic·es, Sultana vines are provided most unsuitable because they dissolved varying amounts with a sufficiency of the principal nutT-ients. Responses to of sugars. The average amount of cuticle on the "Sultana application of sulphate of ammonia and superphosphate varies very· slightly during the dTying season and with have occurred in some trials but the yield increases, al­ soil type and locality for the limited number of samples though significant, have hardly been worth while investigated. Cold and sulphite dipping does not alter the economically. average amount of cuticle on the grape, and it is con­ Biological Control eluded that the faste·r rates of drying achieved with these dips is br-ought about by changes in the cuticle structure. Queensland Fruit Fly.-Two braconid parasites, Opius A small amount of cuticle is removed from Gordos by Iongicaudatus and 0. oophilus, which are established in the hot alkali dips, but this reduction is not sufficient to Hawaii as parasites of the Oriental fruit fly, have been account for the increased drying rate produced by these shown to parasitise Queensland fruit fly in the labora­ dips. It is coneluded that the hot alkali dips also change tory, and both have been released, in the field, the latter the structure of the cutide. in small numbers, during the year. They were liherated at Coff's Harbour and at Sydney, but did not become The permeability of the cuticle to _water was -calculated established, although a few wasps were reared from for individual untreated grapes from the drying rate fruit samples taken at TelatiV·ely short periods aftel' data obtained with well-defined conditions of tempera­ liberation. ture, humidity, and air flow. The cuticle was removed from each grape by a micro-extraction with carbon tetra­ Commonwealth .Research Station, Merbein chloTide, and the amount determined by weighing with a micro-balanc,e. It was found that there were large varia­ The Station continues to assess the performance of tions in the permeability and the thickness of the cuticle commereial dipping oils used in the drying· of Sultanas. for individu"BJ grapes. The permeability increaseS with This is done by means of field trials and laboratory ex­ temperature, .but it does not vary according to the periments. All commercial oils available for 1957 showed exp,ected exponential function .of temperature. satisfactory behaviour with respect t-o drying rate, stability of dipping emulsion and quality of dried fruit. Treatment of the grapes with ethyl oleate increases the The following modified procedure has been used f.or permeability to water, and like untreated grapes the testing new ~ipping oil formulations. By means of field permeability haE! a positive temperature coefficient, It is trials sufficient fruit is tr-eated with the new dip until found, howeve"r, that the permeability of an ethyl oleate it has been used for approxim~tely half its life, and the treated grape remains constant in spite of a rise in tem­ quality of the fruit is compared with that produced by perature which occurs during drying, The factor which one of the well-tried commercial dips. A laboratory deter·· is tending to r·educe the permeability during drying is mination of the relative drying rates of dip samples taken probably the slow evaporation -of ethyl oleate from the just prior to and immediately after dipping indicates grape. whether oil has been stripped from the dip during use. An apparatus has been designed and constructed for A "tunnel dehydrator has been installed to inv·estigate determining accurately the permeability of grape skins the advantages and economy of this method for drying free from the large temperature variations usually en­ fruit, especially during adverse weather conditions. countered during the drying of grapes.

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Page .Twenty~two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS SULTANA BUD EXAMINATION-1958 Comparison of Sunraysia, Robinvale, Mid Murray and South Australia

By F. Penman, Officer~in-Gharge, Commonwealth Research Station, Merbein.

From 1947 to 1949 the potential fruitfulness of Sul­ The results of the examination for per cent. fruitful ,tanas, as determined by examination of dormant buds, buds and lnean bunch primordium siz.e for the districts was compared in Sunraysia, Mid Murray, and South of Sunraysia, Robinvale, Mid Murray, and South Aur;;­ Australia and no differences between the districts could tralia and for the various settlements within the districts ·be shown. As it appeared that too many buds would have are given in the table attached. It appears from these re­ to be examined for more exact comparison examinations sults that .Jift'erences between districts do occur this outside Sunraysia were discontinued. Recently, however, year, Mid Murray and South Australia having a higher a study of the results from the Sunraysia bud examina­ per cent. fruitful buds and _mean bunch primordium size tions has shown that the forecasts of potential fruitful­ than Sun'raysia arid •Robinvale. ness would have been almost t'he same if based on buds 4, The samples from some of the blocks in the Mid Murray 9 and 14 only instead of on all buds up to 14. This sh.ort­ and South Australian areas were indeed so very fruitful cut 1•eduees the time taken by the examination consider­ that a check on the correctness of the method of sampling ably and has permitted a further, and much more exten­ was made. All buds were examined on ten canes from sive, examination of buds from the Sultana growing each of two Mid Murray blocks. Per ce:r._t. fruitful buds districts outside Sunraysia. Growers in the Mid Murray to bud 14 was 83 and 88, well in -line with the ·results of area have repeatedly requested such action claiming· dis­ the main examination. Fruitfulness of this order had agreement in fruitfulness between Mid Murray and Sun­ previously been encountered only in 1939 following- ex­ raysia. tr:eme heatwave conditions when blocks examined in both Ten .buds, represented by buds 4, 9 and 14, were taken S'unraysia and_ Mid Murray were very fruitful. from each block visited. The number of blocks was When commenting on the results of the 1958 Sunraysia determJned by lhe area J?lanted to Sultanas in each examination officers of the Department of Agriculture se~tlement, one cane being sampled f.or each 40 acres warned growers to restrict the number of canes left at approximately. The results for Sunraysia are calculated pruning to avoid damage caused by overloading the vines. from the usual examination of whole canes and are based The 'results giv.en here show that such a warning is even on 20 canes from each of ten blocks. Here the relation of more necessary in the case .of Sultanas gTowing in the one cane per 40 acres was not maintained. Mid Murray and South Australian areas.

Per cent. Fl"llitful Buds and Mean ·Bunch Primordiu.:nl Size for Sultana Buds in the areas of Sunraysia, Robin- ' valle) Mid Murray and South Australia. Winter, 1958.

District· Per cent. Fruitful Bu.Js Mean Bunch Primordium Size No. Blocks Bud Position Bud Position (mm2) Settlement 4 9 14 Total 4 9 14 Total Sun'raysia ...... 10 57 89 75 74 .21 .34 .31 .30 Robinvale ...... 7 47 83 83 71 .18 .29 .29 .26 Mid Murray ...... 16 70 93 82 82 .27 .40 .30 .33 Koraleigh ...... 2 80 95 58 78 .28 .42 .29 .34 Goodnight ...... 1 70 90 60 73 .43 .40 .30 .38 Tresc-o ...... 2 55 100 90 82 .33 .34 .25 .30 Nyah ...... 5 63 90 84 79 .28 .37 .29 .32 Woorinen ...... 6 78 92 88 86' .23 .45 .32 .34 South Australia ...... 24 76 92 77 82 .28 .42 .34 .35 Waikerie ...... 2 70 80 75 75 .33 .41 .33 .36 Loxton ...... 2 60 95 90 81 .23 .34 .47 .36 Cobdogla ...... 5 82 96 80 86 .29 .42 .34 .35 Herri ...... 6 80 95 77 84 .26 .44 .29 .34 Renmark ...... 9 74 90 72 79 .28 .44 .35 .36

PRODUCTION PROBLEMS The mor.e important matte1·s considered by the ComA it will be carrying out tests during 1959 particularly on 1nittee at its June meeting are reported below: grapes. (An article on GibbeJ·ellic researches in the Qi.d~um: Mr. Nankivell stated that the Department -of U.S.A. is published in this issue.-Editor, "News.") Agriculture would he in a position to submit detailed Eranol Applicator: Correspondence from The A.D.F.A. Xteport on the control of Oidium ats a later date. was read and as it appeared that it was almost impossible Vinegar Fly: Mr. Nankivell reported that Diptrex ap­ to satisfactorily ·encapsulate eranol, it was suggested that peared to give control but because of the lack of heavy Rega Pty, Ltd. be contacted to see if it would he possible vinegar fly infestation, it was not possible to carry out to supply a force feed container fitted with a nozzl,e which complete trials this year. Diptrex will again he used by: could be used fOr injecting eranol into both cartoned and the Depart:inent in Season 1959. boxed fruit. ' ' Rust on Dip Tanks: Mr. Webster reported that Weed Control: It was decided to .leave this matter in C.S.I.R.O. were expecting word from the Department of the hands of the Committee which was set u-p by the Vic­ Defence· in regard to the prevention of rust on steel, etc. torian Dried Fruits Board. A suggestion, however, Was Gibberellic Add!: Correspondence and pamphlets from made that recommendations from that Committee cover The A.D.F.A. and C.S.I.R.O. were tabled. After discus­ control for Blue Weed as well as for Innocent Weed, sion it was generally considered that it would be wise to Californian Puncture Weed and Three-cornered Jacks. await furthe'r trials befor.e IlllRking any recomm~ndation Mr. Nankivell promised to bring this matter before the and in this connection I.C.I. has already indicated that next meeting of the Control C'ommitte.e.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twenty-three Sequestrene: A_ letter from Geigy advised that it was at a pl'ice lower than £80 per 100 f.o.r. Brooklyn. This impossible to obtain supplies of Chel 330 and Chel 138 is an increase of nearly -300 per cent. on the tenta~ive but promised that in the ·event of these materials berom­ price mentioned .by this Company in November last. ing . available, we would be advised. The Secretary was requested to write to C. D. Leonard, University of Florida, If freight, approximately £12 per 100., is added, it is to enquire if anything better than A.P.C.A. was available likely that the posts would cost here app-roximately £1 and where A.P.C.A. could be obtained. each. Dip Tins: The Secretary reported that local dip tin The C_ommittee considered that this price was alto­ manufacturers had been advised that it was considered gether t-oo high. that the welded· tin (as per sample submitted by the Go­ Similarly Saxton Timber & Trading Co. advised that operative Company) would be popular with many grower:; 6 ft ..posts w-ould cost £25 per 100 ex Brooklyn. Freight at the suggested additional price of 2d. per tin. It is would be approximately £8 per 100 making' the cost here understood that local manufacturers will have supplies £33 per 100. It was considered that these prices would of this tin available for Season 1959. The Secretary also not compare with those at which steel posts were avail­ reported on the availability of dip tin repair pieces at able. all Packers. · The Secretary reported that he would follow up the Trellis Posts: The Secretary reported that in addition possibility of the Forests Commission establishing a to 6 ft. Star Pickets being· available, liberal supplies -of timber impregnating plant in this district. 7 ft. Star Pickets were being manufactured by B.H.P. CM-PGI: A letter from Chemical Materials Ltd., ad­ and would be availabl-~ to district Packers during the next five or six weeks. vised that additional sample quantities of this material would be avail~ble in time f-or testing next season. A Mr. Nankivell submitted samples of base collars in technical bulletin and two U.S. reprints giving details -of cement and red gum. These need to be used on those treatment were received from Chemical Materials Ltd., properties where it was considered that steel pickets and handed over to the Chairman who, after perusal, would· not hold if simply driven into the ground. would forward same to Department of Agriculture and The 'red gum collar was. made by McEwans -and would C.S.I.R.O. be available from- Dffcuts. The concrete collar was made DUst Control: Chemical Materials Ltd: forwarded a by Vale of Cardross. publication dealing with the use of Orzan A for dust Further enquiries would be made re Vale concrete control. It was also suggested by these people that the posts. use of a dilute wax emulsion as binding agent would It is suggested that Packers be advised accordingly. perhaps he· helpful. The Secretary also reported that Saxton Timber & A bulletin describing the use of Arquad· 2HT I 75 as a Trading Company had advised as und·er: s-oil stabilising agent was also received. This letter too was handed over to the Chairman who would then for~ "The Division of Forest Products, C.S.I.R.O., have ward it to the Department of Agricultur·e, and from there completed preliminary tests on the strength factor. This to C.S.I.R.O: who will report on the possibility of trying test was conducted by holding each type of post firm these matenals out Season 1959 on the Station drying 18 inches from the butt (equivalent of ground lev-el) ground. and applying a force three feet above the ground level, sufficient to cause failure of the poSits. The l"esults were 1Commercial Insectory: It was noted that Mr. Johnson as follows: of the Department of Agriculture\ would attend the Type of Pos.t Breaking Strain Annual Meeting and the Secretary was instructed to in­ vite the Executive_ of the Mda. and District Citrus Go­ 1. Star Steel ...... , ' 240· lb. np, Assn. to attend this me·eting at 8 -p.m. to hear Mr. 2. Reinforced COncrete . . . . 450 lb. Johnson's address. · 3. Pre-stressed Concrete . . . 950 lb. 4. Split Wooden Posts (Box) 2,600 lb. Hessian: To meet the requirements of growers whO 5. 5 in. diam. Round Wooden use one long hessian under a 50 yd. rack, it was suggested Posts ...... 5,300 lb. that· the Secretary ask Packers to endeavour t-o secure some portion of their supplies in at least 55 yd. lengths. "Items 1, 2 and 3 were standard products available? on the market in Melbourne, Item 4 was a split box post, Sisalkraft: The Secretary was requested to write Sisal­ and Item 5 was a round hardwood (Gum) l)ost of the type kraft Distributors to find out if any progress had been we are now producing at our Brooklyn Plant." made in the manufactuve and supply of the Visqueen A further 18tter from Saxton Timber & Trading Go. coated Sisalkraft. reported that, owing to difficulties of supply, it would not Annual Meeting: To he held at The A.D.F.A. Rooms now be possible to sell 7 ft. and 8 ft. 'round strainer posts , on Wednesday, 9th July, at 8 p.m.

i'"''"'"""'"'"'"'""""'"'"'''lltlltlfllllil-llllllllllllllllflllliiliillllilliilllliiiiOPIIII"iiiiiillllilffiiloDIII'iliillil-liiliP'faiiiiiiOOIIIif,-,-linlllllllllllllO'illiQ'IJIIIiifo'"'IIO'iOlliii-IIIIJllllillilllfiOUOIIIIIIIIIIII~ ! AURORA PACKING COMPANY PTY. LTD. ! l PACKERS OF ALL VARIETIES OF DRIED AND CITRUS FRUITS I ~ ~ E Branches at E i Irymple, Merbein and Red Cliffs ~ ~ Head Office: Irymple ~ i "Aurora for Service." We Supply All Growers' Requisites. ~ P:,,.,. .. IIUOIIUUIOuUmiiiOOIIIIIUU.. miiiiUl.. UUIUl~IUIIIIIIIOIUliiUUII"IIIUIIIIIIIUIIl1IIOIIUIIIIIIIIOUUIUIIUIIIIIIIIUII1UIIUIIIIIUIIIIIIIII~IUIIIUIIIII!IIIIIIIIImUIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ... OUIIIUUOIIUUIIIII~IU~

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AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twent;y-livo WASHING AND DRYING OF FRUIT The Minutes of the Processing (Packing) Committee's lishing a washing and drying plant in the United King­ meeting. on 14th May report that dom. (a) The cost of the new air blast machine now stood ' In exatruining the merits of this suggestion the Board at £491/19/-, bUt further modifications were en­ noted the following contingencies.: visaged. (a) Th'e capital cost would be very high as plants would have to be installed at eight different (b) Further reseat·ch on the following lines was to be centres of distribution. carried out: (b) The plants could not he continually used for 12 (i) Washing and c,entrifuging as done on present months in a year and would, therefore, be expen­ plant and then follow on tht·ough new air sive in overhead costs. blast machine. (c) It would .be necessary for the Export Control (ii) Test running with use of hot air. Board to he closely associated in the dir.ect selling (iii) Trials on problem fruit. and distribution <>f fruit. (iv) Possibility of extending length- of new air It was felt to be more satisfactory if the problem was blast machine with view to more efficient tackled from the point of actual production on growers' cleaning and removal of moistut~e. properties. (v) Any other general trials which can be worked in conjunction with present machines or use Noxious Weeds of various washing liquid. From Minutes of a conference of inter·ested parties called by the Chairman of the Victorian Dl'ied Fruits (c) Small test trials with the new air blast machine Board to consider a request by the -Board of Manage­ were satisfactory for removal of -sand and mois­ ment that burr-casting plants be declaved noxious weeds ture, hut were not conclusive. Unconed fruit in all producing. States, it was noted that the matter had showed less damag·e and did not take up so much been investigated very thoroughly and that certain as­ moisture. p-ects 1beyond the Board of Management's request had (d) The request of the Board for the incidence of developed. sand in fruit to be examined be referr>ed back It was decided to· thank the Chairman of the Victorian with the request that it be passed to the Produc­ Dried Fruits Board for his, and the Conference's, close tion Problems Gommiteee asking that that Com­ co-operation and in doing so to conVey the Board of Man- mittee investigate the possibility of evolving a agement's opinion that · reasonable commercial method of testing growers' fruit for sand content on delivery to packing house (a) its main concern is to ensure that burr-casting receiving doors. plants are ,eventually, and as. expeditiously as pos­ sibl,e, declared noxious weeds and that destruction (e) The General Secretary to _contact the Food is enforced; Machinery Co, to ascertain the types of washing, (b) there was no desire for The A.D.F.A. to be repre­ drying and cleaning machinery available, what the sented on the C'ommittee formed by the Confer­ estimated costs would be, and if an engineer was ,ence; and- avail.able to giv·e full detalls of operation. ( c) the implementation of other matters which ·arose Consideration was given to a suggestion -by- the Nyah­ from the Conference could, as a normal function, Woorinen Packe'rs' Association that the Export Control be left in the hands· of the State Boards for ex­ Board consider the possibility and advisability of estab- amination and liaison. RACK DEHYDRATION The report by Mr. W. F. Yann, rec,eived through the veloped embodying an improved burner, high air velocity Department of Primary Industry and left with Board variations and a method of. heating from the end <>f a members at the April meeting for close examination, was rack instead of using ducts. discussed. Pending further and mo!'e conclusive developments the The eonclus.ions finally reached by the Board were that Board feels that growers should exercise care in sel·ect­ there was hope that a highly efficient unit could be de- ing units for dehydration. GIBBERELLIC ACID Gibberellin Tested on Grapes For the tests, the number of berry clusters on the Thompson Se,edless vines was reduced to about 20 per Through the -courtesy of the University of California, vine-one day before ·treatment-;--and those clusters were Division of Agricultural Sciences, we are able· to print berry-thinned. The Black Corinth and the Zinfandel the following article which appeared in "California varieties wer.e not thinned. Agriculture" (February, 1958). The photographs were kindly provided by the Editor of the journal. Treatm.ent The Australian Dried Fruits Industry has interested The gibberellin-as potassium salt of gibberellic acid itself in the use of this acid through the Production --:contained about 80 -per cent. active ingredient. With Problems Committee. The Committee is awaiting the re­ Dreft as the wetting agent, sprays were applied by 1- sult of further trials. quart or 3-gallon hand sprayers. Both clusters and foliage The sdentific enquiries carried out by our American were heavily sprayed. friends will, therefol'e, be of assistance as well as of Average weight per berry, percentage of total soluble gene'ral interest. solids, and pe·rcentage of acid were detertruined at har­ Mature Vines vest. of seedless Bla-ck ·Corinth, Thompson S·eedless, and seeded Black Corinth Zinfandel grape varieties were used in tests with gibber­ Girdling has long been used to induce fruit set in ellin at Davis during 1957. Black Corinth, but in recent years that practice has been

Page Twenty-six AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS largely replaced Qy spraying with the plant gi'owth reg-u­ on April 7 when the shoots were two to three inches lator-4-CPA-4-G----4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid. long. Canes were removed and fruit harvested on Septem­ A spray exp·e'riment on Black Corinth showed that ber 23, The shoots and their internodes wer-e elongated in gibberellin also results in an excellent fruit set. Two proportion to the concentration of compound used. When groups of ungirdled vines were treated on May 31, about measured on July 15, the shoots sprayed with the com­ three days after bloom; one group was spra)1'ed with pound at 1000 ppm were twice as long as the untveated gibbe1·ellin at 5 ppm-parts per million-the other group shoots. at 20 ppm-four vines per treatment. Another group of The length of cluster parts Was increased in proportion vines·was ungirdled and unsprayed, and a fourth girdled to the concentration' of gibberellin used. The compound but not spray,ed, At harvest-::---August 23-an excellent at 10 ppm resulted in the production of rather loose set of berries, much larger than those of the controls, clusters as a result of the elongation of cluster parts. was Produced by the vines sprayed with the compound Very loose clusters resulted from application of the com­ at 5 ppm. The largest berries and: clusters· resulted from pound at 100 ppm, but there were many shot berries. gibberellin at 20 ppm. The percentage of total soluble At 1000 ppm the clusters were virtually destroyed. In solids of fruit from sprayed vines was lowe·r than that this treatment ovaries still adhered to the greatly elon­ of -,girdled fruit, probably because of the larger crop on gated pedicels, hut the cluster framework was cracked sprayed vines. and quite brittle. 'Above 1 ppm the average weig4t per cluster and berry usually decreased-1 with increasing con­ Thompson Se:edless centrations nf the compound, probably because the Girdling is generally used in Galifornia to produc-e number of small shot berries increased, Ia'rge berries of Thompson Seedless for table use, al­ There was no definite trend in the, percentage of total thought 4-CPA has also been used -on a limited scale soluble solids or· acid. However, treatments at later dates for the same purpose. On June 11, after berry set, un­ hastened coloration and maturation. girdled Thompson Seedless vines were sprayed with gi·bberellin at 5, 20 and 50 ppm, four vines per treatment. Data at Harvests for Black Corinth and Thompson One group of vines was ungirdl·ed and unsp'rayed, and Seedless Grapes another group was trunk-girdled but unsprayed. Fruit was harvested on August 26'. Clusters and berries of Treatm•ent, Av. Av. Total vines sprayed with the gibberellin at 5 ppm we're larg"ler concentration wt./ wt./ soluble than those of unsprayed and ungirdled vines, but smaller gibberellin .cluster berry solids Ac'id than those of the u:A.sprayed but girdled vines. V.ery large ppm gm gm % % clusters and berries resulted from treatment with the Black Corinth compound at 20 ppm and 50 ppm. The percentage of total 0 not girdled 59.8 0.14 27.7 0.85 soluMe solids was lowest and the percentage of acid 5 not girdled 122.0 0.47 23.2 0.85 highest in the fruit sprayed With the compound at 50 20 not girdled 215.9 0.65 23.5 0.89 ppm, 0 girdled .. 131.7 0.35 24.1 1.02 Zinfandel Thompson Seedless Grape varieties with compact clusters are undesirable lbs. lbs. because 1·ot is likely to develop in them. If the cluster 0 not gridled 0.66 1.59 22.4 0.79 parts could be lengthened, such clusters would be 5 not girdled 0.95 1.91 23.2 0.73 loosened and the tendency 'to rot reduc·ed. Shoots -of 20 not g'iiXlled 1.46 2.71 18.9 0.83 Zinfandel, a variety with y,ery compact clusters, were 50 not girdled 2.15 3.15 17.6 0.94 sprayed with gibberellin at 0, 1, 10, 100, or 1000 ppm 0 girdled .. 1.10 2.26 23.0 0.74

Data at Harvest~September 23-for Zinfandel Clusters

Treatment, Length Av. Av. Total concentra~ Length Length basal Length wt.j wt./ soluble tion gibberellin cluster peduncle lateral pedicel cluster berry solids Acid ppm em em em mm gm gm % % 0 16.6 0.9 10.6 6.3 385 2.16 21.0 0.66 1 18.2 1.2 12.6 418 2.00 22.0 0.69 10 20.8 1.6 14.4 8.9 335 1.64 21.0 0.64 100 25.5 2.4 15.2 12.2 188 22.3 0.59 1,000 3.0 16.1 9

+·-·-··-·-.. -·. .:.....··- .. -··-··-.. -··-··-··-.. -··-··-··-"·-··-·--·-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··--··-·-·-··-"-··-.. -··-··-·-t 1 THE vicToRIA INSURANCE coMPANY liMITED r I ESTABLISHED 1849 ! I 1 jl "Service with security for over a century" I FIRE, MARINE, ACCIDENT, MOTOR CAR, LIVESTOCK, WORKERS' COMPENSATION, CROP (FIRE AND HAIL). j I 44-46 QUEEN STREET, MELBOURNE I E. A. STANNER, MANAGER. PHONE MU 7067 1__ ,__,,_,,_,,_"_"_"_""_'"~•-••-••-.-•-"'-"-••-••-••-••-••-••-••-••-•-"-••-u-••-••-••-u•-••-••-••-••-••-••-.,-•+ I AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Pa2'e Twenty-seven I Black Corinth grapes at harvest. Control-A; girdled but unsprayed-B; sprayed with gibberellin at S~ ppm-C; an-d with gibberellin at 20 p·pm-D.

Thompson Seedless grapes at harvest sprayed with gibbereHin. Above-left,. 0 ppm; right, S ppm.

Page Twenty-eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS 'NEWS Thompson Seedless grapes at harvest sprayed with gibberell'in. Left, 20 ppm; right, 50 ppm.

FILM ON GRAPEVINE PRUNING

C.S.I.R-.0. Film Unit has just completed a 16 m.m. colour film entitled "Grapevine Pruning." The film was produced -with Commonwealth Research Station, Merbein, and Departments of Agriculture in New South Wales and Victoria co-operating.

Alr·eady the film has been shown: to more than half a Spur Pruning dozen growers' meetings in Sunraysia, Nyah-Woorinen The film includes recommendations by Departments and Robinvale districts, and at The A.D.F.A. Gadget of Agriculture regarding spur pruned varieties. Zantc Day. South Australian Department of Agriculture has Currants and Walthams are p'runed similarly, with two jts own copy of the film. Orchard Supervisor Eric Biggs, clear buds per spur, a handspan apart and totalling 18 of Mildura, reports that it drew record attendances at to 30 spurs p·er vine according to vigour and distance night meetings and aroused keen discussion. He estimates apart. "Hen and Chickens" in Walthams can be controlled audiences totalling more than 1000- hav-e already seen it. largely by pruning after budburst. Where yield and not Main interest was shown in the way C.S.I.R.O. examined quality for fresh fruit is the consideration, Walthams buds for. the harvest forecast, and in actual pruning (called Malagas in South Australia) may be cane pnmed. methods, he reports. Gordos suffer from overcropping and should be pruned to only one cleaT bud above the ring of base buds and How it Happened only 8 to 12 spurs per vine. The very detailed and extensive studies of the Merbein First request for the film was contained in a resolution Station over the past 30 years on growth of the Sultana of A.D.F.A. Board of Management for a film on "cultural vine was used as a hasis for the filllll. Briefly, the film operations." Soon after this·, Victorian Department of covers the main conclusions from l'esearch which are of Agriculture produced its film "Target Five-Crown." p'ractical importance for the grower. C.S.I.R.O. were asked to consider making ·a film and .Yield is estimated by Merbein Station from a micro­ Commonwealth Research Station, Merbein, consulted wjth scopic examination of the fruit buds of the Sultana made horticultural officers of New South Wales and Victoria in autumn each year. From this forecast of yield, Depart­ Department of Agriculture located in Sunraysia. The ment of Agriculture extension officers make recom­ general consensus of opinion was that the field in which mendations to gTowers about the numbers of canes to most information was available and also where most be left at pruning. I improvement could be made by extension wo·rk was in The1·e are no simple characteristics to tell whether a grapevine pruning. cane has fruitful buds, but most pruners quickly recog-

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twenty-nine nise the ·qualities of "a good -cane" as one with a well­ ~-·--·-·"_.._,".._., __,., ripened appearance, a good diameter maintained out to the pruning- cut, internodes not too long, and preferably soll1ie woody laterals. I I Watershoots, and canes that have (or have not) borne a bunch as green shoots, will be satisfactory as pruning wood provided they "look like good caneS." I BIRMERI i The position of the pruning cut on canes has been over­ emphasised-actually only the two terminal buds are i CO-OPERATIVE ~ affected by the position of the cut. These two end buds on the cut eane have a vel1' high ·percentage bud burst. For the remaining buds, the tendency is for the fruitful +i PICIUNG COMPANY ! buds to burst rather than unfruitful ones·. Summer pruning should be avoided as any summer pruning depresses yield. If it is necessary to summer i LIMITED I prune, light tipping only should be done. Spring damag·e from hail or frost causes losses not only ~ Barmera I in the year of damage hut also depresses the following crop. :Nothing can be dOne to improve yields in the year of damage. Buds bursting after the damage are usually i I not fruitful, but they mak,e satisfactory canes for next i Dried and Fresh Fruit ~ yea·r. I Packers 'I Film Bookings Growers' organisations who would like to see this film should contact their loeal office of the Department of 1 General Merchants j Agriculture, when a showing can be arranged. At the meetings held in the Murray Valley this winter, research officers from Merbein Station have described the research : Agents for Land, Insurance, Life Assurance, !~ background to the film, and extension officers of the Department of Agriculture have given departmental re­ Ol Hospital and Medical Benefits, Motor <+ commendations based on this year's forecast, and with ., ~ the help of Kodachrome slides have conducted most inter­ : Vehicles, Implements, Household Appliances. <+ esting discussions on pruning. Finally, the film was re-run, the whole jnstructive ·evening taking about two hours : ~ even thOugh the film lasts only 16 minutes. ~~'*•••••••••••••••••••••··~··~·····~·a

a .. 9l.. fl.. a.. !JJ'tancfi actit~-itie-6

LOXTON ment of Agriculture ~o undertake the control and eradication of weeds in the producing areas as- a The Branch refers to the circular letter which was protection for the Dried Fruit Industry." sent to growers by the Board . of Management pointing A very interesting talk was given by Mr. W. V. Ford, out the benefits of s·elling their fruit through recognised of Mildura, on his trip to London, his impressions of the A.D.F.A. channels instead of selling for cash to outside U.K. trade· to-day, and the keeping qualities of our fruit. buyers. After making many enquhies in various directions The attendance was disappointing, only 43 members- be­ the Branch is of the opinion the circular had a marked ing present; yet 300 printed invitations we're Posted to effect on growers, ·evidenced by the increase in tonnage growers in Loxton and Pyap districts in an endeavour to the two A.D.F .A. packing houses concerned, one show­ to attract mor.e members to hear A.D.F.A. news and in­ ing an increase of 40 per cent. over the previous season, formation. The l,ocal executive is appreciative of Mr. and the other 30 per cent. - Ford's. gesture in giving his time by travelling to Loxton. The Branch thanks the Chairma~ and the Board for \ A resolution was passed again this year authorising a the initiative and guidance given to this Branch in up­ local levy on growers of 3d. per ton Vine Fruits and 6d. holding the principles of A.p.F .A. orderly marketing. per ton on Tree Fruits. At the Annual General Meeting on 10th June, chaired by Mr. A. Busbridge, the main topic was· the rapid RENMARK spread of Innocent Weed, Three-cornere

Page Thirty AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS flu&licittj VISITS BY REPRESENTATIVES

The following summary analyses the visits made during units and showcards were well received, while self-service April and May: ' stores ·eagerly .awaited shop banners and window stickers which are in cOurse of printing. In South Australia cello. State S.~Serv. Grocers G. Stores M.Bus. ·Del. Total packs are becoming more popular. Victoria . . 81 109 40 55 35 320 N.S.W. 74 333 74 187 33 As an indication of the publicity work already carried 701 out by The A.D.F.A. the following have been issued to S.A. . 47 101 13 135 13 309 the trade and to consumers: Queensland 25 17 14 133 1 190 837,000 recipe books. 227 560 141 510 82 1,520 12,000,000 point-of-sale leaflets. 17,000 posters. Display units installed were 55. 154,000 showcards. Most retailers reported steady sales but little new Representatives have made 26,300 visits to retailers, season's fruit was in sto~k. Retail pric·es for 1957 fruit travelling 266,711 miles throughout the Eastern States. were very attractive· in an effort to clear stocks. Display Visits this year B:re >B;Xpected to reach 87,000. SHOWS AND DISPLAYS An advertisement in the Swan Hill 1958 show schedule Showcase space is now being used at the S.A. House­ has been approved. wives' Association's rooms in Adelaide at an annual • * * • rental of £15. Display material wHl be changed monthly. The Victorian Railways have been asked whether one * * • * of the showcases at Flinders' Street Station could be ex­ Exhibit spac~ at the Adelaide Royal Show 1958 has changed for a similar showcase at Spencer Street Station. heen booked. COMPETITIONS A cookery _pri,ze Df £5/5/- for the best fruit cake Enquiries are to 1be made from the Victorian Educa­ exhibited at the Hobart Royal Show has been renewed. tion Department as to whether it will approve The Similar prizes have b9

~~wATER INTO GOLD" Mrs. Ernestine _Hill haS now completed her reviston of has heen arranged that, in conjunctioil with the pub­ the 10th Edition, and _the FDreword, which the Prime lishers, inVitations be sent to the press to attend a cock­ Ministe'r has kindly consented to write, has been for­ tail. party. warded to the publishers. If, as is anticipated, the rel,ease coincides with the As it is desirable tO obtain as llllUCh publicity for the holding of Federal Gouncil this year, the function could Industry as possible when the new edition is Teleased it be held as part of Federal Council activities. NEW PUBLICITY APPOINTMENTS The Board has appointed five new representatives (two The initial training was very thorough and compre­ each for Victoria and New South Wales and Dne for hensive, embracing details of The A.D.F.A. publicity Queensland). The representatives are Messrs. R. G. activities, administrative ·requirements, the types of ap­ Brewer and J. F. Mcintosh (Victoria), K. -R. Garnett and proach to be made to- the grocery retail and pastrycook J. H. Jones (New South Wales) and G. Ballantine trades, the display material and literature to be issued, and the care of mDtor vehicles. The new men were also (Queensland). Mr. M. F. Whitehead (N.S.W.) having given field training under the guidance of experienced resigned the vacancy has been, filled! b~ Mr. J. Hopkins. representatives. Duties commenc-ed .on 17th June by a course of initial Messl·s. H. W. Graham (N.S. W.) and E. J. Hoffman training at Melbourne under Mr. A. M. Burgdorf, who (Qu_eensland) have been appointed Senior Representa­ has been appointed Field Supervisor. tives. PASTRYCOOK TRADE CONFERENCE Representatives have started making visits and are held in Melbourne on 18th and 14th AugJJst. This con­ gaining useful background of the trade, the approach ferenc·e will consist mainly of lectures given by com­ to which is m01~e detailed and technical' than that made lTJiercial sup-pliers to the pastrycook trade, by the Angliss to grocery retailers. Food School and -by a bakery expe'rt from C'.S.I.R.O. To widen 'this background and to train all representa~ Interstate representatives will travel to and from Mel­ tives in the same form of approach a conference is to be bourne in their vans canying out visits en route.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty~one NEW STORAGE FACILITIES

With the increase of N.S.W. representatives to four tive Ltd. to proyjde space at their Crow's Nest premises. it is considered undesirable that they store display Approval has been given fox the installation of suitable material and units at their homes and the Board has partitions. gratefully accepted the offer of Prunegrowers' Co-opera-

NEW IDEAS

Representatives have been advis·ed to take a note of be quite helpful in planning future approaches. New useful and topical display or adve1tising- ideas which they ideas (and, if obtainable, samples of materials and litera­ may notice in the course of their visits as these could ture) are always welcomed from representatives.

SALES PROMOTION

The extension of The· A.D.:F'.A. publicity campaign to •Re"tailers and pastrycooks are being strongly recom­ pastrycooks coinddes with a season of excellent quality mended .by wholesalers and publicity representatives to Currants, Sultanas and Seeded Raisins. Beca't1se of this cover their supplies by e&rly ordering and delivery, and quality overseas markets are eagerly seeking supplies ~he ~ousewife, through the press and point-of-sale leaflets, and the strong demand has made prices attractive to the IS bemg encouraged to see that her home needs are readily Industry. In consequence, early expoTts ar-e being made. maintained.

UNITED KINGDOM

Through the June issue of "Overseas Trading" we learn the United Kingdom which call for increased promotional Ghat for the fourth year in succession the Commonwealth activity to enable Australian goods to hold and increase Government and the statutory Marketing Boards have their position in the market. increased their financial contributions to the Australian trade pro'motion campaign in the United Kingdom. ;~~~~~®~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J$~~~~~~~~~~~~~m~ Almost £1 million will be spent in the United Kingdom in the financial year 1958-59 on the, promotion _of Aus­ tra:lian products in that market. The Government will ADVICE contribute £396,000 to the caillpaign and the statutory I For{~s0RANCE I Marketing Boards will provide £132,000. · It is expected that the food importing and distributing I ~ I trade will spe·nd well over £400,000 in promotional activity ! SERVICE t during the year. Most of this expenditure has been in­ dUced by the joint C'ommonwealth-Marketing Board pro­ PLATE GLASS ALL RISKS BURGLARY i and has gained strong and reg·ular sales support for their : TOURISTS & TRAVELLERS PUBLIC RISK : own brands by Australian packers and exporters. iv MOTOR VEHICLE •& In the past three years 18,000 I'etail store displays, .30 fairs, and sales drives in over 500 factories have been ~ CONSULT THE :~ the highlights of the ~ampaign. v Law Union & Rock Insurance i Major wholesalers in the United Kingdom are ·n·ow t freely taking part in __ spe-cial Australian food drives, using Iv COMPANY LIMITED (t hundreds of salesmen, '\Vindow competitions and special ~ catalogues. Large prestige stores are co-operating well ll GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., AGENTS .~ in promotions of Aust'ralian goods. : 34 Queen Street, Melbourne MB 2418 : i • A recent Australian fair at Selfrid_ges, London, was w Mildura Agents: (t the biggest single promotion ever handled by the store. A main feature of the 1958-59 campaign will be the prp­ t MILDURA CO-OPERATIVE FRUIT CO. LTD. ~ ~ vision of special stands for grouping of Australian pro­ ~ Nyah Agents: .@> dUcts in Tetail stores to gain greater sales impact. ~ RIVERSIDE PACKERS PTY. LTD. ~

Page Thirty-two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS SUPERFINE

COPPER FUNGICIDAL SPRAY

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page ThirtY-three REF'UND OF PETROL TAX In the January-March issue of the "News" we published types of self-propelled farm implements. The form i:;; the submission to the Federal Treasurer seeking exeiDIP~ supported by a declarati~n. tion of petrol-engined tractors from petrol tax. "It is conceivable that a similar form, declaration and A Teply received from the Fede'ral Treasul"er does not system of refund c-ould operate in Australia. convey much likelihood of the exemption being granted "To some extent similar conditions apply in the United for it put forward the following observations: Kingdom. Distinction is made 'between road users and (a) Tax on diesel fuel was imposed so as to remove the non-road users, but the latter category, instead of claim­ anomaly under which diesel-engined road vehicles ing and obtaining refunds, :veceive supplies. free -of tax. were tax-free while petrol-engined vehicles were B-titish farmers have derived helpful assistance from the not.· concession. · (b) Petrol tax is not, and- never has been, raised to "In Italy substantial percentage 1·eductions on normal finance roads. prices are allowed to fat·mers who are members of (c) The petrol tax was first imposed· in 1902 as a U.M~A. (Users of Tractors and Farm Machines) when ' general tax. the machines are used on farm wor~. (d) As a general revenue tax it is similar to the tax "In the U.S.A. it is believed that dyed petrol is sold on beer, tobacco, and other commodities. to farmers at concession rates, subject to the imposition (e) Exemption of diesel fuel tax cannot he taken as of severe penalties f-or illegal use. a precedent. "In all theSe countries the Governments have appar~ (f) There would be considerable administrative diffi­ ently found that the benefits granted to farme1·s are of culties in providing the exemption sought. more value to primary industry than the possible addi­ tional administrative cost and work involved. The A.D.F.A. has conv.eyed further views to the "It is, therefore, submitted for your most earnest con­ Treasurer, in the following letter: sideration that if Gove-rnments of other countries see fit, "It is desired to submit for your further consideration in the interests of assisting primary production, to grant the folloWing points which it is felt support this Associa­ conces.sions of petrol tax similar concessions could well tion's 1·equest of 14th May- .be accorded to Australian farmers with petrol-engined / "1. While it is -appreciated that exemption from tax tractors for their costs of production are not decreasing of diesel fuel not used by road vehicles must not and their ability to retain some margin from the prices be taken as a p'recedent for a similar exemption they receive is becoming more and more difficult. on petrol, it is submitted that a principle of equity "This Association sincerely hopes that in view of the amongst owners of tractors used for primary explanations now given you will consider all-owing the con- production is involved. cession s.ought." ' "2. Tax c-oncessions on petrol used for primary pro­ duction are being granted by other countries de­ spite the possible additional administrative work involved. Principle of Equity "As pointed out in my letter of 14th May owners of diesel-engined tractors are able to use tax-free fuel, whereas the owners of petrol-engined tractors are denied this . concession. It has not been suggested that tractors for any use whatsoever be exempted from tax, but that special consideration be given to those used exclusively for primary production. uAt pr~sent diesel-engined tractOrs enjoy the· conces­ sion, but petrol-engined tractors, which are performing exactly the same function of primary production, are denied it. In consequence, one class: of -primary pr-oducer enjoys a distinct advantage over another, yet both may be performing identical functions. <;;ljl~ "This seems anomalous, and, for the sake of equity, it is respectfully submitted that although · administrative detail may be involved this should not -over-ride the need RAW All to allow comparable 1benefits to both classes of primary BUILDING SHEIET producers. A vertical grooved sheet giving attractive light Administration and shade effects. Secret and weatherproof uother countries have recognised the need for equal patented method of jointing eliminates cover­ treatment despite any possible adtruinistrative difficulties, strops ... cannot rot. and it is noted that in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Italy arrangements are made by Governments to For full information and the name of your provide exemptions. It is understood that by h'~eating nearest distributor write to- petrol with a dye it is available for agricultural purposes in the U.S.A. In the United Kingdom it has been found Possible to discontinue the use of a dye, y-et still allow an exemption. Limited "In' :New Zealand there is a special 'E' registration f-or 228 Hanna Street, South Melbourne, Vic. farm tractors not used on public highways, and a simple form applying for refund is filed for petrol used in all

Page Thirty-four AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS ... the answer to your fruit drying problems. *. Proved ,and found successful, it is the ideal groundsheet that is keyed to the needs of -dried-fruit growers everywhere. Miracle, multi-purpose SISALKRAFT defies moisture and mildew; protects fruit from frost; helps to hasten drying; makes raking out extremely easy. Light to handle, it remains .firmly on the ground, lasts for years and most important of all ~ it's economical! Protect your fruit with SISALKRAFT . . . and make sure that the months of hard toil turn into Profit for you. SISALKRAFT-available at your packing shed. 5 (.SA LI(IA FT for FUU. ·PROTECTION

1.

ground1 cover with hes­ over fruit. sian and tip fruit onto hessian. • • • 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER FRUIT DRYING

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty-five I .,J VICTORIA gTowth this practice will reduce jack infestation levels, but cannot :be expected to completely eradicate them. Ii The sub-committee formed at the Noxious Weeds Con­ a dry winter occurs jacks will have no difficulty in grow­ feTence held at Mildura on the 26th May, 1958, has de­ ing and seeding themselves str-ongly while the clover will cided on the folloVling procedure, particularly in relation . give very poor growth. ~ to Dried Fruits growers, in an endeavour to control specific typ·es of weeds: The only sp_xay to show any value has been power kero­ sene and this has only been effective while plants were 1. Growers and other bodies affected will be supplied in the two-leaf stage. If plants are older some of the with advice on m.ethods of control. leaves. may be burned off, but the plimt will continue to 2. More rigid inspections of drying greens will be grow. observed. Special Note.-It is nec·essary to clean up jacks on the 3. Where fruit is d·elivered to ~ pa:Cking house and drying green and also in the block since rubbet' tyred classed as HSubject to special treat1111ent for foreign vehicles will qu'ickly reinfest a clean drying green after matter" bY packing house door classers- travelling through the jack inf.ested block. (a) The Victorian Dried Fruits Board In's:Pecto.r will notify the grower concerned (apart fl'om CALTROP weight dock·et endorsement), and the local (Puncture Weed) office of the Department of Agriculture. An officer of this DepaJ'tment will then inspect the This weed ger-minates in the late spring and summer. property and tender further advice. After germinating it grows rapidly and produces an enormous number of! burrs per plant. (,b) When a grower persists in delivering fruit containing foreign matter, the Inspector of Control the Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch of the The plant is easily kiUed by cultivation, oil sprays, Department of Lands and Surv·ey will visit hormone sprays and a number of wee{! killers. the prOperty and take such action as he may decide fit. (Note.-The Department of Lands Caltrop plants should be killed before seeds· form and has power to prosecute for infringement of the this means that treatment must be applied soon after the Noxious W e·eds Act.) plant germinates as seeds form while the plant is quite young and small. Where burrs have already formed the 4. All fruit classed for special treatment for foreign plant should be removed ind burned. matter (including stones, etc.) will be taken into the packing house in "bond" and may be released for packing only at the discretion of th€- Inspector GENTLE ANNIE OR INNOCENT WEED of the Department of Primary Industry. Gentle Annie g-e·rminates in the late spring and sum­ mer. S~eds are soon formed. It is the intention of the sub~committee to circular~se growers in terms of the following -commentary which has been prepared by offic·ers of the Victorian Department t~~~$~~~$~~~~$$$$$$$~$~~~~$~$~$~~~· of Agriculture in collaboration with officers of the- Com~ monwealth Research Station: THREE-CORNERED JACK WOORINEN i~ I~ This is a winter growing annual plant. It is very re­ sistant and hardy once the s-eedling becomes well estab­ lished. Seed is continually germinating during the winte1· months and seeds can also remain alive in the soil for I FRUITGROWERS I several years before germinating. Plants produoe .burrs or jacks while still quite young and as the plant matures larg·e quantities of burr are. formed. I CO-OP. co. LTD. i Control by Cultural Methods ~ I Cultivation is still the most effective method of con­ 9 Registered Office: W oorinen South <+ trolling Three~cornered Jack, However, the disc cultivator Branches at Nynhwest( Tresco : is not particularly effective in killing Three-cornered ~ and Jack. The Rigid Tyne cultivator with overlapping duck ~ I feet and the Rotary Hoe are very effective implements. . I DRIED FRUIT AND CITRUS PACKERS ~ CUltivation should be carried out while the plants are still in the tWo-leaf stag~e and cultivation should be about ~ GENERAL HARDWARE AND TIMBER # two inches deep at least or the crown of the plant will : MERCHANTS I remain in the soil and re-grow. As plants are likely to continue to germinate during the winter months regular I ALL GROWERS' REQUISITES i cultivations at the appropriate times are necessary. Knif­ ing under the vines has proved very effective also. Using ~ AGENTS FOR: I these methods a numrber of growers have worked jacks ~~ AMPOL (ALBA) PETROLEUM PTY. LTD. ~~· -out of badly infested properties. H. V. McKAY MASSEY HARRIS PTY. LTD.. ~ Where lig·ht infe·stations are present jack plants can RONALDSON BROS. & TIPPETT b.e effectively handled with the shovel. However, if burrs have already been formed on. the plant it must be picked DANIEL HARVEY LTD. ~ VICTORIA INSURANCE CO. LTD. ~ up, carried off and burned. Here again this treatment ~ & must be applied at frequent intervals to catch newly ~ QUEENSLAND •INSURANCE CO. LTD. ~ germinated plants. A.M.P. SOCIETY ~ Alternate Control M'ethods T. & G. LIFE. SOCIETY I A vigorously growing clover. sward which has germi­ I LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS lP nated early and established well Will compete strongly ~ ' ~ with jacks. \Vhere the winter is favourabloe to clover '!liil'i>'i>M~'>®<'f'$ ------~------Page Thirty-six AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Control The -Chairman said that the various State Boards had Gentle Annie is easily eontroiled l;ty cultivation in the Imide individual representations to the F-ederal Treasurer strongly supporting The A.D.F.A. petition for the aboli· spring and summer aft,~r tl~e _plants h~ve germinated. Th-ese cultivations should be timed to kill the plant soon tion ()f sales tax on Raisin Br'ea:4 .-and Plum Puddings. after ge.rmdnation before burrs are formed. NEW SOUTH WALES On ditChes and simdlar places where etiltiV8:Hotr is diffi­ .cult, hand cultivation or spraying ·wtth -Power ke~o_sene .. The 1..967-68 Annual' -Rep,~tt has been ;~ceiv~d, and its are-- the methods which :m~st be used. usual -excellent and concise presentation Sets out -the Board's activities supported by detailed statistics of pro- NUT GRASS duction. · The only satisfactory method of controlling this weed For 1967, pro-dtictitm- of Dried- Vine Fruits was_·tippre­ is to hand dig each patch and remove every piece of Nut·: ciably larger than for 1956, b.ut. a dro"(l_ .i.s .. rtofOO for Grass and burn. Unusual methods which have been used . Tre_e J!~ruits arid Prunes. - ·-· ·- '' '·'·_:,:.r· in some cases have been to (1) house geese on the patch, . _In_ r~g.a~d .to plintings and markets the report states J2) _he~p ---c·g_mbustible rubbish on top of the patch, ail ow that th13 ~o.ard has always h-eld that marketing difficulties the'· NU:t·:Grass to grow up into the rubbish and then would 'arise if the plantings of vine_ fruits for dr~ing burn the lot. Were not properly regulated. It saw the need of some new BLUE WEED OR HARD HAND THISTLE development for discharged s-ervicemen, but felt that to protect them and th~·-' settlers already in --'the industry, it .· -·darefUf SPraying:~ 6kehin'g ·*n th:e· _·l'lec~Bsary pre­ was desirable to place some reasonabl~ J!m.it -.on ... new cautions and using a spra:y- Of 0.2 per -cent sti-€:nkth of plantings. The Irrigation _authorities in ·N¢\v J?9.~~h,'_WAles th_e~ amine Salt of '2;4--:D, ha:s· given a number of instances have_ been emPowered by legiSlation to, ~m.it .. d-~velOp::­ Of _SUCcess: This spfaY is applied in early- NoVetn:ber when ment in certain directions and the Board was recently the' plants are flower_ing; ExtteiiiJe care·__ is 'needed in the advised by the Water Conservation and IrrigatiOn 'Com:.. handling of this inat~ial in the .V:in~yard. and in clean­ mission that its present policy w,as- againS_t the further iilg oUt spray ap·paratus as even Small amounts of the e_xpansion of the irrigation- of areas planted to vines for niaterial if spraYed· onto vines ca:n kill them. A calm day the p-roduction of Dried Vine Fruits. ' and careful direction Of We Spray away from the vines at>e: so that no spray drift ()r spray reaches thC vines are Other matters dealt with increased acreages, home necessarY precautions. quotasj registration of packing houses and ,d!;:lhydtators, publicity, Prune field research and grade fixing. MEETING ON 30/S/1~58 Conc·erning finance the revenue of tlie Board c·omes The Board gave. lengthy consideration to the question from a ContribUtion COlleCted by the packing · h~tis,es, of grading of sub-sta.ndard fruit and, as a preliminary but paid by the producers. The rate per ton has been measure, it was de_cided_ that. eaclt packer ~ould be re-' 4s.- 6d. for several years. In years of v:ety low prcr­ quested to supply the Bo,::J;rd with a detailed stateinent duction such as in 1956 the -collections are· greatly i"e­ showing. _methods adopt_e_d at the respective packing dueed but the policy of the_ Board is to make ·up anY hOtiSeS in i"egard to handling Sub-standard fruit. deficiency in !unds :from its reserves. The cost ·of aid­ The Board, with 'the -co-overation of packers, hoped to ministration is kept as low as possible an~ changes very ai'rive a~ some solution of this problem bef()re the end of little f:tom year to year Unless special cir:Cu!JJ~hin~es arise. November. The annual acc-ounts ar-e set out below-

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1957

EXPENDITURE. INCOME. £ s. d. £ d. £ s. d . Allowances- •• Contributions . . . • ...... 2,637 5 4 Chairman and Secretarial 500 0 0 Registration Fees . . . • . . . . 15 0 0 Menlbers .. 400 0 0 AlloWance in I...ieli of Interest 120 0 0 900 0 0 DefiCiency for Year ...... 95 10 3 Salaries and AllowanceS- Clerical ...... 906 12 4 Typing . : · ...... 100 0 0 1,006 12 4 Traveltihg Ex:pensefj.;-o.· Chairmen and Members .. 224 17 0 ln~eciion Services- ommonw-ealth Inspection at Packing House . . . . 166 0 0 Special Inspections, etc. 201 0 8 367 0 s Contributions- Consultative Committee .. 10 0 0 Western , Australian Dried Fruits Board ...... 10 0 0 20 0 0 Postage, etc...... 46 1 10 Printing and Stationery . . . . , . . . 74 12 2 Audit Fee ...•..-; .• .- ...... 10 10 0 Office Rental, etc... 187 19 8 Election Costs ...... , . 85 11 0 Sundry Expenses ...... 44 11 4

£2,867 15 7 £2,867 15 7

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty·Silven BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEM.BIDR, 1967• ·'

LIABILITIES. ASSETS. £ s. d. £ •• d. Accrued eharg~~ .~~ :- __ ~- . '. :-·:· ·· ...... 549 13 1 Cash at Treasury . . . . ~ . 4,047 8 7 Ee~s. and .Contributions. paid in advance 16 0 1 Contributions outstanding 28 8 8 .ACcumulated Fund,&...-· 13 3 11 £, s. d. ~~~:YE:.rl~m·e·nt. ~t· deP~:e~i~~~ ~~lt~~ . 6'9 1 3 Sundry Debtors . , 42 6 0 3,731 0 6 95 l({ 3 3,685 10 3 ·,- i £4,200 3 5 £4,200 3 5

WESTERN AUSTRALIA sion (msll:ed Smongst members arid adsing theref1~om the following resolution was passe€J- _-The BoQp~i' IDet in April and May and gave attention to · conSiderable_ !COrrespondence which had }}een re~ "That the Dir~ctor of A.,griCulture be asked to give ceiVed. Th'e,,foll9wing, resolution was passed at the 'May consideration to increased research in the matter m~t;'!ting- · of water conservation 8.nd irrigation and, in par­ ticular, in relation to increased productivity in the uThat this Board endorses the- application made Dried. Vine Fruits areas and to this end approach by ·the A~D.F. --Association to the Federal Treasurer the Minister of Agriculture, if, in. his opinion, .prac­ for removal of Sales Tax on Raisin Bread and Plum ticability merits such action. \ Puddings and in support thereof authorises the '"Further, that -the Director be thanked for his co~ Chairrilan to lodge an application dit·ect from this operation in making available to the Board_- the ser­ Board." · vices of the Governmeut Viticulturist, Mr. W. Also at the -May meeting, the Chairman introduced to Jamieson." · · · members the .Gov-ernment-Viticulturist, Mr. W. Jamdeson, A condse ft.nd well~presented Report for 1957 .-has who attend~d the meeting in response to a request ·.made be·en- received. In it details -of the --year's activities·· are to '·the Director of Agriculture "that the departmental recorded. The administrative hwy was 5/3d.,_ the same officer engaged at the Research }i'arm on water problems as .for the preceding seven years. in -relation to increaSed productivity of Dried Vine Fruits be permitted to· attend and give advice ·on this matter." The report. listS registered packing houses and dealers, and refers to matters relating to marketing, inspection, .-_Mr. Jal!liesdn spoke ·at length on the-matter ·atld gave infestation and the value of funds diStl(ibuted ·by packers members soine , int{l:restin~ information. Fu~her discus- to growers. The annual accounts were as follows:

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1957 -·--+-----~--~~--~------~------~------~c------'Ex·p~nditure. Income. 1957 - . 1957 £ s. d. £ s. d. ~o Secretarial and Office Administration 326 13 4 l3Y Growers' Contribution: ,~ , :.noard Members' Fees and Expenses . 201 18 0 1956 (Balance) . . . 19 17 8 ·i ,,Pr~nting and Stationery .....• ~-·· .. , 85 17 0 1957 . • • . 592 19 0 -. n :Pos-tagest.. Telegrams and TeJ.ey)'wnes 17 11 0 . 612 16 8 , ,Geileral fljxpenses .•. ~ : . . ~ •.._. 16 10 3 , Inte'rest--Cu:Uent ..Ac,cOunt · . . -.. 12 6 10 '" Audit Fee .••.•...... 5 5 0 , Interest---Commonw·ealth Loan. . . _. 38 5 9 >I'~ Depreciation ...... 1 6 8 , Registration Fees-- · ,r Inspection Fees ...... 110 4 0 Dealers ...... • ;... : . . .' . ·. · .·. 21 0 0 '!I~ Conference Expens-es ...... 103 1 0 Pacldng · Sheds _.... ~ . ." ..- • ...... 4 0 0 ,t Election- Expenses . . ~. . . , .. 64 8 3 " Excess Expenditure over Inco1ne, 1957 244 5 ·3 £932 14 6 £932 14 6'

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBE~ 1957 ------~---~·------,---'------~~~- Liabilities. 1957 .£ •• d. Charges Accrued Due: Audit Fee .. 5 5 0 Election Expense .. 0 15 9 6 0 9 Excess of Assets over Lia- bilities ...... 1,829 14 0 Deduct Ex~~ss' ·of Expendi- , ture ovel'. .IncomE! for year 244 5 3 1,585 8 9 £1,591 9 6

Page Tbfrty~ght AUSTRAUAN DRiED FRUITS NEWS Fhe well know~ rang~ of AJAX Pumps for Industrial and Agricultural purposes is being con­ tinually increased so today's requirements can be fully satisfied. Below are recent additions

JET CENTRIFUGAL PUMP. P"ressures to 40 lbs. Type JS% for wells to 20 feet deep, JD% for wells 15 feet to 70 feet deep. Capacities to 200 gallons per hour. Fitted with lh H.P., 230 volt single phase motor. Supplied only as shown or as complete automatic pressure set including 16 gallon tank with pressure gauge and automatic control. Ask for particulars.

HIGH PRESSURE CENTRIFUGAL PUMP: 2 inch discharge, two or three stage, capacities to 200 gallons per minute, heads to 300 feet. Simple construction, low speed. Two Stage is suit· able for belt drive or direct coupling to motor or engine. Three Stage suitable for direct coupling only maximum. Speed, 2,000 R.P.M,

SINGLE STAGE CENTRIFUGAL PUMP: 2 inch discharge­ capacities to 225 gallons per minute and heads to 220 feet. Robust, rugged design. Suitable for belt drive or direct coupled to motor or engine. Special water seal arrangement fitted with renewable bronze shaft sleeve. Pump may be dismantled without disconnecting pipe line.

TRACTOR DRIVE PUMP: 2 Inch discharge- driven directly from tractor Power-take-off shaft. Heads to 280 feet at speeds not exceeding 535 R.P.M. Capacities to 225 gallons per minute. Can be supplied complete with universal drive shaft and other fittings, or as Pump and Gear Box only,

Fully descriptive folders on all the above Pumps will be sent with prices, on request. Ask now.

546 Collins St., Melbourne, 51 Bathurst St., Sydney, 102 Waymouth St., Adelaide, 532 Murray St., Perth, and at Brisbane.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty-nine

------v, No. 5 of a series of advertisements in the preparation of which leading ornithologists kindly assisted J:f

THE MAGPIE-LARK (Graffina cyanoleuca Latham)

Peewees, Mudlarks, Murray Magpies, Little Magpies, Peewits or Pugwalls-whatever you call the Magpie-larks, they are still one of the most graceful, as well as useful, of our bush birds. Found mostly in the open and never far from water, their call­ usually uttered when alighting with peculiar wing-beats­ is responsible for the name 'Peewee'. The black-and­ white plumaged Magpie­ larks have an uncommon llight-straight, with a heavy flapping motion of their wings. Food, (some of which is also illustrated) consists of ins~ct-life taken on the ground, and pond-snails.

No less useful a friend of the farmer is his local agent for

TRACTOR POWER KEROSINE • OIESOLEUM* MOTOR SPIRIT and ENERGOL Lubricants {>As !'ecommended in tl1e High-Speed CompressWn Ignitimt BEETLE LARVA Handbook available on fWJi.test from all BP Austl'al-ia Limited bmnch offices. B P A U S T R A L I A L I M I T E 0 lc•medy THE COMMONWEALTH OIL REFINERIES LIMITED. 5/C450R

Page Forty AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS S.)ectator Publishing Co., Printers, 134a Little Collins Street, Melbourne.