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Page Two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS THE ORGANISATION OF THE INDUSTRY THE EXECUTIVE OF _THE A.D.F.A. Board ·of ManagemeD.t. The_. members of the Board, Agents' Representatives and the General Se_cretary are .listed on the Contents page of this issue. Committees, Tree Frui1:s: Mr. R. M. Simes·, M.B~E. (Cbairmari.}, MessrS. C. j, Ward, J. B. CarvosiJo, R. H. Curren;, R. F. Trott, A. Busbridge, J, McKay, O.B.E., ·R. C. I .. Harris. Prunes": Mr. R. M. Simes, M>B.E, (Chairman), Messrs .. C. J. ·-ward, J. B. Carvosso, R. F. Trott, A. E. Horne, H. E. Delves. Costs of Prt~ductiorl: ·Mr. R. M .• Sim·es, M.B:E. (Chairman), ;Messrs. C. J. Ward, W. V. Ford, L. G. Cameron, J. C. Harrison, J. McKay, · O.B.E., the General Secretary. Dried Fruits Processing (Packing) Committee: Mr. R. M. Simes*, M.B.E. (Chairman) (representing The A.D.F.A.), Messrs.' J. R. Gordon* (representing Export Control Board), W. A. Jackson*, J. C. Harrison, A. R. Hampton (Iepreaenting Mildura Packers), A. E. Spiller (representing Rob_invale Packer), W. B. Newland, C. Hartshorne (representing S.A. Packers), W. Malloch (repreR senting Nyahf.Woorinen Packers), F. Penman* (representing C.S.I.R.O.), F. J. Lesock (representing Dept, of Primary Industry), R. B. Curtis (Secretary). * Diinotes memb(:r of Executive. I· Production P,.oblems Committee: Messrs. E. C. Orton (Chairman), S. J. Lancaster,_J. H. Lapthorne, L. B. O'Donnell, M. W. D. Firth, w. J. Pillar, R. G. Horsburgh (Mildura representatives), L. G. Cameron (Board representative), J. V. Seekamp (S.A. l'epreaentative), W. I. Nanldvell (Vic. Dept. of AgricultUl-e), F. S. Oldham (Lower Murray Research Station), W. J. Kirwin (Export Control Board), J. M. Blainey, (S.R.W.S.C.). A. R. Hampton (Secretary), C.S.LR.O. appoint a nominee for each meeting.

COUNCILS AND BRANCHES Federal Council, 1960: Victoria-Messrs. W. J. Bail, R, E. Bennett, G. S. Cameron, A. S. Codlinz, J. L. T. Dickie, G. J. Farnsworth, M. W. ]). Firth, A. A, Giddings, R. P. J. Grant, G. C. Hobson, M. W. Johns, W. J. Kirwin, S. J. Lanca~ter, E. _E. Lloy_d, F. G. Lloyd, M. L. 'Matheson, Io'. R. Messenger, W. F. Middleton, E. D. Morey, H. A. Watson, 0. Ward. New South Wales-MesSl'B. D. B. Bel1, 0. Hackett, A. E. Horne, R. H. Pike, W. J. Pillar, B. L. Roberts, W. N. Thornton, L. A. Webb. · South Australia-Messrs. K. H. Andrew', A. R. Curren, R. H. Cur1·en, K. A. Dunk, J. V. Foot, M. B. Jones, A. R. Mead, J. S. Read, J. V, Seekamp, R. A, Swanbury, R.· F. Trott. Wesh'rn Australia-Messrs, J. Duff, W. H. Taylor. Packers' Delegates: Messrs. B. J. D'Orsa (Nyah/Woorinen), W. A. Jackr;on (ReO Cliffs), J. L. Clift (Mildura), J. :McKaY, O,B,E: (South Australia). 1 Agents' Representatives: Messrs. J. B. Carvosso, R. -G. Swan, C. J, Ward. S.A. River District Council: MessrS, C. W. Till (Chairman), J. K. Middleton (Secretary), Mid-Murray Valley District Council: Messrs. E. E. Lloyd (Chairman), N. M. Byrnes (Secretary). Mlldura District Council: 'Messrs. W. F. Middleton (Chairman), J. J. Newman (Sem·etary), Murrumbidgee District Council: Mr. H. Willington (Secretary). Nan-Irrigated Council: Messrs. R. F. Trott (Chairman). R. J. Ward (Secretary), Young Distr.ic\ Council: Messrs. J. W. Manchester (Chairman), M. G. Porter (Secretary).

Branch Chairman Secretary Angaston .. rL Trescowthiclt S. J. Johnson Barmera , , .... C. W. Till R. C. Harvey Berri .•.•...... H. H. Stone A. G. Maddern BungunyaliRKoraleigh K. Palmer L. Cox Carl ell , . · · K. A. Dunk ·M. M. Gordon Clare •...... W. H. Penna J. S. Read Coomealla , ·, ...... D. B. Bell W. N. Thornton Curlwaa .•...... L. B. O'Donne11 J. A. Page Gol Gol ....· •... H. Scheeles A. D. George Good~ight , . , . , . 'f, L; Connick. W. M. Connick Griffith Producers P. P. Crook C. R. Polkinghornc .Kingston . • . . , , W. J. Manning P; J. Lane R:ingsvale , . . . . , , . A. E. Horne J. W. Man cheater Lake Boga and Tresco . . . . A. S. Codling P. E. Winter Loxton . , , , , , .. A. B. Busbridge M. B. Jones Maimuru .•..•• , , N. MacBeth S. A. Blair Merbein •·. W. F. Middleton J.· L. T. Dickie Mildura , , J. R. Gordon J. Newman Moorook .. R. A. Swanbury E. C. Reid Mypolonga , . D. A. Oborn E. J. Schunke McLaren Flat R. F. Trott R. C. Guerin Nyah District G. C, HobBon J. A. Black Pomona L.A. Webb W. H. Bond Red Cliffs G. J. Farnswot•th H. R. Hand Renmarlc F, L. TripneY S. A. James Robin vale ••.... M. W. D. Firth G. S. Cameron S.A. Prune-growers R. F. Trott D. W. Haynes Waikerie .. R. C. Isaacson H. R. Starr Waterview . , ... E. R. Flynn R. M. Flynn Western Australian A. G. Watt A. J. Bishop Wirrimah •,• G. Walker J. Guymer Woorinen .• , •.. J. W. Jorgensen R. C. Polkingborne Yenda •••••... H. Willington THE STATUTORY BOARDS. Commonwealth Dried Fruits Control Board: Mr. Eugene Gorman, C.B.E., M.C., Q.C. (Chairman). Members: Messrs. P. Malloch, M.B.E. (:Marketing), J. R. Gordon, E. P. Shepherd (Commercial), A S. G Watt, E. N. Seary, 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: Mr. J. Olsson (Chairman), Messrs. )''. M. Read, 'M.Agr.Sc. (Deputy), J, S. Allison, J. G. Black, C. L. _Carey, D. W. Cockroft, J. S. Cutler (Grower Members). K. F. Neander (Secretary). Dried Fruits Board (South Australia): Messrs. F. M. McMillan -(Chairman), A. G. Strickland, M.Agr.Sc. (Deputy); R. It. Curren, C. W, Till, R. J. Ward (Gro'Yer ,-M~rnber,..), P. N. Flemi~g, F.C.I.S. {Secretary). New South Wal-es Dried Fruits B6ard: Messrs. J. D. Bryden (Ghairman), H. E. DelveS, A. E. Horne, L. B. O'Donnell, W. S. Pillar (Grower Members), Miss E. M. Grave3 (Secretary). Dried Fruits Board (W.A.): Messrs. E. S. Watt, O.B.E. (Chairman), A. Hooper, G. E. Hawke, J. Duff, W. H. Taylor, (Grower MemR ,Pers)~ J, P, Herlihy, A.A,S.A. (Secretary).

AlJSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Three VOL. 36 NUMBERS 1-2 JANUARY-JUNE 1961 CONTENTS * * BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE A.D.FA. Editorial-"Unity for Prunes" 5 Mr. R. M. SIMES, M.B.E., Barmera, S.A. (Chairman). 6 Mr. P. MALLOCH, M.B.E., Mildura, Vic. Board of Management Decisions Mr. H. H. GOODMAN·, Woorinen,-Vic. Production and Marketing 7 Mr. A. G. WATI,1 Greenmount, WA. Horticultural and R

HEAD OFFICE "Sunraysia House," 24 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne, C. I * ( Bo'· 4524). LlST OF ADVERTISERS Telephone: FY 3019. Telegraphic A9dress: "Adfasson, Melbourne." Banks.-The Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney Ltd.; Bank of New South Wales. Implements,-Ronaldson Bros. & Tippett Ltd. Insurance.-Law Union & Rock Insurance Co. Ltd.; Queensland Insurance Co. Ltd. CORRESPONDENCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS Oil Companies.-B.P. Aust. Ltd, Packing Companics.-Aurora Packing Co. Pty, Ltd.; Bannera Co-op. Packing C•.l. Reports and C9ntributions Me welcomed, l!nd should Ltd.; Berri Co~op. Packing Union Ltd.; Irymple Packing Co. pty. Ltd.; Mil­ be addressed to The Editor, "Australian Dried Fruits dura Co-op ..Fruit Co. Ltd.; Nyah Fruit-growers' Co-op. Co. Ltd.; Red Cliffs Co-op. Packmg Co. Ltd.; Renmark Fruit Growers Co~op. Ltd.; Robinvale News," Box 4524, Melbourne, C.l. Producers Co-op. Co. Ltd.; Woorinen Fruitgrowerg Co-op. Co. Ltd. Brpnches and District Councils of The A.D.F.A. are Suppliers,-Australian Sisalkraft Pty. Ltd.; "Seatainers"; Wilkinson Sword Ltd osked to forward items of interest through their Services.-Jack Abell. • o'lppointed Press Correspondents.

Advertisers may obtain details of rates (In ol!pplicll­ PUBLISHED QUARTERLY PRICE 1/-. tion to tht11 General Secretary. Issue guaranteed to all Dried Fruits Growers -as an A.O.F.A. Service. * Edito.'tial UNITY FOR PRUNES

The fundamental policy for Industry stability is unity and co-operation. While this is well understood by Vine Fruit growers, based on past experience and present benefits, it still has to be understood and appreciated by all Prune growers. It is absolutely essential for all growers to think in terms of their Industry as a whole and not as individuals concerned only with day-to-day results. Every grower must be prepared to support a policy of co-operation and, by doing so, share in the bepefits which result. No better example can be given than the experiences of Dried Vine Fruits growers. Nearly 100% of growers are A.D.F.A. and, in consequence, a strong, sound, unified marketing policy operates which has meant stabilized prices and proper trading terms. The A.D.F.A. policy is quoted as an example throughout the world of what grower co-operation can achieve. Through that policy the Association today enjoys a prestige and reputation which is not only the envy of other primary industries, but permits growers to speak authoritatively on all matters affecting their welfare. It will be quite obvious that what Dried Vine Fmits growers have fought for and successfully achieved can be gained by Prune growers, but the effort must be theirs and they must be wholehearted in their desire for co-operation. If Prune growers will think in the terms that they are the Industry, that the Industry is their livelihood now and in the future, that stability only comes through unity, and that unity is best gajped through this 'Association (which has demonstrated its value with Dried Vine Fruits) then the way is open for a proper understanding for a common marketing policy for all Australian Prunes. In advocating a unified Industry operating through the principles evolved by tl;tis Association no implication must be formed that desirable competition will be eliminated. Quoting Dried Vine Fruits again as an example, there is any amount of competition at Packer, Agent and Distributor levels. Standard price quotations and trading terms do not eliminate the need for sound packing and presentation, or selling and service, but what unity does mean is that no section of growers suffers through unbalanced sales or pnces, and that every possible benefit not only accrues to the growers, but is shared equitably. The views expressed in this Editorial are important. They are, of course, primarily directed at Aus­ tralian Prune growers as a means of clear thinking and as an incentive to act decisively towards a policy of co-operation and unity.

THE MILDURI CO-OPERATIVE FRUIT CO. LTD. MIL DURA NOMINAL CAPITAL £1,000,000 PAID-UP FUNDS, £595,000

Packers of all Classes of Dried and Fresh FI!Uits and Citrus Manufacturers of Marmalade, Cordials, Fruit Juices, Tomato and Worcester Sauces "PADLOCK" BRAND Packing Houses: Mildura, lrymple, Merbein, Curlwaa, Coomealla (N.S.W.) Factory: Mildura

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

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Five In addition to the November Ineeting held immediately Industry and prepare a· Master Plan for consideration at next after Federal Council so that all immediate action could be Federal Council. The fee will 'not exceed- £5000, taken on the various directions received the Board met in January, March and May. A special one-day meeting to con­ Publicity. sider publicity sales promotion policy was held in Mildtira Based on the policy decided at the special February meet­ in February. The more important items are bricflly referred ing the various publicity activities have been reviewed at each to below. · Board meeting held since. Pack Estimates, Season 1961. InsuranCes. In March an assessment of the likely Vines pack at 76,110 Votlue for all varieties of Dried Fruits ·were set at the tons was made, but in May a more detailed estimate was January meeting ;;md those for Vine Fruits were revi{\wed and possible from packing houses deliveries. altered in May. The latest estimate for Vine Fruits was then placed at, 80,805 tons (Currants 13,189 tons, SultanaS 60,427, Raisins 7189). Levies~ Season 1961. The A.D.F.A. Dried Tree Fruit pack was, in May, estimated £2 per ton has been set for publicity on Apricots and to be 1845 tons (Apricots 1676 tons, Peaches 119, Pears 30 Peaches, and 17/_- per ton for Vines publicity. The latter con­ and Nectarines 20). These estimates showed Apricots to be tribution is subject to a maxim~ contribution 'of £67,000. some 36 tolls higher than in 1960; but Peaches declined by approximately 540 tons, Pears by 212 tons and Nectarines 23 Costs of Production. tons. Advices from the Bureau of Agricultural EcOnomics dis­ The Prunes estimate made in April showed a pack of 3026 closed that between 1st April, 1959, and 1960 average costs tons (processed weight) as against 2017 tons last year. Com­ of production, as ascertained by index movement, had risen monwealth production is expected to be 4028 tons (processed by £2.82 pe' ton to £102.08 (£102/l/7d.) J)e' ton. weight) for 1961. Distribution. Allocations. In May the Board conferred with members Of The Federal At the May meeting an estimate of Commonwealth sales Dried Fruits Distributors' Association and a number of Com­ and reserve was placed at 20,816 tons, leaving an export monwealth marketing matters were discussed in considerable allocation of 59,989 tons. In more detail th'ese allocations detail. were:- Central Secretariat. Commonwealth After a most detailed , examination of the Constitution of and Reserve Export the Nationar Farmers~ Union of Australia the Board, while Currants .. 4,500 tons 8,689 tons appreciating the- -work of this -organisation, ·could see no· par­ Sultanas .. 12,427 tons 48,000 tons ticular advantage to the Industry -when making governmental Raisins .. 3,889 tons 3,300 tons approaches, and decided that th~ best course would be for The A.D.·F.A. to maintain its present independence. To the Commonwealth reservation for Raisins must be added some 250 tons of SeaSon 1960 unsold stocks which Future Board Meetings. will be placed on the home market. . These have been set for 25th and 26th July, 12th and 13th Sisalkraft. September, 24th to ·-26th October, 14th November and 16th and 17th January. All tO be held in Melbourne. · There has been criticism of the quality of recent supplies to growers. The matter is being taken up with the manu­ Federal Council has been set for 15th to 17th November facturers. in Melbourne. Whenever possible meetings of- the Tree Fruits and PIUnes Extra Planting. Committees are to be held before Board meetings so that . Adequacy of assured water supply for irrigation, observance there will be quick confirmations of the recommendations of existing f!greements on acreages to. be planted and the receiv~d. difficulties of implemel).ting a quota system I;Ullongst grower.'! R~ad .TaX. were discussed. The Board emphasised that its pOlicy of planned expansion remained unchanged. A submission has been :lnade to the Victorian and N.S.W. Tram.port Hegulation Boards seeldng exemption from tax State Quotas. of Dried Fruits delivered to rail head. Exemption is unlikely. Recommendations for Se-ason 1961 quotas, for submission to ·sales to Distilleries. the State Dried Fruits Boa~s, Were made at the May meeting. The Miriister for Customs_ has been asked for permission to Cur~ants, sell to distilleries at once. The appearance this season of GibberelliC Acid treated Cur­ Reports of Feder·al COuncil. rants has prompted the Production Problems Committee to Consideration was given to the suggestion of Mildura Dis­ enquire as to marketing possibilities. At this time it is diffi­ trict--Council A.D.F.A. that the-issue of the "Newq" containing cult to ascertain what quantity will' be- aVailable but it is reports of FedenH Council be published and distributed wifhin likely to exceed 100 tons. 'Vhen samples are available The 14 days. After discussing the obvious mechanical difficulties A.D.F.A. Promotions Officer will-contact the retail trade._ In the Board-· agreed -it would be impossible to comply with this the meantime the Board is not prepared to give a direction suggestion. The Board noted that all delegates took away from to growers as to whether Gibberellic Acid should be used or a conference all reports and received within approximately 14 not by growers. ' days a full summary of all amendments to motions and the resolutions, F~trtheim.ore,- withih- the same time the Minutes Commonwealth Market Investigation. of the Board m~eting at which Federal _Council items Were Federal Council delegates have -been· recoinmended- to consid8r€:d wbitld··'have been circularised. Altogether it was approve the appoinbnent of a marketing research orgnnisa- felt that delegates had a wealth of detailed information which tion, Personnel Administration Pcy. -Ltd->to make---a cOnlPIBte ·-.-.fuey·.:courd;~submit- to Branch meetings Pending .. the.- publica­ survey ·of the consumer market and 'the economy of the tion of the "News".

P~!(e Six AUSTRALIAN DRIED FitUITS NEWS The Tree Fmits Committee: met on 6th January and 8th -Sulphur dioxide regulations in the United Kingdom and March in Adelaide and the folloWing items were considered: 'i\'estern Germany. -Pack estimates. -Adoption of size grades for marketing. The Prunes Committee met in Adelaide on 9th March and -London marketing. in Melboume on 14th June, and the following business was -Market prospects in Canada and British West Indios. considered: -Production in California. -Pack estimates for Season 1961. -Colour, condition and pieservation of fruit. -Marketing prospects in Canada and British West Indies. -The problem of Gummosis. -Prices for Season 1961. -Final adjustments. -Recovery of preferential tariffs. -Publicity. -Amended gradings so as to sell by size 8.s well as counts. -Prices for Season 1961. -Deferment of a publicity campaign.

!l'to.ductio.n and JJ!la'tlieting COMMONWEALTH PREFERENCES As discussions are planned at Geneva on tariff arrange­ Annual Australian production of all varieties of Dried Tree ments under G.A.T.T. (General Agreement on Tariffs and Fruits is such that exports must be undertaken each year. Trade) the Board of Management presented a case through W'hile, for various reasons (mainly seasonal), exported quanti­ the Department of Primary Industry to recover the preferen­ ties have fluctuated from year: to year, it is essential for tial rates lost in 1947 on varieties of Dried Tree Fruits and laying a foundation for future trade that the main ov·erseas Pnmes. A separate case has been prepared by the Export buying markets, once having been supplied, must continue Control Board for Dried Vine Fruits. to be served if those markets are to be open m seasons when Existing preferences (where they exist) in the United King­ appreciable surpluses have to be exported. To guard these dom, Canada and New Zealand are too low and do not pro­ outlets for the future quantities of fr:uit have to be sold at vide sufficient protection to Australian growers. The m­ parity prices which are often depressed when a foreign pro­ instatement of the preferential rates operating in 1947 is, ducing country with a large varietal surplus unloads it on therefore, sought as a minimum necessity. Commonwealth consumer markets. On such occasions the absence of effective protection places a financial burden on The protection gained by Australian growers of Dried Tree the· Australian grower which he cannot carry at the present Fruits thrOugh the Ottawa Agreement gave the Industry a high costs of production. degrel}-- of stability at a time when its delicate economy was being seriously affected. In 1947 the preferences which were The re-instatement of the 1947 preferential rates would lost created a threat against the successful payable marketing permit Austmlian growers, to, at least, meet competition on of fruit, but the effect was, to some extent, deferred while more equal terms. there was a scarcity of dollars in sterling currency countries. In New Zealand, Prunes, both under aritish Preferential, This indirect form of protection has virtually disappeared and Most Favoured Nation (M.F.N.) and General tariff are sub­ Australian growers £nd that competition from countries with ject to 3% primage. Virtually the Australian grower enjoys no normally high surpluses for export is negativing :the advantages protection and it becomes a question of price competition. of even the reduced preferences (in those countries where This is borne out by the ahnost complete loss of the New preferences still apply) and of the existing favourable Aus­ Zealand market to the U.S.A. who has consistently been able tralian rate of exchange. VVhile the latter has been a useful to under-quote Australia. The Australian Prunes Industry has, means of maintaining levels of export income, it cannot be therefore, been forced to export larger quantities to the accepted as a pem1ament advantage or as an argument by United Kingdom (where protection should be given) and the Australia's opponents against increasing preferential tariffs. Continent (where protection could not, with any optimism, Protection is vital to the continued stability of the Industry, be expected). As seen under present conditions exports must and with the need to support (so far as growers can financially continue to be mainly directed to these markets. do so) the Government's policy of promoting export trade, In respect to Apricots sold to New Zealand existing pro·· a strong case for maintaining a reasonable standard of national tection against countries subjeCt to the General tarifF is economic security rests on an early and favourable review of approximately the same as in 1947 (2d. per lb. plus nine­ existing preferences. fortieths of the amount of duty), but the rate under M.F.N.

Rates of Preference. The present preferential rates, compared with thos6 enjoyed in 1947, for various Commonwealth countries are:-

Variety Country Present Rates Previous Rates Apricots ...... United Kingdom 2E8 per ton. £El0/l0/- per ton. Canada 15% ad val. 22-!% ad val.

. New Zealand ld. (N.Z.) per lb. 2.45d. (N.Z.) per lb. Pears ) ...... United Kingdom Nil. £E7/- cwt. m 10% ad val. Peaches ) ...... Canada 15% ad val. 22~% ad val. Nectarines ) ...... Pnmes ...... United Kingdom NU. £El0/l0/-. Canada Nil. l cent per lb. All Varieties ...... Ceylon Nil. 5% ad val.

·AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Seven ~~~------

tariff, which includes the producing countries of Spain and the The I'Ccovery of the preferential truJffs lost in 1947 is, there­ U.S.A., does not provide sufficient protection. · fore, most important and urgent. Future Stability. Government Comment. Exports of ,Dried Apricots, Peaches and Prunes have added · Restoration of preferences for Dried Tree Fruits have been their contribution to the national income and can continue discussed with the Department of Trade, but· one difficulty to do so if sufficierit financial incentive 8nd security- is given foreseen will be that restoration will require the concurrence to Australian growers. As an example, price competition over­ of the country granting the preference and the country, or seas was a contributing factor to the ineffective sale of countries, with which the original concession was negotiated Australian Dried Peaches in 1959 with the result that sound in G.A.T.T. fruit had to be destroyed as it could be sold only at a loss. The result is that this (1961) season'~ production is heavily Supplement to Preferential Tariffs. reduced by diversion elsewhere, but a return to higher pro~ In a separate submission the Commonwealth Government duction will, without doubt, precipitate the conditions of has been asked, as a supplement to -preferential tariffs, to 1959. Other varieties can be similarly affected. consider a scheme that when export prices for primary com­ The production of P1unes is on the increase and the pro~ modities return less than, say, 80% of cost of production the portion of seasonal expdrts is of the order of 50%. With no Government should make a payment to the producer to bring preferential protection in any overseas market one~half of a the returns to 80% of cost of production. In this way export grower's contribution is subject to world competition created trade in primary products would continue by receiving essen~ by the large exportable surpluses of th_e U.S.A. and the low tial assistance from the national revenue which would be labour costs of Yugoslavian fruit. The future for Prunes is offset by the improvement in the gross national income. not encouraging and: the trend could be similm· to that of To this proposal the Government has observed that a Peaches. guarantee of a return on exports of 80% of cost of pro­ While the contribution by Australian Dried Tree Fruits to duction would be considered in the context of the present the national export income is, in comparison with wool, export drive. The application of such a scheme would be wheat, meat and sugar, comparatively small, it is nevertheless likely to come into conflict with Australia's international in the aggregate valuable. Continued production at levels obligations, particularly in G.A.T.T. sufficiently high to permit exports to as many Commonwealth markets as possible needs to be encouraged, and this can be achieved by trading with buyers within the protective wall of European Common Market preferential tariffs. · It is not ·claimed that preferential tariffs are the complete Since compiling the foregoing submission the United King­ and only means of successful overseas trading, but their value dom has announced its intention to seek membership- of the is undoubted. With high and rising costs of production and European Economic Community (E.E.C.). Commonwealth the need to meet the intense competition from other countries preferences and, indeed, the future marketing of Australian increased protection is vital, Dried Fruits is at present very much a question mark. COMMONWEALTH MARKET SURVEY Investigation Recommended by Board Growers will recollect that Federal Council 1960 requested no cost to the Association. Three finally submitted reports, the Board of Management to confer with a marketing all of which were excellent, based on the following wide terms organisation and ascertain the likely cost of a market survey. of reference:- Federal Council delegates were then to be consulted to To investigate and report on whether the consumption of ascertain if an investigation was to proceed. Dried Fruits in the Commonwealth can be improved. Although the Board started enquiries immediately it was To this end to examine all aspects relating to the product, considered essential that if an investigation was to be carried packing, presentation, distribution and ,general marketing. out two important factors had to be observed- A great deal of time was given by the General Secretary !. The competency of an investigator. in assisting the investigators. All records available at Head 2. Whether a highly qualified individual or a marketing Office were promptly given and in a good many instances research organisation was the best to employ. copies of schedules and reports were run off and supplieq. -Head Office statistics were open for inspection and extract, Accordingly the request that "an independent marketing while all senior Staff members and publicity and Public organisation be contacted" had to be broadly interpreted as Relations Officers were interviewed. Additionally, Selling including a competent qualified executive and early enquiries, Agents, Distributors, Manufacturers, Retailers and the trade based on the- recommendation of a leading retailer, that there generally were seen. It may be said that all contacts gave might be advantage in obtaining an executive rather than an the investigators the fullest co-operation in a genuine desire organisation, were in this direction. to assist. A number of manufacturers maintaining their Own national The reports, when received, naturally differed in both sales and distribution departments were consulted and it context and likely cost although coming to much the same became apparent that no independent highly qualified execu~ conclusions, and in order to inform Federal Council delegates tive was not already.·employed, that in any case he would not as wisely as possible the Board sought the services of an have the facilities and resources to study the economy of the independent qualified consultant, who evaluated_ the reports. Industry as well as the sales potential for Dried Fruits. Con­ tact was then made with leading market consultants with a This evaluation, together with ap analytical Summary pre­ background cif experie'nce and having the facility of world pared by the General Secretary, acted as a useful guide to the contacts, economic research, commercial psychology and con­ Board in deciding that a full·investigation was ·desirable and sumer mar~eting. recomniending Personnel Administration Pty. Ltd., as the investigators. From a number of likely organisations it was apparent that only four would be capable of carrying out a complete Federal Council delegates were then provided with a full and reliable investigation linking, where necessary, world Board report and. they were asked, as required by Federal conditions with Australian conditions both in respect to Dried Council 1960 ,to vote "Yes" or "No" for an investigation. Fruits and general marketing. These four organisations were The result was a unanimous approval for an investigation. invited to carry out preliminary surveys of the Industry at The investigation started o'n 19th JUne.

Page Eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Recommendation to Delegates. statistically significant survcv of Distributors, Manufacturers, The recommendation given unanimously by the Board Retailers. This will be field work done by interview, using sought approval prepared questionnaires. From the point of view of manufactured products some time (a) to the appointment of Persoimel Administration Pty. will be spent on a quick appraisal of export possibilities. Ltd. to conduct a more detailed investigation and provide. A detailed analysis of the economic requirements of the Industry will be prepared. (i) a detailed consumer survey covering household and manufacturer usage to investigate and improve pack­ The Master Promotion Plan will be drafted and discussed aging, brand image and service, with all interested parties before being finally presented. (ii) a complete economic analysis of the past, present During the assignment regular progress reports . will be and proposed state of the Industry to decide how, made to the General Secretary and.. hence the Board of and when, per capita consumption shall be increased, Management. (iii) a detailed Master Plan to cover · promotion and The senior consultant of the team will be resident at marketing for the next five (5) years; A.D.F.A. Head Office. (b) to pay Personnel Administration Pty. Ltd. a fee not Background of Personnel Administration. exceeding £5000 to carry out the foregoing investigation The company was founded in 1943 with a nucleus of over a period of 20 consultant weeks, such fees to cover experienced Consultants in industrial management. Today1 all out-of-pocket expenses when consultants are travel­ with more than 250 qualified consulting staff and over a ling interstate, thousand clients in Australia and overseas, PA is one of the (c) that the report of the detailed investigation and Master leading Management Consultant organisations in the world. Plan be presented to Federal Council 1961 for con­ The employment of such an organisation will provide the sideration and for such further action as Federal investigation with these advantages- Council may decide. Concentration on the specific project without interruption from routine work. P.A:s Preliminary Findings. Specialist knowledge and experience of modern techniques Broadly the Association is to be congratulated on the effort to apply to the problem, supported by the full organisation it has made in the Dried Fruits Industry. The present method and its Research and Development department. of marketing and distribution is basically sound and has pro­ vided stability and orderliness. The promotiortal efforts of the Independent status permitting a completely impartial view Association have been limited by finance, but well organised which is based on facts and is unaffected by individual interests and successful in partly stemming the drop in per capita or internal factions. consumption. The efforts have been largely aimed at edu­ By employing Consultants the Industry is enabled to assign cating the housewife in· the use of Dried Fruit products, but to a problem a higher calibre man than could usually be some small but excellent promotions have been carried out spared from its own organisation. And his stay is limited since with the manufacturers. he can be dispensed with as soon as the task is complete. Having achieved this, it is sound from a position of strength to attempt to reverse the consumption trend. Primary Industry Background. At this stage it aPpears clear that the programme of work PA has been retained as Marketing Consultants for Aus­ suggested would be aimed at strengthening the usage by tralian Wool Bureau, Fmmers & Graziers Co-operative Society manufacturers, and the merchandising to customers by retail Ltd., Melbourne and Metropolitan_ Milk Distributors' Associa­ stores .. This, of course, will be complementary to the present tion, Radiata Pine Association of Australia, most of the major effort and will be aimed at:- wool braking firms in Australia, including Goldsbrough Mort & Co. Ltd., and Australian Estates Co. Ltd. (with particulat· (a) organising new uses by manufacturers, reference to their sugar mills in North Queensland). (b) obtaining sales appeal to the public. The Master Plan. It is, of course, impossible to go into detail at this stage, At present it is obvious that it cannot be conjectured what but the results of the survey and the discussions with manu­ the Plan will recommend for consideration by Federal Council. facturers and distributors indicate scope for new uses, better packaging, brand identification, new channels of distribu­ It is, however, advisable to point out that the fee of £5000 tion and slightly different meth0ds of selling. only covers the present investigation and that in the event of a Master Plan being implemented there will be further eosts. Programme of Work. Whatever is decided will benefit greatly from the detailed The consultant team w'Hl at first familiarise themselves results of the present inveStigation and the costs, which with the excellent statistics kept by the General Secretary. growers will provide by a special levy, will have been ex­ The small survey of retail store"s will be expanded to a pended to the Industry's advantage.

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AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Nine RE-ORGANISATION IN UNITED KINGDOM A succession of retirements of senior Dried Fruit Executives Appreciation of Melbourne Board. from the City of London has caused the Australian Dried "The member of the Agency," he added, "had given un . . Fruits Control Board to re-o~ganise its London Office. The stintingly of their best h1 serving the industry, and growers re-Organisation will become effective in October from which would forever be indebted to them for their efforts. Too- often ,_ date the Board will adopt the principle of having only its own knowledge and experience were lost through retirement, but · employed staff in Londoh. the loss was greater in this instance because of the cumulative The -present members of the Board of the London Agency effect of a number retiring at the same time." In this regard are Messrs. C. I. R. Hutotri (Chairman), R. H. Youdale, W. the Melbourne Board desires to record its warm esteem of Ranger, F. C. Parsons, A. H. Matthews, and G. T. Ranger. the Chainnanship in London of Mr. C. I. R. Hutton, who Mr. R. H. _Youdale, former General Manager of the Over­ hus held this responsible office for some years past. seas Fanners Co-operative Federations Ltd., was the first to The Australian Board desires to pay a significant tribute to retire from the City, relinquishing his position some five years the past work of the London Agency. It has, therefore, been ago. However, at the request of the Australian Board, Mr. arranged that Mr. Gorman and the Marketing Member, Mr. Youdale agreed to continue as a member of the Agency, but Peter Malloch, wi~l attend the £nal meeting of the Agency has now indicated his desire to be free. in London in September to convey in person the thanks This year also ma_rks thE: retirement from the City Of two of the whole Dried Fruit industry. . other members, Messrs.- F. C. Parsons and W. Ranger. Mr. Mr. Gorman and Mr. Malloch, with/ Mr. Mills, will also Parsons, who unfortunately has since been seriously ill, take the opportunity of meeting first-hand distributors in ·vacated the position of Manager of the Dried Fruit Division London, Bristol, Liverpool and Scotland during their viSit to · of Overseas Farmers in April. Mr. Ranger will retire as an the U.K. Associate Director of Collin & Co. in December. New Manager. Export Control Board Annual Report . Because of this loss of experienced key personnel, Mr. In its report to the Minister for Primary Industry fOr the H. C. Mills, Economic Adviser to the Board in Australia and year 1959-HJ60 the members of the Melbourne Board are its former London Manager, is to return as the Board's U.K. given as Messrs. Eugene Gorman, M.C., Q.C. (Chairman), Representative and Manager, and· the present London Man­ P. Malloch, M.B.E. (Marketing), J. R. Gordon and E. P. ager, Mr. A. H. Matthews, will return to Australia to take up Shepherd (Commercial); and elected by growers Messrs. R.· M. a post in industry there. Simes, M.B.E., E. N. Seary (South Australia); F. T. Hand, W. J, Kirwin, H. H. Goodman (Victoria); J. J. Murdoch (New Mr. Mills will be assisted by the TeChnical Officer, Mr. South Wales); and A. G. Watt (Western Australia). G. T. Ranger, who has had a long association with the Dried Fruit trade throughout the U.K. In addition, it has been de­ The report gives a thoroughly informative review of the cided to make the present Advisory Panel of Agents more Board's activities and export marketing conditions affecting freely available for consultation. the Industry. In making its announcement, the Board points out that it In exp·ressing its pleasure with the publicity eiforts in the decided on this course because of its firm desire to maintain United Kingdom it is interesting to note how much the same the closest possible links with the distributive trade. At the the avenues used are to those adopted in Australia. The Board same time it desires to pay high tribute to the retiring mem­ al<;o undertook publicity :in Canada, New Zealand, Japan and bers of the London Agency. The Chairman, Mr. Eugene the ,European Continent. Gorman, C.B.E., M.C., Q.C., said "few industries could have The report is fully supported by statistical tables and been more fortunate in their choice of men to represent graphs. Details of finance show an excess of expenditure over their interests". · income of <£.5_214 (in 1958-1959 excess income was £22,899). EXPANSION OF THE INDUSTRY AU thinking growers looking to the future as much as the when all producing countries produced bumper crops. The present will deplore the attack last January by the Chairman Industry cannot fail to remember the effects in 1959 when of the Soldier Settlement Coillmission on two Robinvale world production was very high. grower.s who supported The· A.D.F.A.'s policy of planned The closest regard must be paid to growers' ever-rising expansion. costs of -production. Since 1955, when the Bureau of Agri­ It is not correct that The A.D.F.A. opposed expansion in cultural Economics first surveyed costs in detail they haw} 1947. Then, as now, planning in accordance with the economv ri<;en each year and at 1st April, 1960, stood at £102/1/lOd. of- the Industry was sought and the acreages finally decided per ton-an increase of 13.42% since 1955. This cost when by the Australian Agricultural Council were accepted. ;From related to .'.Wcatbox reali.sfl.tions from various markets for 1960 these acreages have developed the producing districts of shows that sales to Canada, the Continent and Japan had to Robinvale, Loxton, Cooltong and elsewhere. 'J?e made at below cost, while the Uriited Kingdom bought at cost. An important point overlooked by the Chairman of the Commission is that Victoria has already planted its full Therefore, to increase the annual exportable surplus by acreage allocation under the Australian Agricultural Coun~ planting more vines would accentuate the marketing problem cil's plan. of payable disposal-a problem only too obvious on preset)t, let alone potential, production. In the light of market developments and the large expan· sian being undertaken in California, Greece and other coun· The A.D.~.A.' has consistently stood for a. planned economy tries, it is unwise to plan the Australian Industry's economy as a protection to the welfare of growers and as a contributor today on estimates and assessments made in 1947. Since then to Australia's export income. The A.D.F.A. firmly believes that there has been a decline in world consumption of Dried Vine under present market conditions and those which can be Fruits and an increase in potential production. The fact that anticipated in the foreseeable future the expansion advocated Australia has not achieved its full potential is not because by the Soldier Settlement Commission would weaken the present plantings are incapable of reaching some 100,000 tons, Industry's already delicate economy. but because various hazards each season have regulated the Californian Trend. tonnage produced. ~e cannot fail .to take n~tice of what the ~merican Industry The greatest danger in the mind of the Board . is that the thmks of expansiOn and 1ts effect on thetr economy (and. potential from existing plantings -might occur . in a season indirectly, on ours)._ '

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.•.. - AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Pag!! E;l~ven i r } Data presented to the Californian Raisin AdvisOiy Board in It would be highly dangerous to expand plantings on the October last, showed a substantial increase in the plantings supposition that disposal of production can be firmly planned of Raisin producing vines. Bearing acreage this year (1960) is into defined channels. There has only to be a partial break­ 217,000 acres-an increase of 7% since 1956. Non-bearing down in the system for it to collapse and the Industry is then area is 29,343 acres, 4-18% greater than in 1953. «Californian faced with the task of marketing (and it would be by export) Fruit ·News" comment~5: an increased tonnage which would immediately affect its "In view of the fact that the industry has had to resort to economy. 1 VOlume cOntrol in every year but two in the last 10 years, Much as some form of plan for regulated disposal, which including 1960/61, the upward trend in plantings .should cauSe would be accepted and observed by all growers, would be serious concern among growers and packers alike. It is evident helpful to -the Industry in general it cannot be seen that it that if there is no abnormal increase in the utilization of would work out in practice. Raisin-variety grapes for other purposes .than Raisin-making the California Raisin industry is approaching a volume of Water. production that will likely be very difficult to be marketed While a great deal of discussion has centred around the advantageously. Within a year or two, we will be ·confronted planting of vines and the effect of the increased production with the need to- decide how great a volume should be placed on growers' net realisatiOns not so much thought has been in the surplus pool, to what extent volume control should , given to that essential requirement-water for irrigation. be used as a means of influencing- field price, and what step-s It is as well then to study this aspect for water is the should be taken to bring supply more nearly in line with lifeblood of , grape production on a commercial scale. A normal market requirements. No one with the slightest interest revealing article appeared in the February, 1961, issue of in or concern for the Raisin industry (and the grape industry "Aqua". Comments show how vitally concerned Victoria, of too, for that matter) can fail to view this situation with un-· all the States, is with maintaining adequate water supplies easines·s and apprehension. Nor can one simply disregard the during a drought period. prospects and hope that Providence will provide a ready and acceptable solution. The area irrigated in Victoria in approximately 1,000,000 acres, which is more than all the irrigation in all the other Creates Bitterness. States of Australia put together. And it must be remembered that most of the irrigation areas of Dried Fruits production "An oversupply situation such as that, now in the making are located along the River Murray. almost always creates bitter disagreement between producers and handlers, whether the crop is Raisins, or Cling Peaches, The article warns that those who plan for water utilisation or some other commodity. Wherea<: production can be ex­ must expect droughts worse than any of which they have panded with little difficulty, the contraction of production th_e knowledge. gtower is understandably hurt and angry over the lOss he To give some idea of the difficulty of the problem of sustains. He is usually inclined to blame packers and other planning 'Yater conservation in this country, an examination industry agencies for his misfortune, being convinced in his of gaugin:gs from selected Victorian streams, including the mind that had these other agencies made the effort he has, upper Murray above Albury-although it receives water from he could have received a fair return for his crop." catchments in both New South Wales and Victoria-for periods ranging up to 60 years shows the mean annual flow Regulating Channels of Disposal. is almost nine million acre feet. Total of their maxima flows is 26 million acre feet and total of their annual minima floWs Considering the policy of volume control as practised :in is below two million acre feet-a variation of 13 to 1. California it is interesting to note that suggestions have been put forward in our own Industry to ensure that growers divert On the utilisation side there are two variables. Firstly, the their annual grape production into specified channels accord­ variation of water requirements within any particular twelve ing to pre-arranged quotas. months, usually eight months irrigation and four months without, with variations resulting from changing weather The idea is to register each grower as to his permitted conditions within the eight months of irrigation. outlets, that is, fresh fruit sales, Dried Fruits and supply to wineries and the quotas set would have to be observed. There is also the variation that in the wet years, when Herein, however, lies the catch. Can growers be expected to river flows are ample, less water is required for irrigation observe these quotas and would .they, for there is no law because of natural rainfall upon the fields, and in the drought which could be enforced? The grower, at all times, has the years, when river flows and available natural water resources right to dispose of his production 'as he deems to be most arc low, the real needs for agriculture are much greater. This advantageous to himself As he possesses the hcedom to select means that there 1S a variation in demand from year to year. his channels of disposal any agreement on quotas would be VVe cannot fail to reflect On what this article conveys and most difficult to control. It can be foreseen that the system ask ourselves how Dried Fruits production, even on present would collapse if growers found it to be more to their benefit acreages, can be affected by water supply receiving only a at any time to ignore the quotas because a particular channel proportion of the water which during a drought would be of disposal proves to be more payable. available to all irrigationists.

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Pare TwelVe AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS INTERNAL DRAINAGE The Commonwealth Development Bank of Australia has to individual growers of less than £2000. This minimum would been asked to state its lending policy in regard to providing preclude most growers from obtaining £nance through the £nance for property drainage. Full details have been given Bank speci£cally for drainage. The Bank has been asked by the Bank and these have been circularised to Branches whether it is a £rm policy to lend only the minimum stated, and advices have now been received that each case will be and District Councils. treated on its merits, loans being granted as supplements to It is now learned that the Bank is averse to granting loans normal bank channels of £nance. GRADINGS

Dried Tree Fruits. That size packing will be permitted for containers of less than 7 lbs., but larger containers and bulk will be packed Commencing with Season 1961 varieties of Dried Tree according to original ·range of counts. Fruits will not be packed as crown grades but as sizes. In each of the qualities of "Fancy", "Choice" and "Stand- Vine Fruits. arc;I" there will be- Extra Large-a blend of previous 5 and 4 crown grades. The following regulations have been issued by the Depart· Large-a blend of previous 3 and 2 crown grades, ment of Primary Industry. Medium-previous 1 crown grade. -inclusion of 15% (previously 10%) of dark brown berries "Slabs" and "Plain" will still be packed as such. in 5 crown Raisins. 1 Marked Apricots will be packed in the sizes "Extra Large", -riddle size (17/32") for Walthams. "Large" and "Medium" and the grades of "Slabs" and "Plain". -size gradihg of Currants and Sultanas.

Prunes. Distribution of Samples. Temporary regulations have also been issued by the Depart­ ment of Primary Industry altering qUality designations of All samples prepared at any grade £xing meeting for Prunes and permitting packeting in sizes {blends of counts) distribution will be checked before despatch from Mildura, instead of the original range of counts. The regulations and if any packing house wishes to make a check later samples provide will be held Mildura for comparison. That previous "Choice" will now be termed ~'Fancy". That previous "Standard" will now be termed "Choice". Committee Meetings. That size-Extra Large will contain 20/50 blend. In future, the General Secretary, on receipt of advice from -Large will contain 50/70 blend. the Convener (Mr. J. R. Gordon), will inform all A.D.F.A. -Medium wi\1 contain 70/90 blend. members of the Commonwealth Dried Vine Fruits Grade -Small will contain 90/100 blend (Fancy) or Fixing Committee of meetings, except the Mildura members 90/120 blend (Choice). who will continue to be advised by Mr. Gordon. INSURANCE The following mmtmum values, as reviewed at the May Board :r;neeting, were set_ for insurance purposes by packing Tree Fruits companies in accordance with the requirements of Rule 56· (a) (Minimum values are based on 3 crown "Choice" of A.D.F.A. Rules and Regulations:- moist pack) Apricots ...... £398 per ton £433 per ton Peaches (unpeeled) £284 £319 , Vine Fruits Pears ...... £201 , £236 Nectarines .. £261 , £296 (Minimum values for basic grades.) Prunes Variety Unpacked Value Packed Value {Minimum values are based on 70/80 "Choice") Currants £103 per ton £123 per ton 7 lb. tins ...... £182 per ton £252 per ton Sultanas • ,\I £120 £140 35 lb. boxes ...... £191 £261 Raisins £100 , , £120 ,; Packed values include cost of packing, insurance, etc. INSURANCE AGAINST DAMAGE A Hail Insurance Scheme under consideration by the local tons) at £100 per ton :::::::: £500, for an anrtual subscription of A.D.F.A. Council provides for: £16/ll/4d. In the event of widespread damage a pro-rata (a) A membership fee of £1 per acre. scheme of compensation would be adopted. ("Dried Fruits Topics"-March, 1961.) (b) A yearly subscription of 13/4d. per ton based on four years' average production. The U.S. Government has informed the RAC that it has approved a Federal crop insurance programme for California {c) Compensation payable -shall be calculated at £100 per Raisin producers this year to- reimburse them- for any losses dried ton of Currants, Sultanas and Raisins. from rain damage. Insurance rates are still to be discussed (d) Compensation shall be paid o:rily on losses above 30% with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. ("California _ as estimated by assessors, followiilg hail damagC. Fmits News"-27/5/1961.) Thus, a· grower· with an average CrOp of 25 tons,_ s_l)_:lfering A Bill has been tabled in the Gr~ek Parliament, providing a 50% loss from ~~!I._ wo?ld. be __c_o~p~~_S_l!!~d_ f():t;_ 2Q% - ___ {S __ fox the establishment of a Farmers~.--Insurance Board, which

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirteen

} will be responsible for all matters connected with the insur­ of a hail and frost insurance scheme here. Experience shows ance of farmers, including old age pensions, medical care and there is more loss in Mildura by rain damage than from hail insurance of crops against hail and frost. or frost, but whereas rain losses generally affect all growers, This legislation should be followed with some interest as damage from hail or frost is generally confined to a small there is keen interest by a section of growers on establishment percentage of growers. ("Dried Fruits Topics"-M.p.rch, 1961.) EXPORT REBATE

To encourage manufacturers to export manufactured foods The total quantities of Dried Fruits used in the products containing Dried Fruits a rebate was offered on all Currants were Currants, 14 tons, and Sultanas, 71.35 tons. A total of and Sultanas used for this purpose during 1960. The same 85.35 tons. rebate also applies to 1961 and Raisins have been included. Manufactured products exported were Fruit Cake (144.99 tons), Biscuits (2.42), Mixed Fruits (23.20), Plum Puddings The results of the )960 transactions were (25.21), Fruit Mince (2.21). Total rebate for the season was Eight manufacturers submitted claims. £3185/6/8. INTERSTATE CHARGES

The following rates (applicable to all interstate shipments ing charges on Season 1961 Dried Tree Fruits:- for the season) will be charged by Agents on Season 1961 Shipping charges {including wharfage, L7/6 per ton cubic Dried Vine Fruits- handling. charges and bills of lading) ~ measurement. . Victoria and New South Wales (River Murray), £4 per ton. Port Marking . . , ...... , "J/- per 100 boxes. Cartage allowance, Port Adelaide to 5/- per ton meas- South Australia, £5/5/- per ton. Adelaide . , ...... urement on local South Australian Agents are pmmitted to retain the follow· deliveries only. REGISTRATION OF NURSERIES The N.S.W. Association of Nurserymen has advised that Conference of Australian Nurserymen in Perth in March. So draft proposals for registration have been submitted to the far no intimation has been received as to the outcome of the 0 Department of Agriculture for consideration, and subject Perth Conference. to their practicability would be considered at the Federal THE U.K. AND CONTINENT MARKETS When Mr. E. P. Shepherd, General Manager, Murray River empowered to vary upset prices so as to gain an immediate Wholesale Co-operative Ltd. was in -England last year he advantage overseas. was asked to enquire into the marketing of Dried Tree Fruits The A.D.F.A., to whom all quotations, etc., were previously and the trade's reaction to the abolition of "Standard" as a sent, and which then had to be re-directed to Australian specific quality. Agents and th_e Tree Fruits Committee for consideration, will A~- excellent report was received in the early part of this now act only as a confirming authority. Delays have, in con­ year which, in blief, made the following points:- sequence, been eliminated. The system .seems to be operating 1. lt was essential to maintain supplies each year. The quite satisfactorily. ' markets must not be regarded as mere channels for dis­ In regard to -grading the proposed system of changing posing of surpluses, for to do so would never sustain grades is liked in London. This involves the question of the the popularity of a product. use of "Standard" as a grade. London Agents are of the 2. It was also essential that quality standards be consistent. opinion that we should simplify the grading of all Tree Fruits as much as possible and should, therefore, eliminate any 3. Pricing was important. Prices should be announced as grade which does not \help. In their opinion the word early ·as possible and there should be a careful assessment "Standard" does not help and in fact it is a term which is of the price levels of competitive countries before more likely to lead buyers to believe J:h_at the fruit is some­ quotations were made. The Industry should place thing sub-standard. Agents believe that we could successfully greater dependence on the recommendations of London market under the higher grade label, but they do stress that Agents, and ways and means needed to be devised so a good deal of the fruit they have received should be shipped that offers Could be considered collectively. A closer against an order placed on the samples. liaison with London Agents through the Australian Dried Fruits Importers' Association was most desirable. Mr. Shepherd concluded his report by stating 4. Nectarines were unknown on these markets and it did "There are two distinct markets for Tree Fruits in England not seem wmthwhile consigning supplies. and on the Continent, and these are first the normal Diied Fruit trade for culinary purpQses and to some extent for 5. The" best possibility of popularising Peaches was to dessert purposes, mid then there is the mixed fruit trade which maintain supplies and encourage small paclceting. is, as we know, a combination of a number of kinds of flUit. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on accurate pricing These latter traders desire smaller fruit because they are able and knowing as quickly as possible the trends and conditions to make a better blend with fruit which is not individually in each market. Arrangements were speedily made to not only large. effect closer liaison with London Agents, but to ensure. that "The other trade · is for our normal Dried Tree Fruit trade the liaison is dil:ect with Agents in Australia. and in that regard a better quality is required and is ·accept­ Commencing with the current season all price quotations able in a larger size, although very big fruit is not liked. :ind recommendations and market conditions are being sent The only place where any interest was met for the large fruit, by a London panel of Agents to a specially formed _panel of say, 4 crown, was in Paris and there the buyer was not very Agents located in Adelaide. The Adelaide panel is collectively substantial."

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS PRUNE POOL, 19)9 For the information of Prune growers in the Young district ton, but to this figure should be added dehydration costs of we provide details of realisations paid by the Young District £19/16/8 per ton, making the final average value to the Producers' Co-operative Society Ltd.- grower £176/16/11 per ton. Some growers with good grades of fruit above the average received up to £177/6/- per ton On the completion of 1959 Prune Pool the following cash cash, plus drying costs of £19/16/8 per ton; grossing prices were paid to growers: Robes D'Agen £197/2/8 per ton final va~ue to grower. per ton pe1· ton The 1960 Pool is coming to completion, and only a limited "Ones" .. £192 12 1 £199 ll 6 stock of Prunes remains to be sold. This Pool has borne the "Twos'' . £132 4 2 £174 1 2 brunt of price reductions throughout, )ret despite this it will "Threes" . £84 0 4 £108 8 8 return a good result to the grower. The Society has already advanced £103 per ton in Cash to the grower, with further To each of the above values dehydration costs of £19/16/8 cash advances still to be paid. An estimate of £120 per ton per ton need to be added to show the gross return value per in the average could be a possible complete payout. To these ton received by the grower. prices should also be added dehydration costs of £18/13/4 "The_ Board of Directors of Young District Prbducyrs advise per ton to bring the value to date to growers up to £121/13/4, the very satisfactory conclusion of the 1959 Prune Pool. This and an estimated conclusion of Pool value up to £138/13/4 Pool has been somewhat delayed in clearing its stocks and per ton. suffered somewhat from forced price reductions over the year. Growers will appreciate from these results, the value of However the final results are very satisfactory. their own Co-operative Society in the handling and sellmg The average cash return to the grower was £157/0/3 per of the :frune crops of members." OVERSEAS REPORTS UNITED KINGDOM Fruits packers for supplies. ("Dried Fruits Topics"-March, 1961.) An unofficial strike of London Dockers flared up on 24th April. The strike spread rapidly; 10,000 men were on strike, TURKEY 55 ships were idle, ll ships were undermanned. Previous estimates of 100,000 tons for the 1961 Turkish The strike began with almost 3000 men in the London and Sultana crop have given way to more moderate estimates of St. Katherine Docks. Then 4600 men at tho Royal group of 80,000 to 85,000 tons. Only about 4000 tons of 1960 crop docks and a further 2000 in the West India and Millwall are now held unsold. ("Public Ledger"-20/5/1961.) group came out in sympathy with the original strikers, The * * * * strike has now, happily, been settled. (Australian Dried Fruits Reports from Greece and Turkey indicate that negotia­ Board report.) tions for joining the E.E.C. are making slow progress. In each * * * * case, request for economic aid have been regarded as too The 1961 Californian Prune crop has suffered severe frost extreme and delayed settlement of outstanding debts a damage resulting in losses of up to 40% in some districts. further barrier. The lower crop in prospect has caused the U.K. market to firm with a trend to higher prices. ("Public Ledger"-29/4/61.) GREECE * * * * Greek-Cretan Sultana. stocks are assessed at about 4000 tons Prunes remain in good demand, especially in the spot mainly of the higher grades. ("Public Ledger"-1/4/1961.) position. Californian prices are well maintained. New crop Chilean Prunes are in demand. The New Californian crop is * * * * estimated at a little ovm· 130,000 tons which is slightly below The 1960 crop is now estimated at 80,000 tons. Stocks on 1960 production. CPublic Ledger"-20/5/1961.) 20th February were 35,300 torls. ("Fruit Intelligence"-March, 1961.) CALIFORNIA * * * * The Californian Wine Advisory Board has approved the Latest reports suggest that the Greek Currant carryover expenditure of $87,090 for an aerial survey of the 1961 will probably be about 12,000 tons but it is likely that the 1961 crop will be smaller than that of 1960 by this amount. Californian Raisin lay. The 1960 estimate, the first of its ("Public Ledgei'-3/6/1961.) kind for the State, was within 2% of adual production. ("Californian Fruit News"-1/4/1961.) IRAN * ---* * * Little progress is reported on the 5th surplus Raisin re­ The 1960 Sultana crop, in January, was estimated at lease. The R.A.C. is now faced with the problem of deciding 40,000 tons. Purchases by China and Russia are repmted to its future pricing policy. Any reduction ·in pl"ice, at an early be as high as 25,000 tons and the market is £rm. India is also stage, would result in the weakening 'of buyer confidence stated to have made good purchases. which the minimum price scheme was designed to build up. In FebruarY, the 1960 crop of Persian Raisins was esti­ ("Public Ledger"-13/5/1961.) mated' at 50,000 tons. Spring frosts severely damaged other * * * * fruits and this created a heavy demand for fresh grapes. The U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service estimates 1960 world ("Dried Fmits T.opics"-March, 1961.) production of Sultanas as 444,800 short tons, the· smallest pack since 1950. ("Californian Fruit News"-27/5/1961.) BRITISH WEST INDIES * * * * There is a very limited outlet for Apricots and Peaches as Drying of Peaches is considered to be a dying industry. The these varieties do not form part of the pOpulation's normal "Gree:n Drop" method of limiting drying production (now diet. Efforts are, however, being continued to interest con­ operating for Peaches) is expected to be applied to other sumers through the Supermarkets. (Mi. C. J. Ward, C.D.F.S. varieties. (Mr. C. J, Ward, C.D.F.S. Pty. Ltd.) Pty. Ltd.) SOUTH AFRICA CANADA Drought conditions have adversely .affected fruit pro­ Discoloured Apricots are causing marketing problems. Im­ duction in the Western Cape Province this year (1961) and portation of Apricots fwm the United Kingdom at prices only the Orange River Irrigation 'area has a good c;rop, lower· than direct shipments from Australia had upset the Canners and wineries al"e competing strongly with Dried trade. (Mr. C. J. Wa,d, C.D.F,S. Pty. Ltd.)

AUSTR,ALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Fifteen -~------

VENEZUELA Japanese goods the same treatment in Greece as similar There is a useful market in this country for Dried Fruit products imported· from O.E.E.C. countries. Japan haS indi­ _-Currants, Sultanas and Prunes-in Venezuela. In 1959 im­ cated that its imports from Greece will include Raisins under ports were worth approximately £stg.458,000. The U.S.A. was a global quota. ("California Fruit News"-1/4/1961.) the major supplier. The U.S. enjoys a preferential rate of duty of 40 centimos per kilogram compared to the general rate NEW ZEALAND applicable to Australian imports of 1.20 Bolivars (£Al == 7.4 Licences will be issued up to the value of 1960 imports. Bolivars). (Australian Trade Commissioner, Trinidad.) Any importer who, at 12th April, 1961, held 1961 licences YUGOSLAVIA of lower value than his 1960 imports under «R" licences will have additional 1961 licences issued him to make up the The U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service has lowered its esti­ difference. The import licensing authorities have advised that mate of 1960/61 Yugoslav dried Prune exports from 21,000 short tons to 18,000 short tons. Almost all Yugoslavia's exports licences will be issued irrespective of country of origin and will be from the carryover of 23,000 tons from the 1959 that licences will be interchangeable between fruits within pack as the 1960 crop was a failure. ("California Fruit News" the group. -13/5/1961.) It is understood that the present policy is to extend prefer­ JAPAN ence in licensing to imports for manufacturing against im­ Japan and Greece have signed a one-year trade agreement ports for other uses. (Australian Trade Commissioner, Welling­ effective from 1st October, 1961. The new agreement will give ton.) SOUTH AFRICAN DRIED FRUITS BOARD Annual Report, 1958-1959 From a well-presented and embracing report of the Board's packing materials on account of the switch-over from wooden activities_ the following illteresting information is published. containers to standard corrugated- containers. A representative of the baking trade has been added to The sterling services rendered by the Westem Province the Board's personnel. Similar representations by the Chamber Fruit Resem·ch Station have been continued. of Commerce- was not successful. During the year under review a great number of farms One change in the scheme, promulgated during the year, were again visited to give advice . on a variety of problems. was the merging of the Thompson Seedless Raisin and Sultana A major drive was made to try to solve the problem of the pools. In effect this means that money can be transferred varying quantities of sulphur dioxide in, especially, Apricots from either one of these pools to the other at the discretion and Peaches. of the Board, with the approval of the Minister, when there During the year under review just over 12,000 tons of are substantial differences in prices and the subsequent realisations obtained for these two so closely related products. Dried Fruit were received from producers. This was· about 14% less than the previous year and 12% under the average The reason for this innovation is that the Board sometimes for the previous four years. wishes to export more of the one product on account of better overseas prices and thus !,laving to curtail exports of the other The Industry has had its last year of high prices in this in order to satisfy local demand for this type of fruit, or vice cycle. Prices are coming down fast and producers will have versa, thereby probably harming the interests of the one and to pay more attention to- quality and cost of production as the ·improving the prospects for the other. To offset any such Industry is fast returning to a buyers' market. prpbable deleterious effects the Board now has powers to 1 In addition to the public relations work being done by the transfer funds to the pool adversely affected from the pool Board the recipe book was eventually published. The cost of reaping the gain. publicity for the year therefore shows a sharp increase. To Early in the year under review a cost investigation was con­ what extent the increase in consumption is due to the efforts ducted by the accountants of the National Marketing Council. of the Board is difficult to say; but it would appear as if The net outcome of the investigation showed a small decrease there is a steady increase which is· most gratifying in these in production costs, mainly due tO a drop in the costs of days of declining overseas· prices. W.A. DRIED FRUITS BOARD l From reports received, re"ulm· monthly meetings were held packing houses for 1961, fixing of growers' levy at 10/- per by the Dried Fmits Board of W.A. during January-April. ton and grade fixing. Mr. E. S. Watt is Chairman of the li Business, other than routine, was the appoinbnent of in­ Board. spectors, consideration of inspection costs, registration of VINEYARD EXPANSION IN U.S.S.R. The U.S.A. Department of Agriculture recently iss~.Ied a Areas considered suitable for Raisin production are Armenia, I report on production and planting of grape vines in the various Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldavia, also the southern areas near Soviet s'ocialist Republics. The information is of interest: the Black Sea, of Russia and Ukrania. The information re­ Plantings 1947 1958 corded indicates that Soviet Republics are well_ ·on their way Russiarii S.F.S.R. 79,000 296,000 acres to producing a substantial volume of Raisins for their own use. Ukranian S.S.R. 193,000 662,000 , ("Dried Fruits Topics"-June, 1960.) Uzbck S.S.R. 52,000 82,000 Through Mr. P. Malloch, the foregoing comment ;ts support­ Kazakh S.S.R. 7,000 20,000 ed by the accompanying map of Russia. A glance at tltis map Georgian S.S.R. 146,000 185,000 , clearly shows the distribution of vineyards, and the foregoing Azerbaijan S.S.R. 52,000 89,000 , acreages graphically demonstrate how Russia can be a factor Moldavian S.S.R. 242,000 470,000 in over-production. Kirghiz S.S.R. 2,000 7,000 , In planning any expansion in Australia, due regard must Tadzhik S.S.R. .. 16,000 30,000 , be given to the effect that Soviet production would have on Armenian S.S.R. 40,000 62,000 , the annual tonnages it buys elsewhere. The quantity of Dried Turkeman S.S.R. 11,000 17,000 , Vine Fruits which Russia now imports would then be so much Total '840,000 1,920,000 acres niore surplus available to other consumer markets.

Page· Sixteen AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS c:> ~ lCE Y ~ VINEYARD ZONES IN THE U.S.S.R. Zonii. /////// "X" denotes zones of planting. ~ Zone 2 Sca.l~ of .Mila-s 0 z 0)"'112 3 ~ _.. ------~~ = 0"5o'{oo 000 500 700 ~0 "';;; Zone 4 ill!ll!llll!lll!!ll 0 Zohe 5 :::::::::·:;::::::: ;l:l s~s~:.d Ot) Bolsh~tj::t Sovietska.ya [hc:ycloj:>aeQia, VOlume 30 095~ ~q ZhivotnoVOQSt.Yo c: 5 ·S·S·R· 0959) l Zohe. I ' I a ""·· ..-' ' .. -,IIV'f~ ri 2.JJii z ~

(__./''-. "'<: -~· ,.-· r M. 0 N 6 0 L I. A c-·

~---- '\ / ; ~ ·-·~·"'-·~./~;;~eo'-\t> i 1\lNER '" . m !RAN c H \ i

', For many years growers have complained of damage to The committee is now known as "The Bird Pest Irivestigation grape crops by birds, and in the Sunraysia district in the early Committee of the Australian Dried Fruits Association". It 1950's these complaints were particularly serious. Mildura will remain based on :rvlildura, and will continue ·to look to District Council of A.D.F.A. finally agreed to appoint a com­ Mildura District Council for finance, but from now on all re­ mittee to investigate and report on the problem, and in 1953 ports, circulars, etc., will be issued by the Head Office of the "The Bird Pest Investigation Committee of Mildura District Association. Council" was d~ly formed. It is hoped that the first report of the newly constituted From then until the end of 1959 this committee furnished committee will be issued shortly, but before this is done a reports on the results of its researches, and a booklet on control general survey of the present position throughout the :industry measuies was compiled by the committee and published by is desirable. In order to make such a survey, the co-operation Mildura District Council. In addition, notes and articles of all growers is sought. relative to the committee's work appeared in various public­ ations from time to time. Despite this, it was realised that the GROWERS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE results' of the research done and the field trials· undertaken were ENCLOSED QUESTIQNNAIRE AND MAIL IT DIRECT not alWays readily available to growers away from Sunraysia. TO: It was realised, too, that in other dried fruits districts efforts were also being made to combat bird pests, and that know­ Mr. H. F. Thomas, Convener, Bird Pest Investiga­ ledge of these efforts was often difficult to obtain. tion Committee of The A.D.F.A., P.O. Box 78, Enhanced Status of Committee lrymple, Victori~. It was decided, therefore, that an attempt should be made to co-ordinate individual and district information, so that The compilation of information from many districts will as­ growefs as a whole could be more easily kept posted with the sist the committee in. learning more about the variOus species latest developments where bird pests were concerned. The seen, those that cause damage to crops and the various pre­ matter· was put to the 1959 meeting of the Federal Council of ventive method<> used by growers. the A.b.F.A., and it was decided that the committee would Out of the conclusions obtained from the questionnaire much , operate in future on an industry, rather than a purely local, useful information can be obtain.ed which can be published for basis. the benefit of growers.

World-Famous Danish R.S.M. Fruit Sprayer Now Being Made Under licence by

• the BEST Spraying m the Shortest Time! large numbers of Australian fruitgrowers have already seen field demonstrations of these remarkable sprayers. They have seen for themselves the ama:odng penetration Spray directed against air and covering power. This convincing· proof of the efficiency of the R.S.M. Sprayer stream for spraying al 3-10 under Australian conditions has led them to place immediate orders to secure the times normal high volume and money-saving advantages of R.S.M. spraying as soon as possible! concentration. Watch for Demonstration in Your District! 1 Single-sided 4-spout 150-200 gal. vat. ]. Single-sided "Super 4-spout" 200 gal. 4 MODElS:- vat. 3 Double-sided 8-spout 200 gal. vat. 4 Tractor-mounted single-sided 4-spout 66 "OMNIMIST" 0 All these Sprayers use the gal. vat. SPRAYER Famous RONALDSON-TIPPETT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP (Up to 500 p.s.i.) with 8-spout Double-sided Mist B;lower Spouts ·adjustable RONALDSON BROS. & TIPPETT LTil through 30 deg, Head Office and Work" BALLARAT, VIC. Spray directed with air (Each set of 4 stream for spraying at ! - 2 moves l5 deg.) Phone: Ballarat 222. times normal high volume concentration.

l'age Eighteen AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS BIRD PEST QUESTIONNAIRE For submission to the Bird Pest Investigation Committee of The A.D.F.A., Box 78, lrymple, Vic .. Please note: When you have completed the questionnaire kindly fold over, seal down, affix postage stamp and mail.

IS DAMAGE BY BIRDS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN YOUR DISTRICT?

Damage is very serious .. D' My further comments are:-:- Damage is serious .. D' Damage is not serious D' Damage IS negligible .. D' *Tick whichever panel is applicable.

WHAT SPECIES OF BIRDS CAUSE DAMAGE? *D Starlings *D Sparrows *D Silvereyes '0 Blackbirds Other Species (insert 'D ·*D . *D· names on dotted lines} *D ·············'tJ ········*D *Insert I in panel against main offender and then 2, 3, 4, &c., according to degree of importance.

EXTENT OF DAMAGE DURING' 1961 HARVEST

Damage 1n comparison with previous year was *D NOTICEABLY MORE *0 NOTICEABLY LESS *Tick whichever panel is applicable. *0 ABOUT THE SAME

PRINCIPAL METHOD(S) OF CONTROL USED

Insert brief details hereunder

,------~ NAME .... ADDRESS ... ········'·· Date: I /1961

lV3S aNY 3903 SIH! 9N01Y V'l09 'Q3)J~Y~ SlNIOd !Y 03010~ Sl 3mYNNOI!S300 N3HM

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page.· Nin~teen· · SM3N S!lml::l 031l!O NVIlVli!SnV .4'4ao"".L ollwd

Open carefully along edge from other side

QUESTIONNAIRE ONLY AFFIX POSTAGE STAMP

Mr. H. F. THOMAS, ' Convenor, Bird Pest Investigation Committee of The A.D.F.A., P.O. Box 78, IRYMPlE, VICTORIA. This attractive display was seen in a Sydney retail store and shows how Dried Vine Fruits have been given I>rominence in a combined presentation of dried and glace fruits and nuts. VVindow displays help to induce the customer to enter and buy. -Photo by E. J, Kennedy, A.D.F.A. Publicity Representative. AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twenty-one LABOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR MANAGEMENT PLANNING IN DRIED VINE FRUIT PRODUCTION By A. H. ROWE and J. M. ANDERSON (Reprinted from "Quarterly Review of Agricultural Economics" (Vol. XIII, No. 4), October, 1960, with due acknowledgments to the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, Canberra.) A previous article in the "Quarterly Review of Agricultural be expected to require an average of 43.4 hours per acre per Economics" {published in the "News" April-December 1960 farm each year. This average requirement for pruning Sul­ issue) reprinted a general description of the labour expended tanas therefore indicates that 10 acres would require 434 on the 1959 dried vine fruit crop by 15 growers in the Sun­ hours (43.4 hours p·er acre x lO acres), 20 acres would require raysia district of Victoria and New South Walesl. A prelim­ 868 hours of work, and so ,on. In other words, it implies that imiry analysis of the diaries that were kept to record the daily there is a constant labour requirement irrespective of such work performed by themselves, their families, and by 1\er­ .factors as the area grown and block layout Tlris assumption manent and casual hired_ employees, showed tfiat 84% of the of a constant relationship is illustrated by the line AB of total working hours was spent on the crop itself, and family Figure l{a). lab_our contributed 58% of the- time absorbed by crop work. These facts, combined with the knowledge that labour charges2 In practice, hmvever, it is unlikely that a constant labour accounted for a little more than half the total costs of' pro­ inpi1t will either be necessary or everi be applied over the duction in this season, emphasise the importance. of constant range of possible acreages planted. It is not umeasonable to attention to all aspects of labour productivity in this industry, believe that with a greater number of vines to cultivate, the if it is. to maintain or improve its ability to compete success- labour available3 will be spread more thinly and will thus fully in world export markets. - reduce the number of hours devoted to each acre. That this is the real situation is supported by the· scatter of dots in A major feature of the preliminary analysis was the deriv­ ·Figure l{b), each dot representing the average number of ation of standards of average labour requirements for the hours spent per acre on pruning related to the area worked on most important activities essential to the culture of these each block in 1959; CD, the line of average relationship or crops. As the sample of growers iri the districts covered was '1Jest fit", is downward sloping, indicating that pruning time small, an attempt was made to estimate the reliability of these per acre falls as the acreage worked increases. Thus, revert­ standards together with their variation from farm to farm. It ing to Figure l(a), the true relationship betw1;3en labour time was suggested that these standards should not necessarily be and acreage planted is more properly that shown by the line regarded as desirable aims of management, but rather a:s A1B'. "bench-marks" to which individual farm experience· may be related in any appraisal of labour effii::iency. -At the same time The argument outlined above is sufficient to suggest that, it was noted that a fairly wide variation existed in the amount since time allocated is apparently affected by factors other of labour used per acre in the performance of these operations than acreage, our knowledge of average labour requirements between one block and another, even where similar cultural per acre for the various cultural operations in this industry methods and equipment are employd. would be substantially im11roved if some measure of the re­ 'J.Pese figures, like all averages, need some qualification and lationship between time and the major related factors were in particular their value for farm planning is limited unless available. they are related to the various factors~stiCh as the acreage It is the purpose of tlris article, therefore, to discuss some and yield of the crop grown-which effect their magnitude on of the results obtained from a further analysis of the infor­ different blocks. One simple example may serve as an illus­ mation derived from the labour diaries. Attention is confined tration of this argument. to Sultanas which are by far the most important variety, oc­ A pr~liminary analysis of labour time on these farms showed cupying approximately 74% of the bearing vine area on these that the activities connected with the- pruning of Sultanas could blocks. ' Standard Labour Requirements for Pruning Sultanas by Regression Analysis. .7£. TOTAL FIGURE l111> AVERAGE FIGURE l

2 Includes unpaid family labour valued at the standard rate a grower would ·have to pay a permanent block hand to cany out the manual work performed by himself and other members of the family who do not normally draw cash wages. 3 Although 14 of the 15 growers employed casual labom· for pruning; two-thirds of the work was performed by permanent and family labour.

Page Twenty-two AUSTRALIAN DRI~D FRUITS NEWS Figure 2.-The association pf Labour Time on various , cultural operations with the area planted at three levels of Sultana yield, 1959. .PRUNING. 2(a) CULTIVATIONS 2 ------"-.2_• • lf''• !i!o 40- • --- 8 30 30-f-"'" • &"'(0~ ...... ·~---- • ·o)d \ .....---- . _.-$_.'---:~ • 30 ------• 20 20 ·~------. y/:;];j JTon . . • - • &1-~'0" 20 • 10 • .trld \•-ron 10- $)-o.-"'" ·~\a>,_...... ~----- ~- . .: ;....-- 0 0 0 0 10 20 30 o-10 20 30 0_...... 1{:) 20 30 ACRES OF SULTANAS ACRES OF SULTANAS ACRES OF SULTANAS PEST~ DISEASE CONTROL300 HARVESTING&DRYING OTALUNC)FERTILIZING HOURS 14 300 2(d) 2(e) 2 PER 12 _____ ~1i!~:! ~Toft~ ACRE WaJ

Figure 3.-Some relationships between Yield, Al""ea of Vines and Labour Hours per acre of Sultanas in 1959.

3<>l 3cc) Th<> flalsJ,;pn~hlp bo:l:w""" Th.u Ral&honshlp bo:l:w"'

YIELD TONS PER ACRE 3 2

0 50 100 150 200 AVERAGE HOURS PER ACRE ACRES OF SULTANAS

Labour Inputs and Vine Yields Examination of the diagrams suggests that acreage planted The rel8tionship between acreage planted and the time per is not the only factor affecting time spent. There 'is also a a.cre spe_nt <;m {iach of the I?ajor operations-pruning, cultiva­ fair degree of correlation between time spent per acre and hon, trngabon,. pest and dtsease control, and harvesting and the associated yield. This' is particularly marked in the case ·of drying-is shoWn for the individual farms in Figure 2. harvesting and drying (see Figure 3(a)). It is true that ha·r-

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twenty·thr_ee vesting and drying constitutes a special case as time taken is This relationship between the three variables was expressed directly resultant on the size of the harvest. Nevertheless, the by a regression equation of the form relationship also appears to be present, to a lesser degree, in Y ~a+ bA + cT1 + E other operations. This is shown in Figure 3(b), where yield where Y = yield per acre in tons per acre is plotted against total time per acre spent on all A = area planted in acres operations prior to harvest. T 1 = time taken for the particular operation (prun­ The argument may be summed- up by saying that the time ing, etc.) in hours, and taken per acre on the various operations depends, not only on E = residual element between actual yield- and the number of acres planted, but also on the standard of yield computed yield. aimed at, or on the actual yield achieved. An equation of the above type was fitted to the 144 obser­ Figure 3(c) shows the relationship between yield per acre vations for each operation and the parameters a, b and c were and acreage planted, while Figure 3(d) shows the relationship estimated by the method of least squares. These estimates between all three variables. Clearly there is sufficient correl­ are set out in Table No. 1 together with their standard errors. ation between yield per acre and acreage planted to make it The validity of multiple regression analysis depends upon the desirable, in studying the relationship between time taken and existence of a linear relationship between each pair of vari­ acreage planterl, to remove the influence of yield or standard ables. The grilphs in Figure 3 indiCate that the relatiOnships of yield aimed at. with which this article is concerned are in fact linear.

TABLE No. 1 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YIELD PER ACRE, ACREAGE PLANTED AND TIME WORKED PER ACRE FOR VARIOUS OPERATIONS.

represented by equation Y = a + bA + cT1 + E where Y = yield per acre in tons A = area planted iil acres T 1 = time worked per acre in hours E = residual element between ach1al yield and computed yield.

Estimated Values of Co~ef/icients Co-efficient of Standard (Standard Eno1·s in B1·ackets) Multiple Error of Ope1·ation Constant , Regression Estimate a R2 s b c Y.AT1 Y.AT1

(1) (2) (3) ( 4) (5) (6) Pruning ...... -0.675 +0.012 +0.051 .64 0.52 ( .028) ( .012) Cultivation ...... +1.212 -0.014 +0.030 .35 0.71 ( .044) (.014) Irrigation ...... +1.586 -0.034 +0.043 .22 0.77 (.040) ( .027) Pest and Disease Control .. . . +1.202 --o.002 +0.122 .12 0.82 (.047) ( .115) Harvesting and Drying .. . . +0.506 --o.016 +0.017 .69 0.48 ( .025) (.004) Total Crop Work* .. . . +0.268 0.001 +0.011 .61 0.55 (.029) ( .003)

*Includes fertilising activities,

4 Fourteen of the fa1ms maintaining labour diaries in 1959 grew Sultanas commercially.

The parameter c, which is the net regression co-efficient of unit of time spent, than it could in the case of an extra unit yield on time :>pent, is positive in each case, indicating that of area planted. extra time spent per acre on the various operations is accom­ If yield and labour time are expressed as a ratio of their panied by an increase in yield per acre. For example," growers respective acreage, we obtain a proportionate effect, i.e., the who spent more than the average time on pruning achieved, elasticity of yield with respect to acreage, taken at the aver­ on the average, an extra 0.05 ton per acre for each additional age. The values of these elasticities al"e- set out in Table hour so spent. No.2. The most profitable extra 'hour was that spent on pest and TABLE No.2 disease control which was accompanied by an extra 0.12 ton ELASTICITIES OF YIELD WITH RESPECT TO per acre. However, the average time spent, namely 4.3 hours ACREAGE per acre on this operation,, was comparatively small-so that an extra hour represented a large proportionate increase in time spent. By contrast, an extra hour spent on pruning rep­ Opemtion Elast!city resented only a small proportion of the time spent on the operation. Pnming. 1.34 The standard errors of the b co-efficients are appreciably larger than those of the c co-efficients. This indicates that any Cultivation .36 v~iation in yield due to a variation in acreage is likely to fall Irrigation ... .42 within a greater range than it would if it were the result of a variation in time spent. In other words, estimation of the Pest and Disease Control ...... 30 effect on yield can be -made with more accuracy, for an extra

Page Twenty-four AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS It will be seen that the greatest effect of extra time spent the previous year's canes at the base. It is a normal practice is in pruning, the elasticity being greater than 1.0. The valUes to leave eight canes per vine trimmed to 14- buds, the length of the other elasticities calculated are less than unity, indicat­ of the canes_ being limited by the spacing between vines so ing that additional time spent on these operations was accom­ that when wrapped on the trellis wire they do not seriously panied by a less than proportionate gain in yield. overlap where they meet. Recent basic research on bud de­ For any given yield, e.g., the average yield of these growers velopment and fru.}ting behaviour by the C.S.I.R.O. at Mer­ in 1959 was 1.65 tons per acre, the regression equation can bein has shown that crop forecasts can be made based on be simplified so as to express labom time as a function of microscopic counts of fruitful buds in the previot~-s autumn,5 A acreage planted:- number of blocks arc inspected each year, and theit average Tt ~ k + bA fruitful bud count provides the basis for Department .of Agri­ culture advice on the number of canes and buds to leave .fn . These are the straight lines shown in Figure 2. There are each year. Although it is unlikely that a completely uniform three such lines, one representing the average of 1.65 tons •crop yield every year can be achieved, yield fluctuations can per acre and the other two of values approaching the outer be reduced by pruning lightly when crop prospects are poor limits of the yield range. and more heavily when bud counts are high. The general " The individual graphs show that for constant yield there is adoption of this technique by growers will naturally affect the a decline in time spent per acre in pruning as acreage in­ average times spent on pruning each acre· from season to creases. For the other operations, tin1e taken increases with season. The times recorded in 1958-59 may therefOre be acreage. However, the total time spent (including time spent affected to some extent by the advice given in this season "'to fertilising which is not elsewhere specified) is seen to be fairly leave less buds than normal and to take advantage of the constant regardless of the acreage planted to Sultarias. It extremely high fruitfulness (70%) revealed by the autumn bud appears, therefore, that the total labour expended on the farm count, to reshaPe drastically any vines which had got out of in the production of dried Sultanas is so closely related to hand". This example, and others that will come to the mind the yields obtained that the area planted is a factor of re­ of the reader acquainted 'with this industry, illustrate the kind· latively small significance. of factors that can cause variation in the labour requirements of the vine fruit crop. Conclusion This article has briefly described an attempt to improve the Information about average labour requirements is of prac­ value of the labour standards which have been derived from tical value for ah appraisal of existing management and also an analysis of 14 specialist growers' diaries of labour use in for planning the requirements of new _plantings. The most 1959-a near-normal season. Further statistical analysis has effective method of· iinproving individual standards of man­ measured the relationships that existed for this particular group agement is by comparing one's own standard of performance of producers between the time they devoted to the major with those of similar producers. It is relatively simple to com­ cultural activities, the area of Sultanas receiving attention, and pare yields over the boundary fence, so to speak, but the the resultant yields. In addition, the calculations have indi­ comparison will be much more informative if the levels of yield cated the probable range of error involved. obtained or aimed at can be related to the effort required to produce them. Techiques are one thing but the ways that they The quality of the labour devoted. to the production of any are applied in practice often differ considerably. This present crop will have an important effect upon yields. This factor of study has attempted to provide more :Precise measures from technical skill, combined with 'the ability to organise and man­ which individual comparisons and farm plans may be made. age with casual labour force, is particularly important where As labour is the most expensive resource and the dominant horticultural production is concerned. item in the farm cost structure of the dried vine fruit indus­ The vital operation of pruning affords a good example of try, growers will be well aware of the necessity to pay con­ this. The first step in pruning a Sultana vine is "cutting ·out" . stant attention to the productivity of their labour.

5 See "Pruning the Sultana" Ru1•al Research in C.S.I.R..O. No, 27, March 1959, and "Forecasting Sultana Yields", Rul'al Resem·ch in C.S.I.R.O. No. 17, September 1956. '

RENMARK FRUITGROWERS' CO-OPERATED LIMITED RENMARK

A Company Owned and Controlled by the Growers of Renmark for the Co-opera~ve Packing and Processing. 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 PRIED FRUITS NEWS Page T-wenty-five l 'J !§ ~ ~

)> c ~ "',--)> >z 0 ~ .,::9 "'c i3i z In a private foyer outside the Conference room of Federal Council 1960 a full range of packet designs was erected for viewing by delegates. On ~ the right· is a demonstration table for Apricots and Peaches from which tasting samples were offered. WEEDICIDES WITH A DIFFERENCE By E. G. BIGGS, D.D.A., Orchard Supervisor, Mildura. This is cheaper than present cultural methods with the (Re-printed, with acknowledgment, from "Mallee additional advantage of nQ possible damage to butts of vines. Horticulture Digest"-Jan.-Feb., 1961.) The other materials in this group of soil sterilants are currently being tested in the Mildura district. It is certain Weeds mean big business to the primary producer. Eco­ that some of the materials will be used commercially by the nomic lo!is from weeds in the United States has been estimated end of the year. ' at .five billion dollars a year. In Australia the estimate is 50 million pounds a year. ·Dalapon This position has triggered off a vast amount of research The best known of the new weedicides, dalapon, has already work into chemical .weed control, which has produced a proved its usefuh1ess in successfully controlling couch and whole range of new chemical wecdicides wlth different and Johmon grass. If used according to directions it can safely interesting ways of killing plants. be used amongst vines. From this new range of weedicides come three new types Dalapoh is absorbed by foliage, it moves quickly through of material which appear certain to have a useful place in the plant and prevents the plant making a- vitamin called Murray ValleY horticulhue. panthothenic; acid, and death of the plant follows. An understanding of how these three new weedicides work Aminotriazole to kill weeds is helpful information when planning a weed This is a new material which has only been used on a control progrqmme. small scale in the Mildura district. It is reported to be a good general purpose weedicide and to give excellent weed Soil Sterilants control against such hard-to-kill weeds as nut grass. (C.M.U. and D.C.M.U.-substituted ureas; Simazin, Atrazine) Absorbed Through the Leaves These substances are taken up by the roots_ 'of plants, The weedicide is absorbed through the leaves and kills especially young seedling plants just germinating. The material by upsetting the chlorophyll producing mechanism of the stops the plant from taking in carbon dioxide which is essen­ plant. Chlorophyll, the green constituent of plants, uses sun­ tial for the continued life of the plant. When sufficient material light to manufacture foodstuffs for the plant. is absorbed by the plant, the _plant dies as would an animal without oxygen. After spraying, new irowth comes away white and death follows because plant food materials are' not manufactured Perhaps the mOst useful feature of these new soil sterilants without chlorophyll. to the Murray Valley horticulturist is that the materials sup­ plied at correct do'sage rates can be used safely amongst WARNING vines to control weed growth for fairly long periods. Pending a further report from the Department of Agricul­ In trials at Swan Hill, one spray of C.M.U. applied at 4 ture the Production Problems Committee warns growers that lb. an acre under the vine has given complete weed control every care must be talwn in using weedicides under and near for· almost 12 months. vines.

PRUNING VERSUS DISBUNCHING

Being points from "Studies on the Sultana Vine. VII. A Comparison of Crop Regulation by Pruning with Crop Regulation by Disbunching", by A. J, Antcliff, W. J. Webster and P. May, of the Common~ealth Research Station, C.S.I.R.O., Merbein.

This paper was published in "Australian Journal of Agricultural Research", Volume 12: Numbel' I, pages 69~76, 1961.

In the Murray Valley, the' fruitfulness of Sultana vines In the experiment rCported here, crop regulation of Sul­ varies widely frpm year to year. The percentage of fruitful tanas by (a) pruning was compared with crop regulation by buds may be as low as 30 in one year, up to 70 in another. (b) disbunching. The treatments were extended over four seasons. Recommendations for pruning are based on potential fruit­ fulness: in years of low bud fruitfulness, pruning should be In treatment (a), vmes were pruned to four, six, or eight light; when bud fruitfulness is high, pruning should be more canes, each cane havmg fourteen buds, and all. bunches severe. Thus, barring accidents, it should be possible to keep developing were left intact. In treatment (b), six-cane vines the yield of fruit fairly constant froJ? year to year. were dis bunched to correspond, in bunch numbers,. to the four-cane vines of (Q), and eight-cane vines were disbunched Because of variable fruitfnlness, attempts to maintain the to correspond to either the· six or four-cane vines. Thus, for a number of fruitful buds per vine at a constant £gure still fixed bunch number, one treatment, i.e., (b), was associated allow wide variations in the numbers of 1mfruitful buds (and with a high leaf/fruit ratio, the othei treatment (a), with a hence, Unfruitful shoots). In other words, it would be expected lower ratio. that .the leaf/fruit ratio would fluctuate from year to year. For three out of 'four seasons, both methods of regulation The importance of the ratio of leaves to fmit has been gave similar yields. In the remaining season, disbunched demonstrated for many horticultural crops, such as apple, vines yielded slightly better than more severely pruned vines peach, etc. The leaves produce vital carbohydrates, and there having the same number of bunches. This better yield was is an optimum ratio of leaf area to fruit numbers. The de­ attributed to larger berries on the disbunched vines. velopment of the current year's crop, as well as the formation Disbunching. is laborious, and would need to lead to con~ of buds-for the following season, may depend on this ratio. sistently higher economic returns to be worthwhile. For Other workers have shown that the leaf/fruit ratio can table grapes, disbunching and thinning of Sultanas is some­ influence the crop obtained from grape varieties that are times desirable to improve quality, but for Dried Fruit pro~ duction, no advantages can be foreseen. nonnally spur~pruned. With Muscat of Alexandria in /ar­ tiCUlar, a large·r crop of better quality fruit was obtaine b}' From this experiment it was concluded that the leaf/fruit light pruning followed by removal of some of the bunches. ratio has little effect on the yields of Sultana under Murray This treatment resulted in an increased leaf/fruit ratio. VaHey conditions.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Tweniy-seven MILDURA DISTRICT DRIED VINE FRUITS PROCESSING COMMITTEE Summary Reports on Dried Vine Fruits Investigations, 1960, Presented by the Commonwealth Research Station, C.S.I.R.O., Merbein

Commm·cial Dipping Oils for Sultanas: In addition to the laboratory trials, the Mowling oil was The three commercial oils marketed, Co-op, Vacuum and assessed in a field trial in comparison with one of the Voullaire's, were kept under observation on selected growers' established oils. This trial indicated that the performance properties. of the new oil could be accepted as satisfactory. The dried Sultanas resulting from its use -had a noticep.ble green tinge Vacuum and Voullairc's gave similar results. Both oils gave towards the end of the drying period, but normal drying fast drying and produced even samples of good quality fruit. green treatment for such fruit gave a final grading of Five Co-op gave a slower d1ying rate with darker-coloured fruit. Crown. The dip liquor made up from the new oil showed Small scale Iaboratmy trials were made as in previous breaking of the emulsion after two months' standing. years, using a dehydrator operating at controlled temperature and air-flow. Sultanas were cold-dipped in liguors made up Reconstitution of Dip: with- 21-% potassium carbonate and 2% of one 'or other of the As reported last year, analysis of dips at various stages of following oils: Co-op, Gardino~ Mobil, Mowling and Voul­ mage showed that all dips experienced a lowering of oil laire. content and carbonate of potash as dipping continued, and Drying curves are shown on the attached figure, from which fell to approximately half of that of a new dip after 15,000 it will be seen that there was little diffmence in performance buckets had been dipped. between the various oils as indicated by these trials. Drying To find out what effect this was haVing on the drying rate "constants" calculated from these results again show very and grade of fruit, an old dip was reconstituted with additions little diiicrence between the commercial oils. of oil and potash to keep the content of both these dip -in­ The "Mowling" oil was a test batch made up by G. Mowling gredients to approximately that of a new dip. Fruit from the and Son Pty. Ltd., Footscray, Victoria, who may enter the recomtituted dip dried to shaking-down stage three days manufacturing field next seao:;on. before the normal used dip and fruit was of better qualitY.

\ \ I .• "' "' \ T R I A L 19 6 0 \ &0 • [lATIItG CONSTAitf h MOW LING .... ;..... I 914 7 • to·• ~ \, CAIUJINOI.. -- t·s:IOt •lo·• iU CO·OP ·11300 •to·• ~ MOBIL ·-·17'101 •to·• 70 VOfii.L AIIU .S•-- --·•t7086 • to•

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h. 50 ~ '-'

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Page Twen.ty-eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Stronger stock solutions will be recommended for next year's Last year Mr. Ray Hampton, of Red Cliffs, took the sheet dipping card. over to continue the test on another drying ground. The sheet has how been through five drying seasons and apart Sodium Sulphite Addition to Caustic Dip for Waltham Cross. from a few minor tears, is still in quite good condition. Twenty lbs. of· sodium sulphite was added to a standard Mr. Hampton had similar experience to Mr. Orton as 100 gallons caustic dip being used for Waltham Cross. The regards the :flapping of the material in windy weather and dip was kept visibly boiling while ·the fruit was being found that a little extra care and some sort of battening dipped. was necessary to stop the flapping, The addition of the sodium sulphite produced a lighter coloured dried fruit and also has a value in protecting the Grape Surface Lipids: fruit against vinegar :fly and mould. A preliminary fractionation of "bloom" collected eight Samples from this dip and from the normal caustic both years ago .by dipping Sultana grapes in ethylene dichloride, seeded satisfactorily. Samples of seeded and- unsceded fmit showed that the pale buff powder consists of approximately are now undorgoing a storage trial to determine if there is 25% viscous red oil, 15% white wax, 45o/o oleanolic acid and any difference in storage life especially in relation to 10% of an unidentified component. The investigation is con­ crystallization. tinuing in the belief that a knowledge of the nature of the grape smface lipids will lead to a better understanding of As Waltham Cross are dipped late in the season when dipping prqcess. vinegar fly and mould are more likely to be a problem, a dip additive such as sodium sulphite would be most valu­ Sultana Skin Permeability: able. Use of specially constructed plastic cells has facilitated the Separate Drying of Berries: measurement of permeability of skin segments of Sultanas · Berries were removed as soon as possible after a rack was both before and after treatment with dipping solutions. Per­ filled, spread out in the sun and ~;prayed with an olive oil meability increases after dipping oil treatments have ranged mixture to stop sun scorching. The spray used in the trials from 28% to 140%. comprised l lb. carbonate of potash to 2 gallons of water, and 2 fluid ounces of olive oH. · Emulsification is aided by Hollow Seeds in Raisins: adding a small quantity (! pint) of a prepared cold dip prior Further investigations have confirmed that Walthams are to the addition of the olive oil; and by stirring. the main source of hollow seeds in Raisins. The in'cidence of Berries dried quickly (six days) to a better grade fruit than hollow seeds in both Waltham and Gordo grapes is not could ever be obtained when they were left under the rack. diminished by treabnent of the freshly pruned vine with zinc to control possible zinc deficiency. Hollowness of seed is Visqueen Sheet: ... detectable quite early in the season, and whereas anything Some five years ago Mr. Eric Orton started a test of up to 6% of the seeds of the Gordo may be hollow, a figure -black plastic "Visqueen" ground sheet for ·its suitability as of 20% is not uncommon in the Waltli'am, and percentages a ground sheet for hessian for finishing off fruit. The test up to nearly 50 have been ,found. Hollbw seeds cause diffi­ sheet is 50 yards- by six feet and is of 0.08 in. thickness, culties in de-seeding processes.

RACK DEHYDRATION A rack dehydrator (donated by the Department of PrimUry Driving Power: Half horse-power single phase electric Industry, the Commonwealth Dried Fruits Control Board and motor or a one horse-power petrOl motor. the AUstralian Dried Fruits Association)" was modified late in Side Curtains: 'Either Nylex P.V.C. or Bramac's butyl the 1960 season to conform to final specifications which rubbelised fabric. Curtains are of drop type, hung from top emerged from previous investigations. A short triaL run of rafter. They can be made to order for non-standard racks. the modified equipment at the Research Station was fol­ lowed by strengthening of ce1tain pai'ts and subsequent Fuel and -Fuel Consumption for Large Machine: Lighting endurance testing which gave satisfactory results. kerosene consumption approximately four gallons per hour to maintain 130°F in the rack on an average fine autumn Last season three machines were favoured by dehydrator day. buyers. In alphabetical order they are known as the Berrett Dehydrator, the Oil Fired Equipment Dehydrator and the Heat Distribution and Temperature Regulation: The tem­ Yann Dehydrator. When used for finishing off fruit each gave perature is easily and accurately regulated and the machine approximately the same drying rate. has sufficient capacity to maintain operating temperatures under all conditions likely- to be experienced. We have had the opporhmity of studymg each of these machines at work in the field and have collected data on Distribution is generally satisfactory when ducting outlets operation performance on each make of machine from a are correctly regulated. Under some conditions there is a reliable owner operator. tendency for a hot-spot midway between the machine and the end of the rack. Temperatures along racks need to be Our comments and the operating data collected is set out checked regularly while the machine is operating. for each of the" machines. Price Last Season: The Berrett Dehydrator 25-yard model dehydrator with -ducting £140 This machine was developed by John Berrett, a Mildura Curtains ...... 70 Dried Fruits grower. It is manufactured by G. ]. Dix and Sons Ltd., of Renmark, and by the Merbein Branch of the 210 Mildura Co-op. The machine comes in two models-the origi­ nal small machine was desig:hed to handle 25 yards of rack. 50-yard model dehydrator with ducting £225 Last season.- a larger model, with double the capacity of the Curt(ains ...... , ...... 140 old model,' was produced to handle a 50-yard rack and its performance is discussed herein. 365 Setting Up: The machine is centrally situated on the side of the rack and heat is· dish·ibuted by a tapering galvanised Sununat')': This is by far the cheape:st machine on the iron ducting. Both models of this machine can be handled and market to buy and operate. It can do a.p excellent job of set up by One man il necessary. Approximately four man­ dehydration. providing the necessary attention is given while l10urs are required for setting up. tlie dehydrator is in operation.

~USTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Twenty-nine ? .,.."""~-

>c "'.... .-~ >z c "'~ ;ll c ~ z

~ Behind the top table at Federal Council 1960 an A.D.F.A. exhibit highlighting "British Award Fruit Cake" provided a fine background to the Conference deliberations. The Oil Fired Equipment Rack Dehydrator Price Last Season: Dehydt1ator, including duct . . . . £594 Developed by the engineering firm, Oil Fired Equipment, Curtains ...... 210 Melbourne, a firm with much experience in the manufacture of this type of equipment. The machine is robust, burp_er 804 design good, and appears as though it will _give many seasons of trouble~free service. (Battening of edges of racks not included.) Setting Up: The machine is centrally situated along the Summary: This system of dehydration is the Rolls Royce rack, heat distributed by galvanised iron ducting. One man of those offedng. It is the dearest, slightly more expensive can handle the machine if necessary. Four man-hours are to set up at a rack and uses a little moi'e fuel them other required to set up the machine. systems. To offset this, it requires a 'minimum of attention during operation and does an excellent job of dehydration. Driving 'Power: 8 b.p. petrol-driven 'air-cooled motor. Side Curtains: Not supplied with machine. Composition of Cold Dip in Relation to Fuel and. Fuel Consumption: Dieselene fuel consumptiou approximatdy four gallons per hour to maintain l30°F in Rack Dehydration for "Finishing Off" the rack on an average firie autumn day. Foliowing previous season's trials which demonstrated a Heat Distribution and Temperature Regulation: Again, fast initial brcaiHlown with a stronger than standard car­ temperature regulation is simple and accurate. The machine bonate potash dip, \Vork was conducted 'to see if us-e could has ample capacity to maintain temperatures even under the be made of tllis result with rack dehydratofs. mo.~t adverse conditiom. Two dips, one of 25 lb. and the other 50 lb. carbonate Heat distribution is similar to the Berrett machine having potash per 100 gallons were used. The stronger dip was a tendency to hot-spots, and temperatures along the rack quicker to break down as in previous ~eason's trials and at need to be regularly checked while the machine is operating. the end of ten days was an estimated two days in front of the weaker dip, At this stage it required four. hours l~ss rack Price Last· Season: dehydration to bring the fmit to the boxing stage. Dehydrator with petrol motor ...... £535 At the end of 14 days on the rack the difference between Ducting ...... 45 the treatments had dtsappe'arecl and five hours dehydration was Drop side curtains (as supplied by ·packing houses) 150 required for. both treabnents. This result could be useful to a grower who has a de­ 730 hydrator and is short of rack room. Summary: A robust machine which can do an excellent Laboratory Washing Trials: job of dehydration providing the necessary attention is giver!_ To assess the effectiveness of washing practices in use in while the dehydrator is in operation. ' packing houses, experiments were carried out to learn more abot~t the washing process in the laboratory-scale The Y ann Dehydrator This machine was designed and prototypes made by Mr. ~~~~~~~'hifJ\ti~A~I.t>o,f.l~o$.~~~~1®~~$~~$><$l\,f,l<_~!..~~\tl"~"~t.f.J&I!!' W. F. Yann, Consulting Engineer for the Department of ~ Primary Industry, The A.D.F.A. and the Export Control : Board. A ~ ! Since then, specifications have been made iwailable to manufacturers and Mr. J. Brereton, of Halsey Road, Essendon, i BARMERI i un engineer, has commenced manufacture of these machines which he calls "Portaseal'' dehydrators. i CO-OPERITIVE i Setting Up: The machine is set up at one end of the rack;. ~ ~ heat is distributed by an easily handled neophrene-impreg­ nated fabric ducting. The machine and ducting can be handled by one mari. Hack covers totally enclose the rack i PACIUNG COMPANY i and require two men to place in position and remove. Approxi­ mately six man-hours are required to set up this machine. Driving Powei: Operated by a 5 h.p. petrol motor or by an i LIMITED I electric motor if required. Side Curtains: Side curtains totally enclose the, rack. This ~ Barmera is an important difference between the Yann and other types I of dehydrators. ;e Dried and Fresh Fruit Special provision has to be made along the edges of' the rack roof in the form -of battens to -stop the edges of corru · gated roofing iron from tearing the curtain. Curtains need ~ Packers : to be pegged down. ' Fuel and 'FUel Consumption: Lighting kerosene consump­ ¥ General Merchants : tion approximately 4! gallons per_ hour to maintain l30°F, ~ . in the rack on an average fine autumn day. Agents for Land, Commercial, Insurance, Life Heat Distribution and J'emperature Regulation: Tempera­ ~ I ture regulation is excellent-a real finger-tip control type with ~ Assurance, Hospital and Medical Benefits, ~ automatic high and low cut-outs. The machine has ~nple capacity for all conditions. ~ Motor Vehicles, Implements, Household f ·Heat -distribution is excellent. Hot-spots are not a problem ~ Appliances. : and-- the machine can be operated w~th a minimum of at­ tention. !~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~·~·~~~~~~~~~~a 'I AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty-one analytical apparatus. The results are not directly applicable Fungicides: to the commercial scale washers because the laboratory Preliminary experiments to compare the performance of apparatus uses relatively large amounts of water per unit various fungicides were carried out both with mould cultures weight of fruit, and for other reasons. in artificial medium and on samples of wet Sultanas main­ tained at 100% relative humidity. The results suggest that the The results suggest that (a} hot water (100°F) is more protective action of the preparations may be listed in the effective than cold water, (b) water alone is as effective as a following sequence: detergent solution, (c) about 10% of the matter removed as sand from Sultanas appears to be organic, and (d) the distribu­ Nabam ::::::::: Sorbic Acid > Thiram ::::::::: Ziram ) Zineb tion and sand in Sultana (>amples is uneven, often leading to The ·effectivcncs of sorbic acid was confirmed to be de­ widely divergent results. pendent of pH, being relatively inactive at pH values above 5. HOT WATER TREATMENT OF ROOTED VINES By J; W. Meagher, B.Agr.Sc., Senior Plant Pathologist, Plant Research Laboratories, Burnley.

Recent testS have shown that the root-knot nematode, an death of the tissue occurs. The higher the temperature, the important parasite of grape vines in the Murray Valley, can shorter the time for which the tissue can be exposed. be completely eradicated from rooted vine stocks by applying Different plant and animal tissues differ in the degree of a hot water treatment following lifting from the nursery. heating which they, can survive and it is the application of Most growers are. now awa're of the importance o£- nema­ this principle which sometimes allows a host plant or seed todes or eelworms as a cause of poor growth or decline in to be freed of a parasite. vineyards. The presence of the root-knot nematodes can be detected by the galls fmmcd on the root following nematode Thus it has been found that hot water treatment of rooted vines at certain temperature~time combinations \vill C;on;tpletely inva~ion. eradicate the root-knot' nematode but will not affCct the Methods of Spread survival of -the vine itself. / Without assistance, the nematodes spread very slowly through the soil although they are readtly spread by irriga­ Recommendations tion water down a furrow or in soil which sticks to machinery. Although several temperature-time combinations are pos­ The most important means however, by which a clean area sible, the most satisfactory treatment appears to be immersion may become infested is by planting infested nursery stock. in water at 125 deg. for five minutes. The vines should then By this means, whole vineyards, even though planted on be cooled quickly and stored in a moist environment or virgin soil, have become seriously and permanently infested. planted immediately.

The temperature of the water is checked before the vines are immersed~

Loss Due to Nematodes Hot Water Treatment Successful The presence of these nematodes has meant that the grower All living tissue has what is termed a "the1mal death has suffered not only a capital loss as well as years of poor point". This is the temperature-time combination at which The vines to be treated must be completely dormant, as production, but also faces the threat of future loss through the new roots and opening buds are more easily damaged. Al­ presence of the parasite in the soil. though there is a reasonable safety margin, even dormant __ In recent years nurseryrne)J. have also suffered losses be­ vines can be killed by over-exposure to temperatures above cause of the rejection of large numbers of stocks that were 130 deg. infested. Because of the difficulty of nurserymen obtaining Equipment and Precautions land known to be free of root-knot nematodes, a satisfactory o Care should be taken to use a water bath of a size method of eradicating the nematodes from nur8¢ry stock was sufficient to provide an ad!!!quatc ratio of volume of water to therefore needed. number of vines treated.

Page Thirty-two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS * A reliable thermometer and watch should be used to ment, the vines were completely immersed but the lift was allow an accurate control of both temperature and time, i.e., continually raised and lowered to provide the necessary 125 deg. for five minutes. agitation. • The rootlings ·should be agitated throughout thl'!l treat- It was found that if the \Vater temperature was allowed to ment. · settle at 127 deg. before starting treatment, the immersion of the cool rootlings caused a rapid drop of 2 deg. and pro­ • A second tank of cold water should be available to cool vided a steady temperature of 125 deg. throughout the remain­ the rootlings immediately following treatment. ing time of treatment. A Satisfactory Technique After five minutes, the vines were lifted and transferred to another tank containing cold water which is essential to pro­ The original tests were carried out in the laboratory but vide quick cooling. these were followed up by treatments in the field to test the· method _commercially. Conclusions A hot dip tank (7 ft. x 6 ft. x 2 ft.) heated by "Heatane" The application of this method should prevent further gas was adapted successfully. A quick and uniform heating of shortage of vine stocks because of nematode infection, and the tank was obtained if the water was a. little above the overcome the PI:nblem of tho nematode spreading to new required temperature, the heater tumed off, and the water land through the planting of infested vines. thoroughly stir.red before beginning the treatment. It should be remembered, however, that it is useless to To obtain adequate circulation of water, both within and plant clean .stock in land already infested, unless the nenia­ between the bundles, the rootlings were loosely tied in bundles tode population is first reduced by cultural methods or of fifty. The tank held 500 gallons of water in which 500 fumigation. vine stocks could be comfortably accommodutcd. (Re-printed with due acknowledgment to «Mallee Horti­ , .Tlw bundles were placed in a single layer on a hydraulic culhtro Digest'' (Victmian Department of Agiiculture), April­ lift mounted at the rear of a tractor. Throughout the treat- June, 1961, Vol. 8, No. 2.)

Immediately foUo.wing treatment the rootlings are cooled in a tank of cold water•

...------~----~------.. Nyah Fruitgrowers' Co·Operative Co .. Ltd .. NYAHWEST NOMINAL CAPITAL, £35,000 PAID UP FUNDS, £29,348 DRIED FRUITS and CITRUS PACKERS ~~MURREE BRAND" SUPPLIERS OF ALL GROWERS' REQUISITES Agents for: Wholesale Distributor: Victoria Insurance Co. Ltd. Neptune Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. Cowley Automatic Level Australian M utnal Provident Society

Page Thirty-three .. AUSTRAliAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS SOIL FUMIGATION FOR VINE REPLANTS By E. G. Biggs, D.D.A., Orchard Supervisor, Mildura. The disastl·ous effect of nematodes on the establishment Soil fumigation which is not a particularly costly or trouble­ of young vine replacements in a vineyard is well known to some operation, ofFers some hope of overcoming this problem. most growers. The vines arc poor, their top growth is weak, The recommended treatment is to fumigate an area five the roots generally develop small lumpy swellings. feet square, the centre of the square being where the new Nematodes are present in many vineyards, especially where vine or layer is to be planted. soils are sandy. Vines which were established before the nema­ todes were introduced are able to make average growth and E.D.B., D.D., or Nemagon, are suitable fumigants and can produce average crops, be applied with a hand injector. The cost for- material is "\Vhen a new vine or layer is used to 'plant up a missing about 3d. a site. vine in an infested vineyard, the small root system of the For all details on how to fumigate, growers shoUld contact new plant is exposed to a concentrated population of nema­ their district officers. todes. The nematodes attack the roots and restrict their de­ velopiD.ent so that top growth of the vine is weak and spindly. (Re-printed from "Mallee Horticulture Digest"-April­ Such a vine rarely becomes a profitable bearer. june, 1961.)

DIQUAT Report by Mr. J. v: Seekamp to A.D.F.A. Problems Committee

·weather fine and sunny with temperatures rising from 70° 2. Peaches-slower effect but )ust as severe. on 6th to 102° for trials on lOth December, 1960. 3. Vines-some patches on leaves remained green but Preliminary trials were at rate of:- bunches very -rapidly dried·. 1. 2 lbs. active ingredient in 50 gallons water per acre. The small amount of spray on permanent plantingS from 2. 4_ lbs. active ingredient in 50 gallons water. per acre. spray drift does not- seem to cause any damage. 3. 6 lbs. active ingredient in 50 gallons water per acre. Weeds against which materail was tested included:- These were applied by knapsack and proved equally Weed Result After 24 Hours effective. 1.6 lbs. per acre in 80 gallons of water were then applied Couch Grass .. Complete drying off· even at 1.6 lbs. with a power sprayer and proved rather disappointing on per acre. Paspalum and .T ohnson grass. Paspalum and Johnson Grass ...... , Needs ·at least 2 lbs. per acre to give Application rate of 2 lbs. per acre in 80 gallons of water complete drying. with 1 oz. per gallon of wetter (Agral or Teepol) would seem Meletotus alba, Luc­ to be about the minimum effective mL-.dure for power spraying. erne, Cobblers' pegs, Result of spraying was a rapid (within 24 hours) drying of Thistles (various) .. Very rapid at 2 lbs. per acre. all sprayed material. With small annual plants such as love Bull Rushes (Cum · grass and fat hen under vines tlris caused them to die, but bungi) . . . , . . . . Very rapid at 1.6 lbs. per acre. perennials such as lucerne, wild chicory, paspalum, etc., Love Grass, Fat Hen produced new green shoots again after a few days. However, (to 3 ft. high), Cali­ it was ·possible to burn a channel after three 'days where fornian burr . . . . Apparent death at 2 lbs. per acre. there had previously been couch grass, paspalum to two feet Sour sob . . . , . , .. Drying off at 1.6 lbs. per acre. high and tree clover to three feet high. Innocent weed (Gentle As Diquat is completely absorbed and inactivitted in the Annies), Three Cor­ soil, it would seem to have a Use in channel cleaning and nered Jack . . . . . Needs. at least 2 lbs. per acre. under-vine weeding at certain times. Box Thorns, Samphire Leaves desiccated at 1-.6 lbs. per acre. Spraying on permanent plantings produced these cffects:- Wild ~hicory Leaves only at 2 DQ lb. per. acre­ 1. Pears-rapid and complete desiCcation of leaves. stems still alive. Red Cliffs Co-operative Packing Co. ltd. BOX 139 RED CLIFFS FITZROY AVENUE Includes in its Activities and Services .. 0 Dried Fruit and Citrus Packing 41 Block Services and Harvest Requirements • Garage - Lubritorium - Hardware 0 Engineering Services • Real Estate, Business Agents • lnsuran,ce - Fire, Life, etc. • Financing Production Costs Owned_ and Controlled by Red Cliffs Growers. GROWERS FINANCED AGAINST COMING HARVEST

Page Thirty-four AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS TRAINING THE YOUNG SULTANA VINE By D. MackenZie, Orchard Supervisor, Mildura. (Re~printed with due acknowledgment to "Mallee Horticulture Digest" (Victorian Department of Agriculture), April-June, 1961, Vol. 8, No. 2.) First Season Training the Young Sultana Vine Following planting, let new growth develop unchecked for 'iVith a T-trellis where there are only two canes, wrap one the whole grow~ng season. cane in each direction on opposite parallel wires to centra1ise the forming hea~l. Second Season During the growing season, remove all unwanted growth At pruning time, vines may be divided into two types: below the wmppedwon canes. TYPE 1. If a vigorous vine will provide a strong straight cane suitable to form a straight butt, remove all other growth. Fourth Season Cut the selected cane off a full nine inches below the trellis At pruning time if your training methods have been wire' by slicing through and across the top bud, thus blinding thorough, you will be able to form the permanent head or it. This stub will provide a hold for the tie. crown of the new vine in the conect position and supported Attach the tie (hayband) just below the 'blinded bud by two by a straight butt. half hitches, then attach. tl1e tie under tension to the wire by another two half hitches and finish off with a single bow. The tie will then -be easy to undo when tension adjUstments are made during the growing season. These tension adjustments are essential if a straight vine is to be formed. With a T-trellis, a loop of twine across the two wires is needed first. Attach the original tie to the centre of this loop to centralise the vine. TYPE 2. A vine which lacks vigour or a straight cane must be cut back. - Select the strongest' cane and cut it back- to two buds, blinding the third for attachment of the tie. Take the tie up to the wire or wires and attach it under temion as in Type l. When new growth develops, select a strong, straight shoot and train it up and around the tie towards the wire. Remove all other. growth at this stage. As this shoot extends, remove lateral growth at ·the base of the primary leaves to within 15 inches of the wire. Allow the shoot to grow untouched until it is four to six inches above the wire, then head it back to nh,1e inches below the wire. If headed too early gmwth between the nodes continuet> and the head of the vine may end up too close to, or above, the wire. Removal of New Growth For both these types, the early removal of unwanted new growth is necessary for maximum development of new vine. This removal must be continued as it appears during the growing season. Growth from four to five buds at the top of the headed cane or shoot should be allowed to develop unchecked during the -growing season. Wrap one strong shoot each way on the one wire to help support the growing -vine. With a T-trellis, wrap one shoot each way on opposite wires to centralise and support the vine. Thh-d Season At pmning time, select two or four canes, according to the vigour of the vine, the correctly formed head will be shaped from these. Remember that the head should be at Jea.st nine inches below and centrally placed under the wire or wires~ Pull up tightly when wrapping on to keep the butt straight. Do not wrap across the forming head of the new vine. Shorten long canes when wrapping on. If too many canes are used, or if they are too long, the vine can be overloaded in its first year of bearing,. resulting in stunted development and per­ manent weakening of the vine. Well grown cane brought up to the wire at pruning. TRACTOR ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED Tractor accidents have been in the news lately but a Officer of the Victorian Deparhnent of Agriculture. The back ,tractor is perfectly safe if' it is used with common sense. wheels then move forward and the front o:li the tractor rears. Provided the clutch is engaged gently and the tractor h Wheri a tractor roils, it means that the driver has lost control in low- gear, overturning can be prevented by depressing the of the vehicle. clutch, allowing the front wheels to drop back to the ground. The easiest way to overturn a tractor is to hitch the At lectures on tractor safety, this has frequently been demon- drawbar too high, says Mr. D. Myers,' Dairy Husbandry strated, says Mr. Myers. ·

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty-five A good safety rule, then, is to use the correct hitch point Mr. Myers advises farmers, when uSing a tractor for a new provided by the manufacturer. job, to go drefully and avoid getting into situations where Other ways in which tractors overturn, are less e-asy to there are risks. control as these are generally cases where speed plays a hand There are, g<:.nerally, obvious warning signs before trouble or .steep slopes or bumps are involved. Cases of this are:- occurs such as side-slip or tendency to rear, or roll sideways; Be alert for these signs, and when you see them, re-adjust • Tractors driven too fast. A wheel hits an obstmction, the your pbn so that you are still within the safety limits. tractor becomes uncontrollable and tums over. Speed may be no danger on familiar tracks but if you have • Tractors driven too 'near a ditch or bank. One or more to take a new route, travel slowly and watch for bumps or wheels slip over the edge and the tractor overturns. ditches which may affect the towed load. Even an innocent • Tractors drawing trailers or machines on hillsides can looking ditch should be treated with caution. Tractors have be over-mn by their load which pushes or pulls them reared, or loads have been lost, when the back wheels sideways. , dropped into a ditch which the front wheels negotiated successfully, • Tr3ctors driven up steep hillsides can somersault back­ wards, the danger being increased by a high-hitch point For further infmmation on tractor safety recommenda­ for the load. tions by the National Safety Council of Australia, write for a free pamphlet from the Director, Department of Agriculture, • Tractors driven alo~g Steep hilbides can roll sideways. Melbourne, C.2. • Tractors used to consolidate silage or manure heaps can (Victorian Department of Agriculture "News Bulletin", tip if one edge of the heap falls away. November, 1960.) SULTANA BUD EXAMINATION, 1961 Report by Commonwealth Research Station, C.S.I.R.O., Merbein The potential fmitfulness of SUltanas' growing in the Murray below. On each block sampled ten buds from each of bud River districts of Victoria, New South Wales and South Aus­ positions 4, 9, and 14 were examined. tralia is again higher than the long term average of 53% and With favourable growing conditions an average district very similar to last year's figure. Details of the figures obtained yield of about 36 cwt. per acre could be obtained in Sun­ and of the number of blocks tested are given in the Table raysia at-. the 1962 harvest. No. of % Fruit- No. of % Fruit- Disb·ict Blocks ful Buds Settlement Blocks ful Buds Mildura 9 65.1 Sunraysia 25 60.4 Red Cliffs .. 8 55.8 Merbein 5 62.0 Coomealla 3 55.6 Robin vale 13 57.6 Koraleigh .. 2 49.2 Goodnight . , 1 70.0 Mid-Murriy . . . . 21 58.6 Nyah 6 . 58.2 Woorinen .. lO 66.7 Tresco .. 2 58.3 Waikerie .. 2 55.0 Cobdogla .. 6 55.1 South Australia ...... 28 Berri .. 7 59.1 Loxton .. . . 3 53.3 Renmark 10 55.6 None of these figures differ statistically. ·

Potential fruitfulness of this order does not call for specialised treatment at pruning. THE SULFURING OF CUT FRUITS FOR DRYING By M. W. Miller and C. D. Fisher. An abridgment of an article issued by the Dried Fruit Association of Califorllia in July, 1960; In spite of its long history of use and applicability our know­ The removal of a mature, ripened fruit from the tree does lec}ge of the chemistry and technology of sulfurous acid and not cause a cessation of metabolic activities within the tissues sulfite pretreatment and preservation of foods is still in­ of that fruit. Consequently, unsulfured fruit being placed in complete. Intensive scientific studies have been made· but still the sun to dry may be expected to undergo catabolic changes ~ the mechanisms by which sulfur dioxide acts are no more until such time as tissue and cellular autolysis is complete or clear than are those through which undesirable reactions dehydration of the fruit tissue inhibits catabolism. Deteriora­ prOceed in the various foods when unsulfured, tive changes accompanying this metabolic degradation are To discuss the technical need for this practice one needs to many. Organic compounds, valuable in human nutrition, are examine those changes whiCh would take place in unsulfured altered or coUlbined in such ways as to negate their biological fruit to be dried as well as the effect sulfuring prctreabnent value, or even broken down to primary organic compounds would have on the same fruit under the same conditiOns. and water. The chemical and phy:dcal changes mentioned above have Visually, the changes in the fruit ar~ exhibited priinadly as tissue and cellular breakdown (softening) and in colour de­ a profound effect on the flavour and texture of unsulfured gradation (browning). These changes, while aesthetically un­ dried cut fruits. The flavour in no way resembles that of th~ desirable, give .a visual indication of the occurrence of far fresh fruit, and in fact may have a slightly bitter taste and more undesirable deteriorative changes which do not meet the a musty hay-like aroma. The texture of such fruit is of a ·woody, fibrous character which has poor rehydration properties. e~. Unsulfured cut fruits will dry to a mottled brown to black colour which is usually objectionable to the eye of f4e No mention has been made of deteriorative changes caused COl}SUmer, by external agents. Microbial spoilage can render such fmits

.Page Thirty-six AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS inedible since in drying o! unsulfured cut fruits microbial oxida.tion of the sulSte to the inert sulfate form. When pte­ growth and activity is unchecked. Inhibition of microbial pared for consurrfption by cooking the level is still further spoilage by dehydration becomes apparent only in the latter reduced. :-;tages of drying since the soluble solids content of the fresh TABLE !. fruit is relatively low (particularly in apples, pem·s and Sulfur Dioxide Levels in Dried Cut Fruits of Californian peaches). Spoilage from most bacteria is not a problem due Export Shipments to Germany. Samples taken over an 8-year to the acidic nature- of the fruits. Yeasts .and molds, on the period on the docks of the steamship companies. other hand, find such fruits an excellent growth medium AS might some seconda1y bacterial flora such as Acetobacter and Dried No. of Range of Weighted similar micro~organisms. Fruit\ Shipments Yearly Values Average According to scientific reviews sulfur dioxide is unique as Sampled (averages) being by far the most effective inhibitor of the deterioration of dried fruits and fruit juices. Apricots 14,922 1531-2605 1765 Peaches 3,359 1320-2460 1734 The use of sulfur dioxide, preparatmy to drying, preserve~ Pears 3,016 1033-1607 1308 almost completely the vitamins A and C of which several of the common dried fruits are good sources, and drying with­ From these data it is, obvious that a significant number of out previous sulfuring results in virtually complete loss of sa~ples included 2500 ppm ~02. these vitamins. While sulfur dioxide does destroy some of the It will be seen that the drying of unsulfured cut fruits may vitamin B complex, 'fruits arc not normally considered an important source of these vitamim. result in a product entirely lacking in the ·desirable character­ istics of the fresh (or canned) fluit. This product may be It is desirable that the initial sulfur dioxide levels in dried unacceptable to the consumer. Moreover the nutritive values cut fruits be from 2000 to 2500 parts per million. These levels will be seriously impaired. The practice of sulfuring cut fruits are necessary to provide a satisfactory storage life and to p1ior to drying results in products which have all the maintain high quality in prolonged storage for these products. desirable characteristics preserved. The following Table II During storage the sUlfur dioxide content of the dried fruit briefly summarizes the advantages to be gained by sulfur decreases, due in part to the volatilization of the gas and to· dioxide pretreabnent of cut fruits for drying:

TABLE II. Effect of Sulfur Dioxide Treatment on Dried Cut Fruits. Character Not Sulfured Sulfured

Colour Dar~ brown to black. Irregular colour. Bright natural Apricot, Peach' or Pear colour. Considered inedible by most consumers. Uniform colour. Flavour Lacking in fruit flavour, often slightly bitter. Natural fruit flavour when rehydrated. Good Off aroma when cooked (musty, hay-like). fruit aroma. Texture Poor rehydration properties. Texture may Good rehydratiOn properties. Little change be fibrous or woody. from the natural product when cooked.

Vita~in Content . Poor in all· vitamin values. Vitamin A excellent in Apricots and Peaches. Vitamin C content fair. Microbial Spoilage Very susceptible. Does not occur. Storage Stability .. Poor. Deteriorates rapidly. Excellent at proper sulfur dioxide levels.

Health Regulations. affect the appearance of Dried Fruits and reduce the pre­ servative qualities gained through the application of sulphur The foregoing article provides a helpful introduction of the dioxide has led to enquiries by The A.D.F.A. 'f.ree Fruits differing views of scientists and the health authorities in the Committee with C.S.I.R.O. The Committee has sought infor­ United Kingd'?m and Western Germany. mation on the likelihood of using an alternative colouring The . A.D.F.A., supported by the Department of Primary medium which would be acceptable to all health regulations Industry, has unsuccessfully sought the approval of the U.K. and to an additive which would maintain condition. Ministry of Foods and Fisheries to allow a maximum S02 The outcome of these enquiries is disappointing. After content of 3000 p.p.m. and despite a request for reconsidera­ some 50 years of tests by noted workers an alternative to S02 tion the maximum remains at 2000 p.p.m. The best that can cannot be found. be achieved so far is for the Ministry to recommend that Dried Fruits be allowed to contain 3000 p.p.m. or more at It has been necessaty, therefore, to concentrate on sulphur­ time of importation so long as the preservative content of the ing techniques so as to maintain, season by season, a standard fruit at the time of retail sale does not exceed 2000 p.p.m. content of SOz in Dried Fruits at the time of sulphuring. The There the matter lies for the preesnt. following comments by the Division of Food Preservation, C.S.I.R.O., indicate present thinking. In Western Germany proposed limitation is even more "A study has beeljl made of factors affecting the absorption drastic-1000 p.p.m. being considered as a maximum. This of sulphur dioxide during sulphuring and the retention of decision seems to have been somewhat precipitate and the that preservative during subsequent drying. The weather German government has at the time of writing, with wisdom, during sun-drying has been found to affect retention very deferred enforcement ,until 1st July, 1961. greatly and a check with the South Australian Department of It is understood that further investigations are now being Agriculture at Berri showed that years of 'over-sulphuring' made in Germany on the effects of sulphur dioxide in Dried are years with good drying conditions and high retention whife Fruits with a view to seeing if these enquiries necessitate a years when under-sulphuring oCcurs are ones with rain or further postponement or a variation in the prescribed standard. high humidity and consequently low retention. This makes it extremely difficult to control final level in the dried product. Preservation of Colour and Condition. Work is still proceeding on this project of sulphuring with the The moves by the U.K. and Western German authorities view of setting out reliable sulphuring practices, but when to regulate the S02 content to maxima Which will adversely fmit is sun~dried little control over retention is possible.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty-seven «I do not know of any data 1·elating to the -loss of sulphm be to find adequate means of informing growers that a strict dioxide or quality from dry and moist pack fruit. It wOuld be routine must be maintained in a normal season and how intere.sthig to check on- sulphur dioxide loss from moist pack variations should be applied in an abnormal season. samples and compare it with the loss from the respective dry pack fruit. This could possibly be done if suitable fruit was Based on t.~is ·proposal the Committee then decided to as­ made available from the coming drying season." certain -details of the ·proposed test programme and the approximate cost, and support the need -for finding ways o.f The Division has pointed out that although the extent of informing growers of varying sulphuring techniques accord­ work had to be limited to about three months in each season ing to the season. sufficient data is available to prepare a programme ·for next season in South Australia when some of the ideas formed It is now learned that the test programme will cosi: £900 could be tested. One of the main problems eventually would of which The A.D.F.A. is asked to contribute £500. WHAT IS A PHYTROTON? In these days of so many new scientific words becoming at a cost of £263,450 and will be completed in early 1962. commonplace in our every-day life a "Phytroto:r( could be Without movihg from Canberra scientists will be able to accepted as «just another atomic description" but to growers find out what climatic conditions rire essential for the growth it means something very close to their livelihood. of our plants. They will also be able to study new species A Phytroton is a building equipped with a hundred and introduced from abroad and determine what localities in fmty specially designed glass cabinets in which various species Australia will be .stiitable fOr them. And thirdly, plant breeders of pasture and crop plants can be grown experimentally. can attempt to breed plants suitable for the climate which prevails in any part of Australia, testing their experimental In each cabinet the temperature, light intensity and mois­ crosses in the artificially controlled climate cabinets. ture content _can be varied. In some of them, the use of Prototype glass cabinets and the engineering equipment to artificial light and shutters enables the length of "daylight" to be controlled. , control the climate factors have been under continuous test since 1958 when the Commonwealth Government announced Such a building is to be erected in Canberra for C.S.I.R.O. its decision to finance the project. PRODUCTION PROBtEMS The A.D.F.A. Committee continues its important investiga­ Sprayed and/br cmctured 18/11/1960. Sprayed with tion wtih patience and a high degree of concentration on the Drewburn nylon roller pump. For any GA treabnent berries many problems which it has undertaken to hy and solve. below 1300 mg. did not have seeds. For cincture or PCPA An idea of, the scope of enquiry by the Committee may berries above 800 mg. did~ have seeds. For 2, 4-D somewhat be gained from the following subjects which, at recent meet­ larger. ings, have been under consideration. The Committee Jecls there is an indication that Gibberellic -Cross pollenisation of grapes by bees, Acid might reduce the number of seeded berries. -Gibberellic Acid, -Hollow-seedt:ld Raisins, Orange Peel as an Insecticide. Mr, Penman, then the - Weedicides, . Officer-in-Charge, Merbein Research Station, reports:- -Control of irrigation and drainage waters, "It is probable that the insecticidal agent in orange peel -Rellloving fiUit from racks, , is a terpene. Terpenes are constituents of most essential oils, -Use of orange peel as a preventative against infestation, and a number of highly effective insecticides are built on the -Nematode resistant stock. · terpene nucleous. Examples of these -are chlordane and diel­ Sorrie ~teresting reports are noted -in the . Committee's drin. Research workers elsewhere have reported that vapours meeting of 12th April last: · from powdered citrus· rind are toxic to ticks arrd cockroaches." Hoiiow-Seeded Raisins. From saillples of Walthams made It was suggested that perhaps following upon this, it available by Packers, C.S.I.R.O. presented the· following field might be possible to develop a repellent which would keep trial report. packed fruit free of grubs, provided of course, that it had Current Tried Field K been completely sterilized by the use of eranol. Picked 14-16/2/1961. Zinc Spray on Sultanas. Some members of the Committee Fresh Wt. Kg per Berry .stated that very satisfactory results had been obtained by using Treatment Six Vines Brix Size Mg a Zinc Spray on Sultanas 10 lb. Zinc Sulphate plus 5 lbs. Limil to 100 galloQs in October/November. C.S.I.R.O. and Control ...... 81.08 25.96 277 Department of Agriculture stated that this .is a matter which Cincture . . 148.17 21.38 513 will be followed up . 2, 4-D .. 145.94 22.71 562 PCPA ...... 129.10. 23.23 513 Absorption of Moisture by Sultanas After Curing. The CAIO p.p.m...... 147.43 22.43 602 question of fruit "going back" during conditions of high GAIO and Cincture 199.32 18.86 752 humidity resulted in the general opinion that nothing could GA 20 p.p.m. 168.61 21.56 705 be done to the oil or to the fruit to prevent this, and that fruit treated with olive oil or any other known dip oil S.D. 5% . . . . 17.75 1.46 73 would react identically . GUMMOSIS IN APRICOTS The A.D.F.A. Tree Fruits Committee recently took up Current investigations aim at modifying the training and with the S.A. Department of Agriculture and the Waite Agri­ pruning techniques. Growers who have not obtained satis­ cultural Research Institute, the desirability of further research factory results should contact the District Advisers. to provide more effective preventive techniques. Institute. Results, where recommended methods of control The replies re~cived provide this info:n:D.ation:­ are followed, appear to have been very successful and little Deparhnent. The results through following the recommenda­ economic loss has been suffered. Where serious losses are tions have been spectacular. Technique treatment was clearly still being sustained growers may not be rigidly following set out in the Journal of Agriculture for October 1959. the recommendations. They must do so to effect control. In-

Page Thirty-eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS j

vestigations are being continued, particularly on the spread "Control. of the spores of the causal fungus through the air. It cannot, "Gummosis is sprcHd mostly by airbomc spores which· arc however, be seen that these will lead to altering the present liberated from old dead apricot and grape vine wood in recommendations. New information will be passed to the which the fungus can survive for many years. Spores arc dis­ Department for dissemination to growers. charged wherever the wood is thmoughly vvct. While all A.D.F.A. Branches in South Australia have been recommended to maintain the closest contact with thejr "All old aPricot and vine stumps sboukl be grubbed and nearest Agricultural Bureaus, the following article published in burnt, together with any other apricot or vine wood lying the ..Jomnal of Agriculture", FcblUary 1961 (p.p 314, 315) is about the orchard. of considerable value. "The modified pruning technique ·enables new infections "Gummosis is very common on apricots is non-irrigated to be recognized and cut ofF before reaching the main limbs, districts. thereby causing serious loss (see Dept. of Agriculture, Sth. "The fungus (Eutypa armeniacae) grows through the wood Aust.-Leaflet No. 7 /56). It eliminates cutting on main limb:.;, of the. tree and blocks tho sap channels which causes a pro­ Cut oif all infected wood as soon as pnssible, ensuring that gressive diehack of infected branches until, left untreated, cuts are made far enough back to be in healthy wood. the tree is ultimately killed. The dieback is often accompanied "Infected pieces of wood· and spores can he carried from by copious quantities of gum oozing through cracks in the tree to tree on pruning tools, thus causing disease spread. bark. On. young branches it may rem~in underneath the bark, Hence, sccateurs and pruning saws should be dipped into forming jelly-like blisters. 5 per cent. formalin after pruning each tree. "Gumming may also occur as a result of other conditions such as 'wef feet', unsatisfactory watering, bacterial infection "Cummosis infections occur only through wounds, mainly of 'Black Heart' and sl1ould not be confused with gummosis pruning cuts. All saw cuts aml la~·ge pruning cuts can be in' such cases. protected with gentian violet and scaled with grafting rriastic. I A liberal coating of mastic gives the greatest protection . .. Limbs killed by gummosis be.come · very dry nnd brittle and snap easily. The wood is cli.~colom·ed light brown, due to "There is a greater risk of wound infection in winter than internal gum ·formation. Cracking of the bark and callow; in smmner due to min causing spore liberation. \Vhcre pw.cti·· formation at the edge of the infected area are characteristic. cable, it is best to make large cuts only in the drier months."

Two stars of the British stage, Cliff Richard and Charlie Drake, anxiously stir the world's biggest Christmas pudding at Cadby Hall in London. They also stirred the mixture for 100 puddings sent to cities and towns throughOut the U.K. where the Lord Mayors passed them on to local charities.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Thirty-nine BEWARE-DEAD ARM! By }. M. Mabbitt, Orchard Supervisor, Swan Hill. {Re-printed from "Mallee Horticulture Digest", April-June, 1961.) Over the past few years, a serious vine disease has appeared tial and growers at Tresco have found that the .. Cockroft" in the Murray Valley vine districts. spray hood helps considerably. About 1951 it was noticed that Waltham Cross vines had As the disease is a slow and sure spreader, growers should lesions on the canes, similar to blaCk spot. Ziram, which was look for the first signs of it, and apply prompt control introduced around that time, contmlled black spot but had measures. no effect on this new disease. The first signs usually apPear about six weeks after bud.. Slowly but surely the disorder spread until it was identified , burst, when elongated dark lesions running parallel with the in Murrawee in 1958-59 and a year later in Woorinen. 'There axis of the cane and in the cane .. corrugations", are noticed is no doubt that it was established much earlier in these dis­ on the basal intemodes. tricts, but confused with black spot. Basal leaves show small dark angular specks surrounded1 Mr. R. H. Taylor, plallt pathologist of the Deparbnent of by chlorotic haloes. Later on, the bunch stalks, leaf stalks and Agriculture's Plant Research Laboratories at Buml.ey, identi­ beny pedicels exhibit the elongated ''black spot" type fied the disease as Dead Arm, a disorder lmown in other parts symptoms. of the world to cause serious vine damage. These lesions on the canes and bunch stalks can, and often After much research and trial spraying at Tresco, Mr. do, girdle the wood and weaken the cane and bunch. Taylor evolved a spray that has given excellent results; in The disease travels into the ripening bunch where pycnidia, fact it would appear that eradication is possible. the spore bearing bodies of the fungus, burst through the This treatment consists of spraying all parts of affected vines skin of the berries. Naturally, the berries shrivel and rot. with a .05 per cent. concentration of Phenyl Mercuric Chloride For a complete description of the disease and its control (PMC), in the last pa1t of Au~gust. Thorough spraying is essen- see the Journal of Agriculture for March, 1961.

AIR-STREAM RAISIN SORTER

An "air-stream sorting machine" has been developed and The machine that was developed will sort a 1000-gram tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for sorting sample in 10 minutes· compared with an hour requiied_ by the sarilples of natural-condition Raisins on the basis of maturity hand sortirig method. The airstre:;rrn method makes satisfactory and trash content, according to «California. Fruit News"- separations of immature Raisins and vine trash from mature 1/4/1961. acceptable Raisins, and the machine is more precise than A search for a new method of testing samples began in hand sorting. '1952 when the Californian Raisin Advisory Board financed The research data has been published by the Agricultural a research programme at Coast Laboratories, Fresno. In Marketing Service, U.S.D.A., in a Marketing Research Report 1957, the U.S. Department of Agriculture entered into re­ No. 451, and this may be obtained by Packer either direct search contracts with the laboratory to test and develop the to the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., or principle of the airstream sample testing method. through A.D.F.A. Head Office.

JOTTINGS Correspondence between the Mildura Technic;al School and Mark out broken trellis for repair. Use steel star posts as the Agricultural Education Division of the Victorian Depart­ replacements. They make the job easy. ment of Agriculture reveals that the School's Agriculture Course has been accepted by the Agricultural Colleges. The That wet spot in the block-is it drained? If so, have a School expresses the hope that this might be the first step look to see if the drains are blocked. If not, consider drainage towards the establishment of an Agricultural College to this winter. cater for the Murray Valley, * * * * Check with the C.S.I.R.O. bud count and be guided by it· The Victorian Department of Agriculture has advised that in the number of canes ]eft at pruning time. a recommendation has been made to the Public Service Board for the appointment of Mr. Harold Schurr as resident Ento .. Watch out for the symptoms of Dead Arm while you are · mologist at Mildura. pruning; the treahnent is discussed in another article in this * * * * issue. Similarly an appoinbnent by the Department of Primary Industry of an Entoriwlogist to conduct research into insect Were your racks weedy this year? Ask you·r orchard super­ life in stored Dried Fruit and other foods has been referred visor how to control them with C.M.U. under-rack sprays. to the Public Service Board for consideration. You don't have to lean on the shovel at all. * * * • Growers .in Mid-Murray (Victoria) have suffered damage to If you are taki~g cuttings this year, take them from marked, their grape crops by aerial spraying of hormone weedicides. proved parent vines. Only the best is good e:p_ough for perma- It seems that the growers have a right to legal damages. nent plantings. · * * * • "Mallee Horticulture Digest'' gives the following re­ Spray apricots with Bordeaux when most of the leaves- have minders:- fallen. This is the best control time for shot-hole. Check over and repair your harvest gear. Lightly sulphur hessians and store in a mouseproof room or tank. Make sure Pick all the mummified fruit from the trees and destroy all surplus chemicals are kept away from children. them. They could cause bad brown rot losses in a bad year.

Page Forty AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS "SEATAINERS" are made available FREE of charge by HUDDART PARKER liMITED· ADELAIDE STEAMSHIP CO. LTD. • MciLWRAITH McEACHARN LTD. This modern "SEATAINER" service offers fast economical shipment by sea between Melbourn-e, Adelaide and Fremant!e.

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Phone or write for full information to Huddart Parker Limited, 466 Collins St., Melbourne. 621861 A. delaide Steamship Co. Ltd., 565 Collins St., Melbou.me. 62 3571 IMcllwraith McEacharn Ltd., 94 William, St., Melbourne. 67 9401

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page FortY-one

II f) 1961-1962 CAMPAIGN AMENDED GREATER EMPHASIS ON CO-OPERATIVE PROMOTION PLANNED

The publicity sections of the report submitted by Messrs. At present, educational material is based on Cameron

Page Forty-two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS I

The channelling of other Representatives into maintaining Advertising. necessary contact with the chain stores before, and The Board has decided that gerieral advertising will be during, a promotion already arranged, adopted on a limited .scale. It will be through women's maga­ Other visits by Representatives to concentrate on large zines (small regular advertisements) and radio. independent stores- in the capital cities and larger nearby T.V. will he used o;nly if joint sponsorship is possible. This provincial cities, is necessary due to the high cost factor. A cessation of general visits to the retail and the pastry­ Special advertising will introduce the new recipe book and cook trades, remind Christmas shoppers of the need to buy Dried Fmits. Co-operative advertising for store promotions and special Seasonal uses will continue to be .featured in all material and products. adverti.~ements. Fruit will be judiciously donated to radio Representation at wholesale self-service stores. sessions. Literature and Display Material. General Promotion. While store promotions are being supported the rest of In addition to chain stme pwmotions the larger indepcnd·· the trade must not be neglected. Leaflets and_ display material ents, small chains and buying groups must be encouraged to will need to be provided. run promotions. A venues fOl' general displays are being followed up. Leaflets and display material will continue to be supphed to small stores through wholesale self-service stores, and Special Promotion Drives. through Head Office despatch based on the mailing list. The joint promotion with E.O.I. for a new Fruit Cake re­ Health food stores niust not be neglected. Visits by Repn~~ places the contact work of Representatives with the manu­ sentatives are essential as the volume of Dried Fruits sales facturing trade. is appreciable. In all independen,t stores visited "active" and not "ab~ Dried Tree Fruits' Promotion. stract'' selling will be adopted. "Active" selling comprises (i) Store demonstrations have been stopped and publicity will self-service displays erected by the Representatives, (ii) pro­ be on a limited scale through the issue of point-of-sale leaflets vision of price tickets prepared on the spot by Representatives. and the "Housewives' Delight" recipe book. Public Relations

' I I

Sydney Health Food stores specialise in promoting quality Dded Fruits. The unusual design of visual storage depicted in this photograph is almost universally accepted by these stores as the best way of promoting sales. -Photo by E. J. Kennedy, A.D.F.A. Publicity Representative.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Forty~-three Officers will continue to make reference to these fruits at Field. Mr. H. W. Graham has been appointed Ptomotions lectures and addresses. Officer and he will concentrate on arranging co-operative Co-operative advertising for Apricots has been provided for advertising promotions. store promotions, but as the pack is now almost placed this fu each State he will have the assistance of one Repre­ medium will cease for the rest of the season. sentative whose duties will be servicing each promotion and visiting the larger independent retailers. State Representatives Amended Budget are Messrs. K. R. Garnett (Victoria), E. J. Kennedy (New The Board has considerably re-cast the budget presented South Wales), F. Keogh (South Australia) and A. H. Lee to Federal Council, but without exceeding the total amount· (Queensland). approved for expenditure. Details of .both budgets are set An additional Representative (Mr. R. S. Garwood) will out below for comparison- specialise in wholesale self-service stores throughout the New Budget Old Budget Eastern States. He will personally man a particular store for £ £ up to two weeks and contact all retailers who are buying. He Promotion staff . . . . 7,210 12,600 will erect a suitable exhibit, distribute literature and display Public relations . . . . 4,295 4,000 material, and endeavour to increase sales by direct approach. Display and despatch 4,225 1,800 Literature ...... 9,025 12,200 . Public Relations Officers. Mrs. Eiizabeth Mitchell will cover Special promotion (Fruit Cake) .. 8,000 8,000 Victoria and South Australia (Zone -1), and operate from Mel­ Co-operative advertising (88 pro- bourne. Mrs. Angela de Kantzow, who- has been recently motions) ...... 5,020 appointed, will cover New South Wales and South Queens- Western Australian promotion .. 600 600 land (Zone 2), operating from Sydney. ~ General advertising (including Each officer will give lectures to women's groups and Shows) ...... 9,000 7,750 schools, maintain liaison with various demonstration kitchens Head Office expenses (including operated by public and private organisations, and will visit all depreciation) ...... 12,500 13,100 newspaper, radio and T.V. stations. Contingencies ...... 725 550 Head Office. The Display Officer (Mr. G. C. Kilian) will £60,600 £60,600 concentrate on more general displays, give mOre time to art~ work and will conduct all shows and exhibitions. Publicity Staff Mrs. Elizabeth Dawson (Publicity Assistant Secretary), who The change of publicity progranime has resulted in some wils prCviously a Public Relations Officer, will attend to staff changes and additions. internal administration.

CO-OPERATIVE ADVERTISING •''ii.TI'gl Up to the July Board meeting fifty-one promotions had sale leaflet has been designed and issued by Head Office been booked in the various States. Contacts with retailers in and many thousands of these have been supplied to packeters Sydney have been more difficult to gain co-operation tha:h as well as to the retail trade. elsewhere. The Promotions Officer will continue his activities by making Reports show that Mixed Fruit promotions have bee:rl the inter-capital visits to check up o.n the progress Of booked pro­ most popular and successful. A special Mixed Fruit point-of- motions and to arrange others.

~··~······~···~··· ..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a • IRYMPLE PACKING PTY. LTD. Operating in MILDURA, IRYMPLE, MERBEIN, RED CLIFFS, ROBINVALE PACKERS OF DRIED AND CITRUS FRUITS Vineyard Implements and Requisites Supplied Properties Financed and Supervised PROPERTY SALESMEN

Agents for General Accident Fire and Life Assura:nce Corpn. Ltd. T. 8G G. Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd.

Page Forty-four AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS WHOLESALE SELF-SERVICES The sPecial Publicity Representative has already com­ etc., were well worth time spent there. 120 contacts were made menced work on manning self-service stores. He has com­ for the week-about 50 to 60 came each day but many were pleted Brisbane and is now moving south through various restaurant and snack bar owners who do not sell Dried Fruit. country towns (where he will visit retailers) to Newcastle. He Many retailers come to this store two or three times weekly; will then continue to Sydney. also hospital and hotel proprietors get supplies weekly so all grocers were contacted." . At the conclusion of his Sydney programme an itinerary. will be planned to take him to Melbourne and Adelaide and then "This week spent at a wholesale self-service, has proved a return to Brisbane. the value of contacting retailers in this way. Besides 15 change of addresses, 15 new contacts were made, all of which As the Representative travels by van he is able to carry all were keen to use display material and take leaflets and cooken' equipment and display material with him and becomes a self­ books. Although this week there was only one country con­ sufficient unit in the overall campaign. tact made, due to being in a heavier populated industrial area, The following reports on Brisbane contacts give an -idea of more change of addresses were noted. Nearly all retailers in the work being canied out:- small mixed busiilesses come two and three times weekly, some daily. Many of the new contacts report back because "The past week was spent contacting retailers at Wholesale of interest in leaflets and cookery books. One new contact who Self-serVice al)d has been very successful. Display material runs a delivery service came back for two more packs of and leaflets have been readily accepted also ten change-of­ leaflets. Many hotel and boarding house proprietors get sup­ addresses were noted and 21 new contacts made. These were plies, also convalescent homes and hospitals. A cookery book mOstly from outer areas which have not been visited but which was given to each as Dried Fruit is used to a good extent sell good quantities of Dried FrUit. I feel these contacts, all in such places. In summing up, good work has been done of which were highly pleased with cookery books, leaflets, in contacting retailers in this way."

PUBLICITY REPRESENTATIVES' CONFERENCE The annual conference was held in Mlldura on lith and 30 lb. cartons. This pack was not altogether popular with 12th April. Those who participated were the Board Chairman Health FOod stores in New South Wales as impaction of fruit (who presided) and Messrs. P. Malloch, L. B. O'Donnell and caused difficulty in re-packing. It was felt that Health Food L. G. Cameron (Board members). stores should specify to their suppliers that their requirements Head Office was represented by the General Secretary, the be delivered in wooden cases rather than 30 lb. cartons. As Publicity Secretary (Mrs. E. J. Dawson), and the Display a large proportion of Packers still used wooden cases there Officer (Mr. G. C. Kilian). should be no difficulty in Health Food stores obtaining what they wanted. Field Representatives were Messrs. H. W. Graham (Pro­ motions Officer and Field Supervisor), K. R. Gamett and E. Washing of frult. The Chai1man fully explained the econ­ J. Kennedy (New South Wales), A, H. Lee and R. S. Garwood omics of washing all fmit at the time of packing and the (Queensland) and F. Keogh (,South Austrnlia). The Public Re­ effect on fruit which was washed and held in store for ap­ lations Officer (Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell) also attended. preciable periods before delivery. There was also the factor that the manufacturing trade would, in anY Case,. wash agili:u The first day was given to tours of Co-operated Dried Fruit before use. Washing and drying was discussed in some detail. Sales Pty. Ltd. seeding factory, Irymple; Sarnia Packing House Pty. Ltd., Mildura; Mildura Co-op. Packing Co., Mildura; Dark berries. While fruit was bought largely on colour (con­ and a visit to C.S.I.R.O. Research Station, Merbein. sumers preferring the lighter coloured fruit) there was the same nutritional value in the darker berries. Consumer selec­ It was agreed by all that the day's visits had been most tivity resulted in the darker berries being found in the lower informative and had provided valuable information which grades, but the blending of proportions of dark berries jn could be conveyed to the trade and to consumers. The work the l1igher grades was in accordance with Govemment in­ being carried out by the Merbein Research Station was con­ spection regulations. No grade contained unsound fruit, Grades sidered to be most helpful as it could be. conveyed that the were set according to samples selected by a Grade Fixing Industry was constantlly trying to improve its methods of Committee. Government inspectors have sole authority in production and fruit quality. checking grades (during packing) with the samples. Discussions. New Campaign. In opeqing the meeting on the second day the Chairman The Board's confidential report on Commonwealth market­ welcome

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Forty-five

' lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll\llllllllllllllllllllllllllll personally contacted, but it was very doubtful if exhibits at other Shows were worthwhile as results in relation to costs were not very good. There would be some advantage m arranging the distribution of recipe leaflets at sundry Shows where the Country Women's Association conducted tea·rooms. Representatives were informed that Dried Fruits would be Another "Wales" Service- exhibited in the Australian Foods Pavilion at the Sydney Homes Exhibition from 23rd June to 1st July, 1961. The Helping the man on the land exhibit would be conducted by the Display O,fficer.

Public Relations. The Board had decided that more time should be spent on contacts in the capital cities and large provincial towns and less time in small country towns. These latter would be visited whenever a ·Public Relations Officer was travelling from one city to another. Summed up the value of public relations was worthwhile editorial comment gained from country newspapet·s, city newspapers were reluctant to give free editorial space; while. there is excellent value in T.V. the oppmtunities are limited, except through the A. B.C. where good support has been ac­ corded; most radio stations gave valuable support with free time. Donations of fmit were considered to be helpful when handled judiciously and in association with the product dis­ played in stores. The new 1 ·~· oz. Sultana carton would be useful in interesting consumers and in associating the small packet with the larger retail packet. The continuation of donations of' bulk fmit to Marketing Boards aml Government utilities (gas and electricity) for demonstrations was considered to be beneficial. '"-"'hilc the "Aldis" projectcr was working efficiently the addition of a wider lens would be an improvement, as large and small audiences could be catered for. Enquiries would be made for a wider lens. Apart from the foregoing the present range of equipment was thought to be adequate.

Health and Diet. An intensification of this approach would be beneficial. The support of leading trainers of athletes (e.g., Percy Cerutty, who was an enthusiastic user of Dried Fruits) would be helpful in emphasising health and diet values. Fair cnantities of Dried Vine Fruits seem to be used in diets. Suitable i:ecipes for invalids are acceptable. While visits He cannot bring the rain for you, but you to hospitals and dietitians had some value the opportunities of sales promotion were limited. may rest assured your HWales" manager will Efforts will be continued to _approach doctors, dentists and do everything he can to help those on the dietitians, but due to ethical considerations widespread pub­ licity was not possible. land. His particular training and experience A leaflet featuring a special reducing diet containing Dried have taught him to know and understand Fruits was planned for general distribution, but particularly ,, to women at lectures, demonstrations and the like. rural problems. All over Australia, farmers say "You can bank on the 'Wales'". Educational. The continued (and mcreasmg) tesponse from schools and teachers fm matCl'ial and lectmes and from children for BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES project sheets confirmed the popularity of this approach. The need to continue was worthwhile. Visits to school and cookery (INCORPORATED IN NEW SOUTH WALES WlTI:l LIMITED LIABILITY) classes had definite value and school cookery contests which were being conducted in conjunction with Royal Shows had an educational and promotional value provided they were supported by the respective State Education Department. FIRST BANK As a means of providing information, both to social study and domestic scienee classes, lectures had proved popular IN AUSTRALIA and informative. Educational material was always issued at these lectures. Canteens have not proved a good medium for ensuring that children will eat Dried Fruits and as their number is limited it was considered that better results would be achieved bY­ A60LC encouraging mothers to provide Dried Fmits in school luncheS. The ellncational value of wall charts, "Dried Fruits of Australia" booklets and Project Sheets was assessed. Compared to other industries' literature they arc accepted as good pro­ duction and informative. The Project Sheet, which has been lllllllllllllll\llllllll\lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll\11111111111111111 extensively issued, is adequate in the presentation of informa-

Page Forty-six AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS tion and a re-print in two colours instead of one has created Showcases. fresh intmest. There seemed to· be merit in the suggestion lJut forward The Public Helations Officer advised she had noticed a that the Railway showcases could be offered for s 1ort periods newspaper report that the A.B.C. was developing school to manufacturers of Dried Fruits products as :i means of education through T.V. and had planned to follow this up. assisting in bringing those products to the notice of the public. Retailers. Display Material. Representatives discussed the desirability of contacting in A full range of current material was examined and dis­ the future independent stores of certain sizes and status cussed. Representatives were, generally, in favour of the ignoring the small store and back-street shop. continuance of banners and showcards. Layouts of new designs and window price stickers were also examined and freely - As price identification would be an essential factor in store commented on. The reluctance of many stores to accept promotions it was absolutely necessary for Representatives to material and the refusal of chain stores to do so was dis­ write tickets and this was stressed in an address by the Pro­ cussed and plans were suggested how this attitude could be motions Officer. A demonstration of basic ticket writing was met. It was agreed that with cl1ain stores publicity would then given by the Display Officer. have to depend on the special promotions and co-operative It was not the intention of the Board that small retailers advertising, but banner.s, etc., must still be available Jor other should be neglected altogether, only that State Representa­ retail stores. tives must give priority to servicing promotions and visiting Representatives were advised that Gondola type displays the larger retailers where volume of Dried Fruits sales would were to be used in the futum so as to feature Dried Fruits be greater. more prominently. It was considered that small retailers would be best con­ The fixing of a centre pole in the C.F.U. topped with a tacted at wholesale self-service stores as more and more small price card was discussed and will be further investigated. 1 retailers visited these stores in order to buy at the keenest · Representatives considered leaflets still the best means of prices for cash. imparting a message to consumers at point of sale. They were "--anufacturers. instructed to report, through Weekly Conferences, if leaflets arc being fully utilised in chain stores. The forthcoming special promotion with Edible Oil Indus­ I tries was brieRy outlined and Representatives were advised Subsequent Planning. that they would be more fully informed as arrangements de­ On the next day the General Secretary, . and the Promotions I veloped. Representatives would now discontinue routine visits and Display Officers discussed the planning of details con­ to pastrycooks leaving the promotion of Dried Fruits through nected with the new eampaign and matters arising out of the commercial recipes to the Margarine suppliers. Conference. SHOWS AND DISPLAYS SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW, 1961 The Show was held over Easter (27th March-4th April). the Show. On the other hand our exhibit more than held its Numerous innovations this year included a "Recipe Service own and commanded plenty of attention." Bar". The exhibit had been popular and had attracted more visitors than iri the past as prices of fruit were reasonable iil'fl~i-)tiltf'lfi!tfl"')MI'i'!tilrfl!3'!"!i'!l'i'!~til~lflti'uiilfl~lfl~~~~.-."""" f' compared with those charged for showbags. The policy of ~ direct contact with consumers and many retailers was con­ ~ . sidered to be most beneficial. Sales and takings (compared . with 1960) were- 1960 1961 i WOORINEN i Currants 6 oz. 77 77 Sultanas 6 oz. 700 704 I i Raisins 6 oz. 798 786 Apricots 8 oz. 2,183 2,426 Peaches 8 oz. 1,431 2,005 ~. FRUITGROWERS I Prunes- 16 oz. tin .. 206 566 12 oz. 566 i CO.OP. co. LTD. I Nectarines 8 oz. 568 "Family Favourites" Recipe Book .. ,-. . . . . 2,003 2,034 «Housewives Delight'' Recipe Book 275 Takings ...... £632 approx. £827 approx, .::~-::::::::::.. I I, Industry literature and a H- oz. packet of Sultanas. Some J. H. Boyd Domestic College Melbourne subsequent enquiries had resulted. MacRobertson Girls' High School Melbourne ABV Channel 2 ...... Melbourne Literature and 1·ecipe books had been provided for 2000 Women's Radio Service, 3DB .... Melbourne delegates and their wives at the Lions International, Sydney, The Australian Admin. Staff College Mt. Eliza 1961. C.W.A...... Sorrento Adelai~e lecture. Coloured slides had been provided for a Rye School ...... Rye lecture to be given by Mr. R. A. Worlanan to the Kapunda Rosebud High School .. Rosebud Rotary Club. Unfortunately through illness Mr. Workman Rosebud Primary . . . . Rosebud could not give the lecture. Sorrento State ...... Sorrento Portsea Primary School . . . . Portsea For the Dietitians' Conference, Sydney, 1~61, samples of Overport State School . . . . F1'ankston fruit, recipe books and literature· had been provided for dele­ Lauriston Girls' School . . . . Malvern gates. The theme of the conference was «Nutrition Education Hampton State School . . . . Hampton in Australia". Frankston Teachers' College Frankston Mentone Girls' Grammar School Mentone N.S.W. Egg Marketing Board. Resulting from a visit to the Frankston High School . . . . Frankston Head Dietitian support for using Dried Fruits had been St. Catherine's School ...... Toorak promised by the N.S.W. Egg Marketing Board at demonstra­ Toorak Teachers' College . . . . Malvern tions, radio talks and T.V. appearances. The possibility of Wesley College ...... Prahran jointly producing with all Egg Boards a leaflet featuring Eggs Melb. Girls' C. of E. Grammar School South Yarra and Dried Fruits was favourably received. ' "Sun" Newspaper ...... Melbourne The services of A.D.F.A. publicity had been offered to Mil­ State Electricity Commission Melbourne dura District Council in preparing a pictorial folder and a Brighton High School . . . . Brighton cello. packet. South Yarra State School .. South Yarra Hawksbum ·State School .. Prahran The Industry was pictorially featured in a recent issue Burwood Primary School .. Brirwood of the Melbourne .,Herald". Mt. Scopus College ...... Burwood In March Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell improved her knowledge Burwood Teachers' -College .. Burwood of the Industry by visiting S.A. River district to see at first­ Scotch College ...... _ .. Hawthoni hand, the production of Apricots and Peaches. As p~rt of her Our Lady of Good Counsel School .. Deepdene initial training Mrs. Angela de Kantzow spent two days of Wadhurst C. of E. Grammar School Melbourne inspection in Mildura during June. Xavier College ...... Kew Highett High School ...... Highett St. John's School ...... Dandenong LECTURES AND ADDRESSES St. Mary's Convent School .. Dandenong Doveton High School . , .. Dandenong A great deal of public relations work is like «a candle Balwyn. School ...... Balwyn hidden under a bushef'-it is never seen. The work is Fintona Girls' School ...... Balwyn painstaking and little publicity to growers can be given of yarra Park _Stat!'; School ...... East Melbourne the extent and coverage of this very necessary part of Weekly Times ...... -. . . Melbourne creating consumer interest. Presentation Convent ...... Windsor Spring H.oad Central School , , .. Malvern The range of visits made may be gauged from the follow­ St. Leonard's Pres. Girls' College Br,ighton hig list for the period September, 1960 to April 1961. These Brighton Grammar School . . . . Brighton Visits . are additional to other contacts. ' Haileybury College ...... Blighton

Page Forty-eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS ---~··- --~"- ·;-:c;-:-:-T: __-----,

A sc-ene of Edinburgh acts- as a beautiful hackgmund to a public display of Dried Fruits erected -in the foyer of Scotts Hotel, Melbourne, during the Federal Council 1960 conference.

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Forty-nine Interviews Interviews Organisation Location Organisation Location ------~==~~------~ Caulfield Grammar School .. St. Kilda Australian "Women's Weekly" Melbourne Shelford C.E.G.G. School . . . . Caulfield Mena Hospital ...... Melbourne Gas & Fuel Corporation ...... Melbourne P1ince Henry's Hospital .. Melbourne Burwood High School ...... Burwood Queen Victoria Hospital . . . . Melbourne Methodist Ladies' College . . . . Kew Coonora Private School ...... Melbourne Highett High School ...... Highett Lancewood Private Hospital ...... Kew Sandringham Technical School .. sandringham Kooyong Private Hospital . . . . Kew Presbyterian Ladies' College . . . . Burwood Awina House Private Hospital St. Kilda St. Michael's Girls' Grammar School Prahran Hotham Private Hospital .. · St. Kilda "Korowa" C. of E. Girls' School Malvern "Lister" Private· Hospital . . . . Melbourne William Angliss Trade School .. Melbourne HSV7 Commercial Television · .. South Melbourne ;;The New ~dea:: ...... Melbourne ABV2 A.B.C. Television ...... Melbourne Weekly Times . , .. Melbourne Elsternwick Private Hospital .. Elsternwick «Firbank" C.E.G.G.S. . . . . Brighton C. W .A. of Victoria , ...... Melbourne Station 3UZ ...... '. . . . Melbourne St. Elizabeth's Home Private Hospital Melbourne Gardiner Central School .. Glen Iris Mr. Percy Cerutty Sorrento Trinity Grammar School ...... Kew Mr. Percy Cerutty ...... Sorrento Malvern Memorial Grammar School East Malvern Camberwell C. of E. Girls' Grammar St. Columba's College. . . . . Essendon School ...... · · · Canterbury Essendon High School . . . . Essendon King Street State School . . . . West Melbourne Essendon Technical School Essendon Radio Station 3BO ...... Bendigo St. Bernard's College .... Moonee Ponds Bendigo Base Hospital . . . . Bendigo Moreland State School . . . . Coburg Zaetta Photographic Studio .. Mil dura Princes Hill High School . . . . Princes Hill Mildura Dried Fruits Centre Mildura Brunswick Girls' Secondary School . Brunswick Radio 3MA .. Mildura St. Ambrose's Girls' School .. Brunswick Sunraysia Daily .. Mil dura St. Ambrose's BOys' School .. Bmnswick I Radio 5RM . . . . Berri Hartwell School ...... Bmwood Murray Pioileer .. Renmark Highett Street School .. Richmond Barmera C. W .A. Barmera Marceilin College ...... Camberwell Renmark C. W .A. . . . . Renmark Auburn Central School . . . . Auburn A.B.C.-5MV ...... Renmark Elwood High School ...... Elwood Radio 5SE ...... Mt. Gambier Prahran School ...... Prahran N aracoorte High School Naracoorte St. Kilda Park School . . . . St. Ki!da Naracoorte Hospital .. Naracoorte Elwood Central SchooJ . . . . Elwood Naracomte C.W.A...... Naracoorte Ripponlea State School . . . . East St. Kjlda Mt. Gambier Hospital ...... Mt. Gambier Grimwade House ...... Caulfield Mt. Gambier C.W.A...... Mt. Gambier " Loreto Convent ...... Toorak Warrnambool Technical School . . . . Warrnambool Tooronga Road School . . . . Malvern Warmambool District. Base Hospital Warrnambool Keon Park School . . . . Reservoir St. Ann's College ...... Warrnambool Reservoir School ...... Reservoir Geelong Junior Technical School Geelong Preston School ...... Preston Gordon Institute of TechnOlogy .. Geelong Preston West School . . . . Preston Melbourne Teachers' College .. Carlton Christian Brothers' College ...... East St. Kilda Parkville Special School ...... Melbourne South 'Melbourne Technical School . South Melbonme Vi' est Melbourne School . . . . West Melbourne Albert Park School ...... Albert Park Errol Street School . . . . West Melbourne Montague Special School . . . . Montague Victorian Athletic LeagUe Prahran Gardiner Central School .. Glen Iris Victorian Athletic League .. Prahran Armadale School ...... Aimadale University High School . . . . Parkville Toorak Central School . . . . Toorak Victorian Rugby League ...... Melbourne Burnley Horticultural College Burnley Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Melbourne Cremorne Street School ...... Richmond Chelmsford . Girls' Grammar School Glen Iris Mt. Cannel Boys' School ...... Middle Pa& Hawthorn Central School .. Hawthorn Melbourne High School , . South Yarra South Camberwell School . ·. Glen Iris Burnley School ...... Burnley Yeshivah College . . . . Kew The Alfred Hospital . . . . Prahran Stratherne Girls' School .. Hawthorn Our Lady's School . . . . South Melbourne Kilmaire College ...... Hawthorn Collingwood Girls' School Collingwood Radio 3AW ...... Melbourne Bell Street Special School Fitzroy St. Dominic's School . : .. East Camber\Vell George Street School .. Fitzroy Preshil Prep. School . . . . Kew Collingwood School ...... Collingwood Carey Grammar School . . . . Kew Swinburne Technical College Hawthorri Richmond Technical School .. Richmond Glenferrie State School ...... , . . . Glenferrie Glamorgan School ...... Toorak Lamook Domestic Arts Teachers' College Armadale Mercer House Training College , . . . Malvern Royal Women's Hospital ...... Carlton Windemere Private Hospital Malvern Melbourne Teachers-' College Parkville St. Fintan's ...... St. Kilda Teclmical Teachers' College Toorak Ascot Vale School ...... AscOt Vale Camberwell High School . ~ .­ Canterbury 3KZ, Commercial Radio .. Melbourne St. Jolm's School . . . . : .. East Melbourne Flemington Girls' High . . . . Flemington Alfred Crescent School ...... North Fitzroy Mercy Teachers' College ...... Ascot Vale Fitzroy High School . . . . : . . . Fitzroy St. Francis Xavier ...... , Prahran 1360 School, Gold Street Clifton Hill Waverley Private School . . . . Caulfield Victoria Park School_ ...... Victoria Park Caulfield State School . . . . Caulfield Education Department ...... Melbourne Caulfield Technical School .. Caulfield East Royal Children's H()spital . . . . Melbourne Melbourne Teachers' College Parkville Eye & Ear Hospital ...... Melbourne Naracoo1te Herald . . '.. Naracoorte Inc. Assoc. of Registered Teachers of Vic. Melbourne Station 5MG/PA ...... Mt. G_ambier Page F'ifty AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS ---

Intel·views Organisation Location Victorian Children's Aid Parkville Y.W.C.A...... Melbourne Adventist School . . , . . . Hawthorn Vimy House , , . . . , , . , . Melbourne National Fitness Council , . , . Melbourne Selbome Honse , ...... , Toorak Siena Convent , ...... East Cambe1well Auburn South School . . , . East Hawthorn Stawell Times . , . , . . , . , . Stawell \iVimmera Mail & Times . . . . Horsham Station 3WV .. Horsham Athletic Club ...... Stawell G District Hospital ...... Stawell State School ...... Ararat Dandenong Hospital , . . . , . Dandenong THIS BANK Dandenong State School .. Dandenong St. Joseph's School . . . . South Yarra Teachers' CoJlcge ...... Ballarat PAYS St. Patrick's ·college .. Ballarat High School ...... Ballarat East High School ...... Ballarat Swanston Street School ...... Geelong 1 C.W.A.~ Geelong . . . . _...... Geelong Matthew Flinders Girls' Secondary School Geelong Teachers' College ...... North Geelong High. School ...... Geelong St. Mary's Girls' School . . . . Geelong St. Mary's Technical School .. Geelong PIER ANNUM Grammar School ...... Corio, Geelong Geelong College . . . . Newtown, GeeiO·Hg / Central School . . . . Aubum ON INTEREST Lectures. Number BEARING DEPOSITS Organisation Location Present

Country Women's Association Christies Beach, S.A. 30 FOR 11 MONTHS 3AK, Commercial Radio . . . St. Kilda, Vic. B'cast Women's Hour, 3XY, Com-Jf!~rjijl' _ 1 ;,-;~- -'1t· , .. _ AND mercial Radio . . . . Melbourne, Vic. B'ca.st Coburg Baptist Guild Coburg, Vic. )6 C.W.A...... Frankston, Vic. 20 PER C.W.A...... Moorooduc, Vic. 30 Chelsea Film Club . . Chelsea, Vic. 10 40fo ANNUM Brigidine Convent School . . Malvern, Vic. 50 Sacred Heart Convent School E. Malvern, Vic. 30 St. Kilda School ...... St. Kilda, Vic. 100 ON DEPOSITS LODGED Presbyterian Ladies' College BUl-wood, Vic. 40 Trinity Grammar School . Kew, Vic. 80 FOR 3 TO 9 MONTHS Chatham School ...... Surrey Hills, ·Vic. 100 Sacred Host School ...... Kew, Vic. 50 Sandringham East School . . Sandringham, Vic. 60 Enquire at any of the bank's Camberwell Grammar School CamberweJl, Vic. 80 Scottish Mothers' Union . , . Croydon, Vic. 12 Commonwealth-wide branches and agencies HamPton· High School . . . . Hampton, Vic. 200 C.W.A...... Cheltenham, Vic. 50 Dandenong High School . . . Dandenong, Vic. 30 Bell Street, Special School Mothers' Club ...... Reservoir, Vic. 30 Methodist Guild . . . , . . . . East Brunswick, Vic. 2.0 Salvation Army Women's Fel- lowship ...... Northcote, Vic. 15 Chatham Mothers' Club . Balwyn, Vic. 20 Windsor State School .. Windsor, Vic. 5d Masonic Group ...... West Footscray, Vic. 20 Pre-School Parents' Club Ringvmod, Vic. 30 THE FUirfield Baptist Guild Fairfield, Vic. 7 State School ...... Wattle Park, Vic. 100 COMMERCIAL BANKING COMPANY State School ...... Brunswick, Vic. 120 ·State School ...... South Brunswick, \tic. 48 OF SYDNEY LIMITED State School ...... North Carlton, Vic. 80 ESTABLISHED 1834 Women's Social Club . Black Rock, Vic. 25 State School .. North Richmond, Vic. 150 (INCORPORATED IN NEW SOUTH WALES) State School .. Abbotsford, Vic. 80 State School .. Collingwood, Vic. 200 Girls' Secondary School Richmond, Vic. 150

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Fifty-one Lectures Lectures Number Number Organisation, Location Present Organisation Location Present· ' State School ...... Richmond, Vic. 100 Graham Street School Port Melbourne, Vic, 30 Girls' High School .. Cambenvell, Vic. 100 C.W.A., Box Hill .. Box Hill, Vic. 150 State School ...... Caulfield North, Vic. 200 Kent Ladies' Auxiliary . . . . Ivanhoe, Vic. 120 Girls' Secondary School Malvern, Vic. 70 Church of Christ Women's Technical School . . . Preston, Vic. 150 Club ...... Cheltenham, Vic. 20 Technical School . . : Prahran, Vic. 120 St. Ma1y's Girls' School . . . Dandenong, Vic. 120 Secondary School ...... Middle Park, Vic. 60 C.W.A., Dandenong .... Dandenong, Vic. 50 Vic. Housewives' Association . Melbourne, Vic. 30 Ferntree Gully Tech. School Femtree Gully, Vic. 70 State School ...... Sth. Melbourne, Vic. 100 Girls' High School ...... Flemington, Vic. 60 State School ...... Sth. Melbourne, Vic. 200 Brunswick South West School West_ Brunswick, Vic. 50 Firbank C.E.G.G. School . Brighton, Vic. 100 Primary School ...... AscOt Yale, Vic. 70 Loreto Convent Toorak, Vic. 150 Selbourne House School . Toorak, Vic. 25 3KZ ...... Melbourne, Vic. B'cast St. Finton's Convent , . St. Kilda, Vic. 40 Burnley School ...... Burnley, Vic. 30 Siena Convent .. Camberwell, Vic. 60 Salvation Army Home .. North Coburg, Vic. 40 St. Dominic's . . , . . , East Camberwell, Vic. 40 Scottish Mothers' Union . . . Alphington, Vic. 28 St. Francis Xavier Convent Prahran, Vic. 80 Surrey Ladies' Baptist Even- Beaufort Group C.W.A. of Vic. Willaura, Vic. 100 ing Group ...... Hawthorn, Vic. 25 High School ...... Ararat, Vic. 150 High School Ladies' Auxiliary Balwyn, Vic. 50 Our Lady of the Nativity State School ...... Ararat, Vic. 170 Convent . . . . West Essendon, Vic. 5(} Moorabool Tt;!chnical College Geelong, Vic. 250 Preshill Primary School .. Kew, Vic. 30 State School Mothers' Club .. Meredith, ViC. 50 Ashburton State School C.W.A., Anglesea, Bellbrae .. Bellbrae, Geelong, Vic. 30 Mothers' Club ...... Burwood, Vic. 50 Gordon Institute;: of Technology Geelong, Vic. 20 FRUIT CAKE PROMOTION Joining with Edible Oil Industries ·Pty. Ltd., a campaign Last Easter a fairly successful campaign was conducted by is being conducted again this year to popularise manufactured a pastrycook supplier and on the results it would seem that Fruit Cake. a stronger promotional effort, in which The A.D.F.A. has It will be remembered how successful was last year's pro­ been invited to participate, would assist Dried Fruits sales, motion Of "British Awa!d Fruit Cake" and this excellent However, at this stage the Board is prepared only to product may ·still be purchased in many shops. The interest examine the proposal by ascertaining if marketing Boards for in this cake extended. far beyond the actual intensified pro­ eggs, milk, dairy produce, etc., would jointly £nance suitable motion period and this sustained interest may be attributed to advertising and public relations contacts to support individual the quality and appearance of the product, and the continuing promotion by manufacturers. sales effort of E.O.I. Ltd. Similar success is anticipated with the new Fruit Cake to be promoted during July and August. The name selected is ~·southern Cross Fruit Cake" and the theme will be that it is FRUIT GROWERS!! "Australia's own fruit cake". Sf!.mples of the product show jt to be of good appearance and 'of unique spicy flavour with a larger Sultana content than "British Award". Preliminary tasting tests through a section of housewives indicated it Keep Your Fresh Fruit would be most acceptable, particularly as its retail price will be well within the demands on the domestic budget. Costs of promotion are being shared by E.O.I. Ltd. and •.• FRESH A.D.F.A. Publicity. E.O.I. Ltd. will supply the trade with 'cellophane bags for easy wrapping, general point-of-sale material and campaign brochures and will, through its selling Keep your fresh fruit the refrigerated ~ay. We staff, contact all pastrycooks and manufacturers during, and can engineer and supply you with coolrooms and after, the main promotional effort. In addition, E.O.l. Ltd. refrigeration equipment to cool and store your fruit will bear all advertising production costs. The A.D.F.A.'s con­ to ensure Premium Market Prices. tribution will be £8000 which_ will be wholly expended on advertising in women's journals and over T.V. The programme See us for all your refrigeration requirements . covers "AustrB.lian Women's Weekly"-full-page coloUr advertise­ * Grape Pre-cooling or Storage Rooms. ment~ on 16th and •30th July. Peach and Apricot Ripening and Storage Rooms. "Woman's Day''-full-page colour advertisements on 23rd * July and 6th August. * Also Vegetable High Humidity Storage Rooms. Television between 16th July and 6th August over the following · Channels- Coolroom~ also supplied as "'do it yourself" kits. Sydney: ATN-7, TCN-9. Adelaide: ADS-7, NWS-9. Melbourne: HSV-7, .GTV-9. Perth: TVW-7. SAVE MONEY- SEE US NOW. Brisbane: BTQ-7, QTQ-9. Hobart: TVT-6. Distributors have been warned to carry adequate stocks of Dried Vine Fruits to quickly meet pastrycooks' requirements so that full advantage can be taken of the prornotio~al impact. JACK ABEll SIMNEL CAKE PHONE, 1814, MILDURA _This particular type o~ fruit cake was, at one time, very 134a Eighth Street, Mildum. popular in Europ-e for eating on Mothering Suriday which occurs just before Easter. The eating of this cake goes back to medieval times, Page Fifty-two AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS >

!::~ I >z I c @j"' ;r: c ! ~ z ~

? ;!:'! " Depicted is one section of a series of Dried Fruits displays erected throughout the store of a leading book-seller dwing the Melbourne 'Mooinba" display,

\..ica NEW RECIPE BOOK "Better Baking", the new A.D.F.A. book of Dried Fruits advertisement announcing its publication will appear· in recipes was issued during July. "Woman's Day" during August. P_repared by The A.D.F.A. Publicity staff the book pro-­ As the Export Control Board contemplates issuing a special vides a completely new range of recipes, incltiding Con­ recipe book ·for overseas distriQution "Better Baking" has tinental and pre~digestive dishes. The cover is eye-catching. been so designed that it can be used, with minor alterations, TO make an immediate impact on housewives a coloured for export use.

PUBLICITY PARS. A new "Morris 1000" van, fully equipped, has been pur­ As a means of interesting consumers in the packet the chased for use by the Public Relation.<~ Officer in New South Board has agreed that a special Publicity RepresentatiVe- will Wales and southern Queensland. sell supplies direct to motels, etc., as he moves around the * * * * cour::try. At the request of the Australian Trade Publicity Office in * * * the United Kingdom permission had been given to t1se «Raisin The. following special point-of-sale leaflets have been pub­ Joe" for sales promotion by an English retailer, and a lished- number of designs had been mailed. Energy and Health for athletes with a special commendation * * '~ * by Mr. Percy Cerutty. The Australian Publicity Council is planning the production of a prestige trade book depicting Australian production to be Mixed FrUits. printed in English, Japanese, Chinese and Malay, and, pos­ * * * * sibly, in French and Spanish. The General Secretary has been Sch~ol cookery contests are to be held as part of the Bris­ appointed to an Advisory Committee to act. as liaison fur bane and Melbourne Royal Shows and all Queensland arid the Industry. Victorian schools have been circularised. * * * * * * * * The Robinvale Branch A.D.F.A. successfully disposed of 250 Prizes (parcels of assorted Dried Fruits) continue to be sent copies of "Family Favourites" and 207 copies of «Housewives' to prize-winners in the programmes "Number Please" and Delight", at the Robinvale Trade Fair. The copies were sent "Keep On Asking" conducted by Macquarie Broadcasting Ser­ to Branch pre-wrapped by Head Office for addressing anrl vice Pty. Ltd. mailing. * * * * * * * * A further survey covering nine schools and 579 samples A copy of «Water Into Gold" has been donated as £rst prize showed that stamp collecting amongst school children is not in. a Fruit Cake cookery competition organised by the C.W.A. sufficiently populm· to use stamps in packeted fruit as a Canterbury-Bankstown (N.S.W.) Branch. sales promotion medium. · · * * * * Present Initial The "Sunday Observer", London, reports: Survey Survey «Why T.V. Adverts were stopped. Collecting stamps ...... 30.0% 36.91% Interested, but not actively collecting 17.3% 16.52% "The Bakers' Review, commenting yesterday on the Flour Not interested ...... 52.7% 46.57% Advisory Bureau's plans for advertising bread in 1961 says: 'For the time being at least television advCitising will be dis­ * * * * continued. No doubt the Flour Advisory Bureau has decided The A.B.C. £1m team (ABV-2) has visited Mildura· and that television is not the ideal medium for promoting non­ photographed v:irious phases of the Industry. The £1m was branded goods. shown on 29th March. As an introduction to the film the <<

OVERSEAS UNITED KINGDOM of their lorries with a hydraulic angle arm platform to lower the cake from a first floor window. A giant cake, measuring 2! square feet, weighing 90 pounds The cake was iced to commemorate the presentation in and made from Australian Dried Fruits and other products, 1956 of two bells by the Mechanics Institute of Nottingham to has recently presented the Nottingham (England) finn which Townsville, QueensL'lnd, where they are hung in St. Anne's baked it, with quite a headache. School. The cake had been ordered for an Australian Trade Fair An Old Advertisement. in Nottingham organised by the Department of Trade's Lon­ A press advertisement-dated 1898-for Australian .pud­ don Publicity Directorate. ding Raisins was recently discovered in East Anglia by the It had been made on the first floor of a bakery on a Department of Trade's London Publicity Director, who visited large base board, but when completed, it was found to be the area for trade publicity talks. too large to bring out through the shop, The finn had to Headed "Colonial Pudding Raisins" it asked for "special contact the Nottingham Lighting Department and use one attention to a large Consignment of Choice Australian Pud-

Page Fifty-four AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS ding Raisins, the entire shipment is in our hands. There is nothing in (-another country' s-) Raisins to compare ill any way with the delicious flavour of these sun-cured Raisins from the land of the Southern Cross". The price of the Raisins was 5d. per pound.. ~ ~ CALIFORNIA WilKINSON The California Raisins Advisory Board has ·approved the expendi~re of an additional $443,500 on the 1961-62 Raisin promotion and advertising programme. It has announced the ~0~ appointment of a promotion manager to work with the bakery and grocery trade, and authorised the development jointly with the Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S.D.A., of a plan to promote ,California Raisin consumption in western Europe. • The Advisory Board's formal approval of the remainder of W

AUSTRALIAN DRIED, FRUITS NEWS Page Fift:v'five This photograph gives an excellent idea of the type of display used in demonstrations. This particular dis­ play was at Woolworth's Store, Sutherland, N.S.W. (November_ 30-Decemher 12). Mrs. Briggs is the demonstrator.

Page Fifty-six AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS ~- ---- l}ene~taf A!.,ew-6 INDUSTRY PERSONALITIES It is noted with pleasure that Mr. Eugene Gorman, Chair­ As Senior Inspector of Horticultufe and later Superin­ man, Austradian Dried Fruits Board, was honoured with the tendent of Horticulture, he was associated closely with great C.B.E. in the Queen's New Year Honours. improvements in the State's horticulture, and he set the * * * * pattern for fruit fly control which is protecting Victoria from Mr. Frank Penman, Officer-in-Charge, Merbein Research this pest. Station, has been transferred to an important advisory post * ' * * at C.S.I.R.O., Melbourne. Mr. W. C. Freds, of Collin & Co. Ltd., London, visited At a farewell party in Mildura in April, representatives of Australia during March. Mr. Freds, as Chairman of the the Industry presented Mr. and Mrs. Pehman with a silver Australian Dried Fruits Importers' Association, is a merriber tea service and tray. of the London Advisory Panel of Agents for· Dried Tree Fruits. It is pleasing to remember that although Mr. Penman is now to fill a new and higher appointment there will still * * ' * be many opportunities of contact with the Industry. It is Mr. P . ..tJ. Jeffery, M.B.E., has announced his retirement fortunate that the Industry will not lose the benefit of his from the Presidency of the N.S.W. Dried Fruits Merchants' experience and advice in the new work he is to undertake. Association. At a complimentary dinner given in Sydney on~ 6th June the Board Chairman presented a picnic basket * * * * on behalf of Tho A.D.F.A. Mr. P. Ryan, Director of Agriculhtre, retired on 6th May after more than 40 years of service to Victoria's primary in­ ' * * dustries. Mr. F. M. H.ead, Deputy Director of Agriculture, ·and Tl1e death of Mr. Parker ]. Moloney, ex-Chairman of the Deputy Chairman of the Victorian Dried Fruits Board suc­ Victorian Dried Fruits Board is announced with deep regret. ceeds Mr. Ryan. The A.D.F.A. was represented at the funeral and a wreath On joining the Department of Agriculture after his gradua­ was sent. tion as Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 1925, Mr. Read * ' * become one of the State's earliest agricultural scientists and It is learned that Mr. G. ]. Evatt, ex-Chairman of the was Australia's Brst horticultural scientist. In these capacities N.S.W. Dried Fruits Board, has undergone an operation he initiated the great research advances of the. period. Original which had proved successful. A letter of sympathy expressing research work gained for him the degree of Master of Agri­ best wishes for a speedy recovery, has been sent to Mr. cultural Science. Evatt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ • • ~ For Friendly "U se ... .INSURANCE ADVICE Australian Insurance and SERVICE For Australian Products" ON THE FOLLOWING CLASSES OF BUSINESS FIRE Queensland PERSONAL ACCIDENT HOUSEHOLDERS WORKERS' COMPENSATION BAGGAGE Insurance Co.. Ltd. PLATE GLASS ALL RISKS BURGLARY TOURISTS & TRAVELLERS PUBLIC RISK (Inc. in N.S.W.) MOTOR VEHICLE 84-88 WILLIAM STREET, CONSULT THE MELBOURNE Law Union & Rock Insurance COMPANY LIMITED GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., AGENTS The largest Australian. Company 34 Queen Street, Melbourne MB2418 transacting Fire, Accident and Marine Mildura Agents: Insurance. MILDURA CO-OPERATIVE FRUIT CO. LTD. Branches in all States and main Nyah Agents: : RIVERSIDE PACKERS PTY. LTD. : country areas. ~®®tilMMMM~ • •

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS Page Fifty-seven How Do We Get the Work Done? Irrespective of the findings of the experts, the following seem to be the stark facts facing you and me:- Population of Australia .. , . . . . ., . 10,000,000 People of 65 years or older . . . . 2,500,000 Balance left over to do the work 7,500,000 People of 18 years or younger · .. 2,000,000 Balance left over to do the work 5,500,000 People working for the Government 2,5.00,000 Balance left Over to do the work 3,000,000 Peopl~ in the Armed Forces . . . . 700,000 Balance left over to do the work .. 2,300,000 People in State and Council Offices .. 1,800,000 Balance left over to do the work ...... 500,000 People in HosPitals and Lunatic Asylums, Trotting and Greyhound Racing 400,000 Balance left over to do the work 100,000 Spivs and others who won't work 80,000 Balance left over to do the work 20,000 People iri gaol ...... 19,998

BALANCE LEFT OVER TO DO THE WORK 2 TWO-YOU AND ME! And YOU'D better pull your socks up, for fm fed up with running this country alone. -(From the staff journal of the A.N .z. Bank, "The · Chequerboard.")

GROWERS! File Your Copy of the "News"

Throughout the year much valuable information on horticultural practices is given in the "News ... File your issues so that you can refer back to them as authoritative guides on cultural practices. Adopt some simple means of storing the issues-on a special shelf; in a box; by having them bound; or even by cutting out important articles and pasting them in a reference book. "News 11 articles provide the latest authoritative information available-

SO KEEP THEM FOR THE DAY WHEN QUICK REFERENCE SAVES TIME AND TROUBLE - . Page Fifty-eight AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS NEWS T -

the Dried Fruits Industry is a full-time job in the United Kingdom, and this photo shows a 1 helped boost interest in our product. Former Victorian jockey j Scobie" Breasley recently in Britain. To mark the occaslon he was weighed in D1•ied Fruit, with Mr. A. H. Matthews, Dried Fruits Control Board representative in the U.K., at left, watching Mr. John C. Serjeant, Weights and Measures for the City of London, do the job. The fruit was sent to a London

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