Oranges To Be Gassed
p. 56 · Read in the full issue
Interesting Process in Cook Is.
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Feb. 28!
MEETINGS at all the Rarotonga fruit-packing sheds have approved the erection of orange-gassing rooms at each shed, and the construc tion of these is already well under way.
The main points in gassing oranges for export are that the oranges take on a becoming orange colour (being green or near-green at time of nicking) and that the slightest bruise will be clearly shown up, thus allowing only perfect fruit to be shipped, and thereby reducing the percentage of waste —which, last sea son, was huge.
Although a few bitter voices recalled the days of yore, when oranges were bundled into a box on the plantation, shipped, and fetched a net return of 6/to 8/- a case, the main body of native growers were too dispirited to argue the point—particularly as the gassing rooms are to be paid for out of the surplus from last year’s trading by the Govern ment Fruit Control Department.
The season’s first shipment of oranges goes forward by next month’s steamer.
Cynical pessimists prophesy that, by the same boat, there will arrive a new, well paid “Director of Gassing Rooms”.