The state government has agreed to erect a cool store a Doncaster for the benefit of the local fruit industry. The "Age" says that the fruit growers have entered into the guarantees necessary to put the venture on a business basis. It will cost them much less to take advantage of the government cool store than for each grower to provide his own cool storage. Much fruit that is now wasted or dumped on an over-supplied market will be profitably stored. The banquet tendered recently to the Bent ministry at Doncaster has evidently had the desired effect. We congratulate the socialistic fruit growers of Doncaster on their success.
1904 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 30 September, p. 5. , viewed 11 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90310631
Victorian Notes. (From Our Melbourne Correspondent.)
With a view to meeting the requirements of the fruitgrowers of Doncaster (says the "Argus"), the Victorian Ministry is contemplating the erection of cool stores in the district. No risk will be entailed on the part of the State, the growers having agreed to guarantee the interest on the undertaking.
1904 'Victorian Notes.', Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), 8 October, p. 28. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111307527
COOL STORAGE AT DONCASTER.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir,—The proposal to erect the above is one which, on the score of economy, seems to require consideration before it is finally decided upon. As Doncaster is so near town, and the fruit has eventually to be carted in, the necessity of buying land and erecting buildings and plant in the district is hardly warranted. Why not store in town? Again, sooner or later, owing to the rapidly increasing population there, the Outer Circle line will, doubtless, be extended to Doncaster, when, naturally, all the expense of the erection of the cool storage depot will be lost, and I fancy that may be the reason that the people in the district will not put their hands in their own pockets to erect it, as I believe they once intended to do.—Yours, &c., W.
1904 'COOL STORAGE AT DONCASTER.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 2 November, p. 6., viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10348438
GENERAL NEWS.
The Government has decided to erect a cool store at Doncaster for the convenience of the fruit growers in the district, so that they may be able to keep their fruit in the hot weather and place it on the market as required, instead of being compelled to rush larger quantities into consumption than the regular demand justifies.
1904 'GENERAL NEWS.', The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 - 1918), 2 November, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89705560
Cool storage chambers for fruit
Work has been commenced at Doncaster, a suburb of Melbourne 10 miles distant from the G.PO., on the erection of cool storage chambers for fruit. The fruitgrowers of Doncaster do not have to send their produce by the expensive and uncertain railway—they send it by road. And they can pick their fruit and send it fresh from the trees to suit the market. But the Government is building them a cool store at the state's expense, to allow them a still further advantage over the market. Mr Knight, during his recent visit to Bairnsdale, almost told the growers of this district that they had only to ask for a similar concession to get it. No step has been taken as yet in the direction of applying for a cool store at Bairnsdale. In a little while it will be too late—another season will have been missed. If that does occur the growers will only have themselves to blame for such loss as they may be put to by breakdown of the railway service.
1904 'The Advertiser.', Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle (Vic. : 1882 - 1918), 5 November, p. 2. (Morning.), viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86533497
£2430 for a cool store at Doncaster
FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT - Tuesday.
When replying to a deputation from Doncaster fruitgrowers to-day the Premier, Mr. Bent, mentioned some of the items that would be included in the second Surplus Revenues Bill. This measure will probably be introduced on Thursday, and according to the Treasurer's sum will be distributed as follows ;—£2430 for a cool store at Doncaster, £11,000 for the dredge being obtained, £1200 towards a bridge at Footscray, £5000 towards assisting the export of compressed fodder. Then there would be £3000 for a bridge over the Yarra at Punt road, Richmond, £1000 for Yarra improvements, £1000 for Mallee roads, £300 for Condah Swamp, £200 for Ferntree Gully improvement, £800 for Newham shire roads and other amounts for repairs to Rye jetty, Echuca wharf, Northcote Town Hall Reserve and a road at Tallangatta.
1904 'Our Melbourne Letter.', Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic. : Moama, NSW : 1869 - 1954), 10 November, p. 3. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115063589
Cool Storage at Doncaster.
The question of cool storage is one that has occupied the attention of the fruitgrowers in and around the Doncaster district of late, and on Saturday evening last a public meeting was held in the Athenæum, Doncaster, to fully discuss the matter. There was a fairly good attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr. A. F. Thiele, president of the local fruitgrowers' association. Towards the establishment of a cool store at Doncaster, the Government proposed lending £2000 at 4¾ per cent. interest, and ½ per cent. on sinking fund for 5 years, and besides giving the land required; would erect the building and plant on the understanding that the amount of interest was paid back by the guarantors, in whose hands the management and working of the concern was to be vested. It was the wish of the premier that every fruitgrower should have an opportunity of taking a hand in the movement, and it was for this specific purpose that the meeting was called. Mr Tom Petty, J.P., was the principal speaker for the evening, and gave a very lucid account of all that had been done up till then, as well as detailing the many advantages to be derived from having in their midst such a building as a cool store, where they could place their fruit and preserve its quality during the hot summer months. A number of questions were asked and answered, and the matter discussed in a general way, and before the meeting closed, the amount previously guaranteed, viz., £180, was increased to £255. Messrs A. F. Thiele, T. Petty, R. Kennedy, A. E. Thiele, J. W. Hudson and J. Whitten were elected as a committee of management, with Mr W. A. Wcbb as secretary. The committee arranged to wait on Mr Bent on Tuesday morning, to urge that the matter be pushed on with as soon as possible. The committee duly waited upon the premier as arranged, and presented plans and specifications of the proposed cool store. Mr Bent asked if provisions for a minimum wage had been included in the specifications. The deputation replied in the negative, and the premier remarked that that condition had to be kept in mind where government money was expended. The deputation said that tenders had been called, and that the lowest for the building alone was £1830 whilst the highest was £2600. Mr Bent indicated that he proposed to make the store a government institution, and did not want any local guarantee as he had originally proposed. He had intended to provide £2000 for the work in the second surplus revenue bill, but after going into the matter thoroughly he promised the deputation that he would provide £2430, and did not require any guarantee. He also indicated a site he would like and agreed with Mr W. Stutt, ex-M.L.A., to buy it from him for £50. Mr Stutt had volunteered to give half an acre in the same locality for nothing, but Mr Bent wanted an acre at another spot, offered the amount named for the extra area, and the bargain was struck.
1904 'Cool Storage at Doncaster.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 11 November, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90307926
Deputation of the fruit growers
A deputation of the fruit growers of Doncaster, introduced by Mr. Cameron, Minister of Public Works, interviewed the Premier on Tuesday, writes the Age, with respect to the proposal to erect a Government cool store at Doncaster for the storage of the fruit grown in that district. Mr. Bent originally intended to provide £2000 for the undertaking on condition that the producers guaranteed the interest. The deputation submitted plans and specifications for the structure, and tenders for its erection, ranging from £1830 to £2600. The Premier agreed to provide the sum of £2430 in a second surplus revenue bill, and, further, to make the cool store a Government work, for which he would require no guarantee. He also intimated that he had agreed with Mr. W. Stutt for the purchase of a suitable site at a cost of £50.
1904 'YARRA GLEN.', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian (Vic. : 1900 - 1942), 12 November, p. 3. (MORNINGS.), viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60042346
The Argus, Melbourne, Vic., Monday 28 November 1904
On Saturday the Premier (Mr. Bent) visited Doncaster for the purpose of selecting the site for the fruit cool store which the Ministry has determined to erect there. The money for the building—£2,400—was provided in the second Surplus Revenue Act passed by the Parliament during the present session. The site selected is about three-quarters of a mile beyond the Doncaster Tower, and about three miles from Box Hill. The area of the block on which the store will be erected is one acre. Half an acre was given free of cost to the Government by Mr Stutt, ex-M.L.A., and a second half-acre has been purchased for £50. The object of having this store at Doncaster is to ensure the fruit being cooled and frozen before there is a chance of its being bruised in transit to the ship's side.
1904 'The Argus.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 28 November, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10352485
Selecting the site for the fruit cool store
On Saturday the Premier (Mr Bent) visited Doncaster for the purpose of selecting the site for the fruit cool store which the Ministry has determined to erect there. The money for this building—£2,400—was provided in the second Surplus Revenue Act passed by the Parliament during the present session. The site selected is about three-quarters of a mile beyond the Doncaster Tower, and about three miles from Box Hill. The area of the block on which the store will be erected is one acre. Half an acre was given free of cost to the Government by Mr Stutt, ex-M.L.A., and a second half acre has been purchased for £50. The object of having this store at Doncaster is to ensure the fruit being cooled and frozen before there is a chance of its being bruised in transit to the ship's side.
1904 'The Evelyn Observer.', Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), 2 December, p. 2. (MORNING.), viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60629064
Cool store now in course of erection
The Minister for Public Works (Mr. Cameron) announces that the cool store now in course of erection at Doncaster will be completed within the next few weeks. The sum of £2,500 was provided in the Surplus Revenue Act for this work, and Mr. Cameron is hopeful that this amount will not be exceeded. The building is a very fine one and Mr. Cameron says that he has no doubt it will prove a great boon to the fruitgrowers of the district. The local residents are anxious to have a celebration at the opening, and are particularly desirous that the Premier (Mr. Bent) should be present. If the conference at Hobart permits of the return of the Premier within a reasonable time it is probable that the opening will be postponed till Mr. Bent comes back to Melbourne.
1905 'The Argus.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 9 February, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9890238
Doncaster Doings. The cool store is near completion
The workmen [creased paper about 1½ lines missing] busy in every corner, and form a source of never failing interest to school boys and visitors, distinguished and otherwise, for so many parties of visitors in motors, &c., are arriving, that the ministerial party that called early this week was hardly noticed. There is to be a banquet to properly celebrate the opening.
1905 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 10 February, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90310204
Doncaster Cool Stores.
At the Doncaster cool stores fruit is already being received, cases being taken in at the rate of five per minute for six hours on Tuesday, and the fruit, which was then at the temperature of 68 degrees, was down to 37 degrees on Wednesday morning, at which temperature it will be kept. The stores have a capacity of 6000 cases, which the 16 horse-power engine can keep at the required temperature by running 6 hours out of 24, and an ice machine, with a capacity of 9 tons, is also ready for use.
1905 'Doncaster Cool Stores.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 24 February, p. 9. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90309522
Erection of the Government cool store at Doncaster has been completed
The erection of the Government cool store at Doncaster has been completed, and the formal opening will take place shortly. The residents have asked the Premier to be present at the ceremony.
1905 'NEWS AND NOTES.', The Broadford Courier and Reedy Creek Times (Broadford, Vic. : 1893 - 1916), 3 March, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59198957
Doncaster cool store
Though the formal opening of the Doncaster cool store has not yet taken place, the building is now complete. Already a trial has been made of the premises, and 2000 cases have been placed in the store. The residents are anxious to secure the attendance of the Premier at a ceremony to celebrate the event.
1905 'On the Land.', Mornington Standard (Vic. : 1889 - 1908), 4 March, p. 3. (MORNING.), viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65838885
DONCASTER COOL STORE. OFFICIAL OPENING. IMPORTANT SPEECHES.
The Government cool store at Doncaster was officially opened by the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Cameron) yesterday, in the presence of a large gathering.
The building which stands in the Doncaster-road consists of an outer shell of weatherboard inside which is a refrigerating wall with 4in. of space between. The refrigerating wall is formed of two sets of felt-covered lining boards 1ft. apart, with the intervening space filled with charcoal.
This con-conducting wall extends over the ceiling, and below the floor completely encasing the two refrigerating chambers. These are constructed to hold 6,000 cases of fruit and at present they contain 5,000, some of which have been stored there for three weeks. The air is cooled by the ammonia process which keeps it perfectly dry and is pumped into the chambers by a 31 indicated h.p. engine at a temperature of from 34 to 37 degrees Fah. The work was carried out under Mr. Davidson, the inspector-general of the Public Works department. Major Watson was the architect and Messrs. Sinclair and M'Donald the contractors. The machinery was set in motion yesterday by Mr. Cameron, and a dinner was afterwards held at Stutt's Hotel. The president of the shire of Doncaster (Councillor Sell) occupied the chair.
After the loyal toasts,
Mr. T. Petty proposed the toast of the Ministry and the State and Federal Parliaments. Doncaster people were well satisfied with the Ministry. (Hear, hear.) But in the higher sphere of Federal politics, the members seemed to do as much talking as possible, and as little work. (Hear, hear.) While he was still an ardent federalist he felt afraid that the best men would be driven out by the waste of time and having to listen to miles of twaddle, drivel, and endless repetition. Working men like himself and other residents of Doncaster would regard the Federal Parliament as a sweet haven of rest—green cushions, free passes, perquistes, and £400 a year. What more could anybody want?
A Fruitgrower.—£500 a year. (Laughter.)
Mr. Petty.—He did not approve of this White Australia business. ( Hear, hear.) He would like to see every man who voted for it made to work in the stokehold of a steamer, or in the cane-breaks. (Hear, hear.) Another thing he was heartily ashamed of was the prevention of Englishmen entering the country under engagement. (Hear, hear.) In spite of anything he had said, he had great pleasure in proposing the toast. (Laughter.)
Mr. Madden, M.L.A., in responding, congratulated the residents of Doncaster in having achieved such great results without Government assistance. They had realised that the best results came from their own efforts and had not claimed bonuses which went into the pockets of others than for whom they were intended. He remembered the time that the people of Doncaster were carting firewood to Melbourne to keep themselves while their fruit trees were growing. (Hear, hear.) Many others on the land would be better off had they followed the example of the Doncaster people. When a man took up land he should first start a small garden to keep himself and leave his clearing and fencing until it was grown. (Hear, hear.) And the people of Doncaster had recognised the value of the subsoil, and the result was that they never died. (Laughter.) There was Mr. Stutt, who was a middle-aged man in Melbourne 40 years ago. When his late friend, Mr. Duncan Gillies, visited Doncaster shortly before his death, he said, on being introduced to Mr. Stutt, "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you before, but I knew your father well." (Laughter.) He was glad to see that the residents held the right political principles; that is to say, they were his principles. (Laughter, and "Hear, hear.")
The Minister of Public Works (Mr. Cameron) said that he had passed through Doncaster in February, 1855. In those days it appeared to be desert, useless land, and the people who settled there had made it the prolific country it was to-day. (Hear, hear.) It was the subsoil that had made it, and the energies of the people. When Mr. Bent was upbraided for assisting Doncaster with this store he replied, "See what they have done already without the Government." The greatest praise was due to Mr. Stutt for the concession he made to the Government in providing the portion of the land on which the store stood. (Hear, hear.) He was more than satisfied with the way in which Mr. Davidson, Major Watson, and the other officers of his department had carried out the building of the store. Mr. M'Leod, as a practical countryman, had also rendered valuable assistance. Mr M'Leod was not one of those persons who went about with their hands covered with gloves. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. M'Leod said that it was Mr. Bent's force of character and personality, which was responsible for his success everywhere, as it had been at the Hobart conference, and he would have been present had it been possible. It was becoming the fashion to claim such undertakings as this store as socialistic. He would say that he believed in the socialism which helped people to help themselves and put industries on a proper footing. The existence of this store would give the growers a fair chance. With honest industry and intelligence they could face any competition, and by this store they would be able to regulate the market. It was the industries of the soil, not those built by the tariff, which made a nation, and Doncaster had shown that land apparently useless possessed great potentialities for great riches if properly worked. This would be remembered by the Government, and in administering the Closer Settlement Act tests would be made to ascertain the capabilities of different Crown lands. It was hoped that before this year terminated all those anxious to settle would get land —(hear, hear)—and when people had something to attend to there would be less talk about socialism. There was no better object lesson to the socialist than the district of Doncaster. In place of looking at the pictures painted by imaginative socialists, people should remember the law "By the sweat of thy brow shalt thou earn thy bread." (Hear, hear.) He believed in raising the status of labour but he did not approve of this miserable, tyrannical, selfish legislation, which was contrary to human nature, experience, justice, and right. (Cheers.) It aimed at stopping the boy and the old man from working, and was nothing to be proud of. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. A. F. Thiele proposed the toast of "The Fruit-growing Industry and the Cool Store." The growers suffered by the drastic law prohibiting the sale of fruit which had suffered the slightest damage, At present this had to be destroyed, or used as manure; but if a cider plant were established on the same lines as the cold store, many apples might be utilised. The store's machinery could be driven when not required for cooling the air. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. A. Zerbe responded. Many of the present growers were not as prosperous as the earlier ones, and it was probable that the Government would soon have to be asked to provide water for irrigation.
Mr. W. Peacock also responded.
Mr. Stutt proposed the toast of "The Member for Evelyn," which was acknowledged by Mr. Cameron, and the toast of "The Inspector-General, the architect, and the Contractors " was proposed by Mr. H. Thiele, and responded to by Mr. Davidson, Major Watson, and Mr. Sinclair.
Mr. W. H. Webb acted as secretary of the opening.
1905 'DONCASTER COOL STORE', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 17 March, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9868482
FRUIT-GROWING INDUSTRY. EFFECT OF THE FACTORIES ACT.
Speaking at the opening of the Doncaster Cool Store on Thursday, Mr. W. Peacock, of the Australian Jam Company, warned fruitgrowers that the operation of the Factories Act in Victoria would strangle the industry of fruit-growing in this state. Representing a firm which employed nearly 1,000 hands he wished it to be understood that he did not oppose the regulation of the conditions of labour and wages of women workers. The wages fixed—14/ a week for females and 30/ a week for males—could not be regarded as high. But since federation the position of affairs had changed. In other states there were no factories acts, and the result was that to-day jam could be brought in cheaper than he could employ a lorry to take fruit from Doncaster to Melbourne. In the states referred to the wages were from 25 per cent. to 30 per cent. lower than in Melbourne, and it was not the manufacturer but the grower who paid the difference in the wages. To show how unnecessary the Factories Act was he would point out that the wages his firm paid for canning, which was not governed by a wages board, were more than double those paid in the branches of the trade which were protected. The industry also suffered by the import duty on sugar, which simply went into the pockets of the sugar-growers of Queensland. To-day plums were about £4 a ton, and plum jam was cheaper than it had ever been before in the British Empire. If it had not been for the sugar duties, the growers could have been paid £10, the jam have been sold as cheap as it was, and the manufacturers have made twice the profit. There should certainly be no excise duty on sugar and the full drawback should be allowed on exported jam, instead of £1 being lost on each ton of sugar brought in and exported again in jam.
1905 'FRUIT-GROWING INDUSTRY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 18 March, p. 15. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9877570
FRUIT GROWING INDUSTRY.
—Speaking at the opening of the Doncaster Cool Store on Thursday, Mr. W. Peacock, of the Australian Jam Company, warned fruitgrowers that the operation of the Factories Act in Victoria would strangle the industry of fruit growing in this state. Representing a firm which employed nearly 1,000 hands, he wished it to be understood that he did not oppose the regulation of the conditions of labour and wages of women workers. The wages fixed—14/ a week for females and 30/ a week for males—could not be regarded as high. But since federation the position of affairs have changed. In other states there were no factories acts, and the result was that to-day jam could be brought in cheaper than he could employ a lorry to take fruit from Doncaster to Melbourne. In the states referred to the wages were from 25 per cent, to 30 per cent. lower than in Melbourne, and it was not the manufacturer but the grower who paid the difference in the wages. To show how unnecessary the Factories Act was he would point out that the wages his firm paid for canning, which was not governed by a wages board, were more than double those paid in the branches of the trade which were protected. The industry also suffered by the import duty on sugar, which simply went into the pockets of the sugar- growers of Queensland. To-day plums were about £4 a ton, and plum jam was cheaper than it had ever been before in the British Empire. If it had not been for the sugar duties, the growers could have been paid £10, the jam have been sold as cheap as it was, and the manufacturers have made twice the profit. There should certainly be no excise duty on sugar, and the full drawback should be allowed on exported jam, instead of £1 being lost on each ton of sugar brought in and exported again in jam.
1905 'Established August 1842 The Portland Guardian,', Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953), 22 March, p. 2. (EVENING), viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63691703
DONCASTER COOL STORES. The Opening Celebrated.
The cool stores recently erected by the government at Doncaster were formally declared open on Thursday, 16th inst., by Hon. E. H. Cameron, minister of public works, in a few words, but they had already been put to good use, and were practically full of cases of fruit for some days previous.
At Stutt's Doncaster hall, adjoining the stores, a sumptuous banquet had been laid in the proprietor's best style, and thither a large concourse of visitors adjourned.
After the toast of "The King," proposed by the chairman, Cr Sell, president of the shire of Doncaster, apologies from the premier and others were read.
"The ministry, state and federal parliament," was proposed by Mr Tom Petty, who said they were met to celebrate the opening of the cool stores and to do honor to the government who had built them. Mr Bent was a personality wherever he went, and they all felt sorry for his absence, but they were glad to see their esteemed member present. They were very well satisfied with the government and with their member. Some years ago when their member was chosen as one of the members of the ministry, Victoria was in great difficulties, but after the retrenchment of the Irvine government the ministry was enabled to announce a surplus of half a million, which was a great credit to Mr. Bent's government, which hoped to be able to announce a substantial surplus next year, and was a good safe government. He had met a member of the ministry in Mr Swinburne, with whom he was very well satisfied. Mr Bent's colleagues were all good administrators, who did more work and talked less than the previous government. The reduced number of members had helped parliament to do so much in so short a time. The federal members, on the other hand, vied with each other in doing as much talk as possible, and as little work. He was still an ardent federalist, but the present state of things would drive the best men out of the federal parliament; men of affairs who had left their own business would have to listen to a lot of drivel. To working men, parliament, with its cushions and its £400 a year, was no doubt a haven of rest, and what more did they want when they got there? But he feared that while he liked to see the working classes represented, the federal parliament would be filled with representatives of that one class. Already some of the laws passed did not suit him. He did not believe in this "white Australia" business. Men who would force others into the stokehold, or on to the cane fields, ought to be made to go themselves, and he would vote for them being made to go to those places. A law he felt ashamed of was that which prevented an Englishman from coming here if he made arrangements for work before coming. Another law which affected their industries was that dealing with sugar. He did not wish the criticism applied to any of the district's representatives, all of whom they could be proud of.
Mr Frank Madden, speaker of the legislative assembly, in reply, said he was sorry Mr Bent was absent because he was a producer (laughter), and knew that what was got out of the land made the wealth of a nation. Mr Bent knew the wants of the producer, as the cool store evidenced. Bonuses were no good, the middleman got them; but Mr Bent knew that if he could give the people on the land cool stores, cheap freights, and safe carriage, those things could not be taken away. The good people of Doncaster worked on right lines, and went through great hardships. He remembered them carrying wood to the city to sell to feed their families. He had been down with Mr Swinburne to view land for closer settlement, and he would urge what he knew of Doncaster as an argument for not giving people too much land. From the first the settler must make his land add to his bank balance, and should start in the garden before building his house, so that trees could grow while improvements were in progress. Their fathers worked on those lines, and he was glad to say that his hearers were well to do and some of them wealthy. He came out to Doncaster with Duncan Gillies to raise money for the Boer war fund, and expected to get £5 or £10, but they collected £50 in one night. People who went out to Doncaster to live couldn’t die, as witness Mr Stutt. Their political principles were his. He had nothing to do with the federal parliament, but his parliament was one of the most useful he had ever seen, and although he was told when elected speaker he would have a “hell” of a time, he got on very easily. He thanked them for the way in which they had drunk the toast.
Hon E. H. Cameron, minister of public works, said he admired men of Mr Madden’s stamp, and was pleased to see him speaker, though he had nothing against the previous one. He tried to coax Mr Bent out to Doncaster, but he had too much to do. In Doncaster, which he knew for many years, he had met people who were not English, Irish or Scotch, and had a great admiration for them because they had turned a wilderness into a garden. He had told Mr Bent to go out and see what the people of Doncaster had done without the assistance of the government, while other districts had been sucking the government for many years. Some of the Doncaster committee had asked the government for a loan which would pay interest and sinking fund, and he urged that people had been helped who did not deserve one iota of it. Mr Bent agreed to spend £2400, but he got a good deal of “chivvying” about it. Names of those who would be responsible for the interest and sinking fund,—good names—were got, and Mr Bent came out to see some land offered. Afterwards Mr Bent came out again and Mr Stutt offered him half-an-acre for nothing and an acre for £50. The speaker came out and brought surveyors, who said the frontage was too narrow and drew a sketch, which was shown to Mr Stutt, who agreed to give the wider frontage, so long as they did not get too close to a cricket pitch. Mr Stutt said he did not want to spoil their ship for a hap’orth of tar, and deserved great credit for his liberality. The contract was let on Dec. 22, and by Feb 23 there were 1500 cases of fruit in the stores. He thought he knew something about timber, but he had been surprised at the quantity of material used, which included 1000 ft redgum, 27,000 ft. flooring, 10,000 ft. weather board, 44,000 feet 3” by 2”. 56,000 ft. lining, 2000 bags charcoal, ¾ ton nails, 22,000 square feet insulating compound. He wished to tell them publicly that he was more than satisfied with the energy of Mr Watson, the architect, and Mr Davidson, the contractor, who completed the work within an hour of the time specified. He hoped the stores would be a benefit and an inducement to other districts. He was sorry they were small, but they must begin in a small way, and room was left for extension. No one took a greater interest in the cool stores than he did.
Hon. D McLeod, minister of mines, said that Mr Bent had a personality of his own, and had shown by his force of character that he was going to do his best in the interests of the state, and was no wild visionary. Mr Bent had gone through it himself, and was not led away by wild dreams of what could be done by legislation. They all regretted exceedingly that he was not present. The work Mr Bent had done in Tasmania was done with shrewdness, and they were proud to think their premier had held his own amongst the elect of other states, if he did not show up better than most of them. He respected Mr Cameron, who took him under his wing when he entered parliament for his simple honesty of character, and from him, as the “father” of the house, all the members would get straightforward advice. He was glad to be at the opening of the stores. Everything the government did was called socialism, but he believed in the socialism of helping people to help themselves. Nothing was more useful than cool stores, which would enable them to hold their fruit if there were a glut, and the building of cool stores was quite a legitimate thing for the government to do. Solid wealth came from the soil, and not from industries created by a tariff, and the government should encourage the natural industries of a state. Nothing had been so much in Mr Cameron's mind as the cool store, in which the government was justified, and which he trusted would be built in other districts, as an increase of stores was to their interest, because others would then have no need to glut the market. He was surprised to see the seemingly barren hills of Doncaster into gardens, what a great benefit the people of Doncaster had rendered to the state ! They had learned the lesson that the land possessed possibilities of great riches. His government took office because of the state of the country, and he would remark that one reason why the government was accused of not doing its duty was because they would not let such a thing as repudiation take place. London financial journals were, for their own purposes, saying the country could not pay its interest, so they cut down their expenses to show they were as careful of their reputations as the people of the old country. Retrenchment was very painful, because everyone said "cut down the other fellow," but they did it because they had a mandate from the state, and to the astonishment of all they came out with a surplus, and the people of the old world learnt they could show us no points in honesty, and that what we undertook we would carry out to the letter, and there set in a complete revulsion of feeling. The premier put the question as to whether they should use all the surplus in liabilities, or give the people who had been cut down a show and restore some of the grants. The cabinet was unanimous, and half-a-million was distributed, which had been well spent. An estate at Mortlake had been bought by the government for closer settlement, and the socialistic cries would be very much lessened when men had some work to keep them busy. There was no better object lesson for socialists than to go to Doncaster and see what had been done by hard work, and see the smiling homesteads. He thought all the wild, visionary things, and such narrow, selfish, miserable, tyranical [sic] legislation as was proposed was contrary to their ideals and meant that all the work would be concentrated in the hands of the middle-aged men. They all admitted that Mr Madden, though threatened with a hard time, was the right man in the right place and had earned the esteem of all concerned.
Mr A. F. Thiele proposed "The Fruitgrowing Industry and Cool Stores." He said the Doncaster people had taken up land that others passed by and built up an industry which gave work to a lot of people in the city. They had helped themselves from the beginning, and the government therefore was willing to help them by the creation of the cool stores, which seemed to promise to be a great success, as they were already full. He stored fruit there, and was quite satisfied, and the district would get other things if they kept going. The store was not in the wrong place; he had tried storing fruit in town but there was too much trouble attached to it. There should be some way of utilising fruit which they were forced to destroy because of grubs. In the near future they would have to find their profit in these waste products. The apples the government forced them to destroy might be made into cider. There was power lying unused at the cool stores which might be used to run a crushing plant.
Cr Zerbe, in reply said he worked for one of the pioneers of Victoria, who used to give his fruit trees away if he could not sell them, to encourage his neighbors to plant trees. Some years ago the people asked for a bonus for tree-planting and were given £55,000. People at that time made money, but the growers were not now in the same boat, as the market became glutted. The people of Doncaster never did what was done in other parts of the country in asking for irrigation. They made dams, and all they wanted now was a railway.
Mr W. Peacock, of the O.K. jam company, said his company watched the erection of the stores with greater interest than any of them, as they ran a bigger risk. Many of the people who bought land under the closer settlement act would be invited to use it in growing fruit; but something of which he had warned the people four years ago had the fruit industry by the throat and would strangle it. The factories act did not concern the manufacturers at all as the fruitgrowers paid the bill. As an employer of nearly 1000 people, he had nothing to say against the factories act, which should be on the statute books of every civilized community, but the conditions had changed since federation, so that he would warn them that this act should never be anything but a federal measure, 30/ a week was not too much for a man, nor 14/ a week for a woman; but jam could be brought from states where there was no such act for less than it cost to send a lorry to Doncaster for it. The question of the conditions in the other states should be looked to, as 25% longer hours were worked and 30% less wages were paid, the fruitgrowers paid the difference in wages. Four years ago plums were £14 a ton, and this year, despite the fact that it was a bad season for plums, the price was £4 a ton His firm paid £3000 in wages last month, and paid £20,000 for fruit, sugar and in freights. If anyone wanted an object lesson in the uselessness of the factories act they would get one in the fact that in their canning business, not regulated, the wages were more than double those paid for jam making. The biggest trouble was the import duty on sugar, but it got no public attention. At 1½ bushels of plums to the tree, and 120 trees to the acre, the gross produce of an acres was, at ½d per lb, £15, whilst £19 5/9 per acre had to be paid as duty on sugar, which, if it went into the coffers of the government, might double the number of fruit stores and put them all over the country, but this was a diminishing duty which went into the hands of the sugargrowers of Queensland. If the duty were not there they could pay £10 a ton for plums and sell jam just as cheap, while making twice the profit. There should be no excise duty on sugar, it was only a [snare?] for a “white Australia.” The year before federation sugar from Queensland was bought at £12 or £13 per ton; now the acreage was increasing, and some of the people were getting from £19 to £21 a ton, so that fruitgrowers all through the commonwealth were engaged in greasing the fattest greasy pig. There were 21,000 acres more under fruit than under sugar, and ten times as many people employed in fruit than sugar industries, while they were taxed £1,000,000 a year for the sugar plantations of Queensland. His firm was charged £6 per ton duty, but only got back £5 a ton when exporting, and he could not get any redress, so if he went out of Australia to get a market he was fined £1 a ton. He had pointed this out before, but it was their own trouble and they must tackle it themselves.
Ex-Cr Stutt proposed “Our Member,” and said Mr Cameron had served them for 21 years in parliament and had large experience. He was a worker, not a talker. In Queen’s hall, at parliament house, the speaker had told several members that there was as good fruit grown within 10 miles of Melbourne as any in Mildura, and Mr Cameron said he had just been telling them that, but they did not believe him. Mr Cameron was the “father” of the legislative assembly, but he had known him before he went into the house, and knew of no political or private act of his which would bring the blush of shame to to [sic] his cheek, and he began his 21st year in parliament without a blot on his character, He wished to speak of the way the men worked at the cool stores. He had seen Mr Watson out at 12 o’clock at night (laughter) to see how the work was going on, and Mr Cameron came out from time to time, as his heart was in the project.
Mr Cameron said he was very much obliged for the kind remarks, and if they were all as pleased as he was with the stores they would be very well satisfied.
Ex-Cr H Thiele proposed the Inspector-general, architect and contractors, in whom they were fortunate. The contractor sighed the contract on 21st in the afternoon, and was at work early on the morning of Dec. 22. Mr Sinclair had been a man in a thousand, and but for him the stores would not be the success they promised to be. He had no doubt the stores would be a complete success, and thought the contractors had the assistance of an eminent engineer in Mr Middleton.
Mr Hogan said there were complimentary things to be said to those responsible for the work which he could not say to them in the department of which he was the head. He did not think much of the idea at the start, but it had “caught on,” and might be asked to build another somewhere else.
Mr Watson and Mr Sinclair returned thanks.
Mr Cameron proposed "The Press."
Mr Frank Madden proposed "The Chairman." There was nothing like an old dog for a hard road, and if Cr Sell had been elected as a new member there would have been no cool store. He yielded to no man in wishing to see every man well paid, but when they put on a minimum it became a maximum. If they were told they must get not less than a certain amount for fruit what would they say? The people of Doncaster had provided for a dry day without going to the government.
Cr Sell, president of the shire of Doncaster, said it gave him great pleasure to preside over such a meeting, where they had heard speeches which it would pay some of them to study. When he saw the election results he was not so pleased as he might have been, but he could tell them truthfully and honestly that since then he felt very glad he was not in parliament, because though he could not agree with the government on many points, he could not see his way clear to turn them out, and would not vote to put the others in. He took his doing like a Britisher, and like Mr Cameron, he had no ill feeling. The government had not been giving the attention to the industry in which they were engaged which it de- served, but he was very pleased to see Mr Bent was giving it more attention than previous premiers.
1905 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 24 March, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90309097
THE FRUIT MARKET IN MELBOURNE.
Queensland oranges—from a long way north— are now coming into Melbourne, and meeting with a poor market, so far as prices are concerned, this being in consequence of the fairly large supplies of Italian oranges that are now on the market. The Italian goods are per the Orizaba, and owing to the mishap to that vessel in Australian waters the fruit is in somewhat bad condition, having been knocked about considerably by rough handling while being removed from the vessel. The Orizaba fruit has been sold on the wharf at as low as 3s 3d per case, and although the Queensland mandarins coming to hand are in fine order, it is found difficult to move them off readily at payable rates, 8s per case being the best the salesman can do for the growers so far. Queensland oranges are too green for sale yet, and it is hoped that by the time they are fit to go on the market in a week or so prices will be better than now, owing to the inferior Italians having been all bought. Grapes are coming into a glutted market from the northern parts of Victoria, and, owing to irregular, and at times highly eccentric train services, they often land in bad condition. Soft and watery fruits are not equal to the rough usage and delay they are sometimes subjected to by our Railway Department, and bitter are the complaints made by those who lose heavily by inferior management. The demand for grapes is slack owing to the real hot weather being a thing of the past. Growers are hoping for a fresh wave of heat, in which case this fruit would meet with a good sale; but in the meantime they have to "thole." Plums of the Cole's Late Red variety are coming in slowly, and selling weakly at from 2s to 3s per case. They are chiefly from around Melbourne, Doncaster being the principal supplier. Pears have been "a real good line" this year, and best desserts are selling at from 5s to 6s for Gansel's Bergamot, while for best Williams' Bon Chretiens the rates go as high as 7s. Supplies of this latter kind now on the market are coming out of the cool stores at Doncaster, having been picked and placed there to keep several weeks ago. Beurre de Capmont pears from Doncaster are selling at 3s 6d to 4s 6d per case. The Ribstone Pippin apples this season are somewhat woody. The Jonathons are inclined to be acid, but they have a better appearance than usual. The market is well supplied with this fruit direct from the orchard, and sales are being effected at from 2s 6d to 3s 6d per case, a figure that gives the growers poor satisfaction. The export trade in this fruit has been disappointing this season, and only those who sold early have any reason for self-gratulation. They got as much as 3s 6d and 4s per case net prices, these rates being largely superior to the 2s 6d and 3s 6d gross now ruling, for when cases, freight and commission come off, very little is left. Cooking apples are worth from 1s to 2s per case, and these prices are far from being payable; indeed, four times as much would leave but little profit. The numerous windfalls on the market have depressed apple prices, and so has the want of space on the vessels en route to London. The whole of the room was snapped up by large operators early, and to find room later on for small lots of 100 cases could only be accomplished under exceptional circumstances. Mr. Millis (of Messrs. Millis and Sons, salesmen of the Western Fruit Market) complains loudly of the existing state of things. He says it is a shocking thing that operators like himself and others, have to almost go hat in hand to the speculators, who have secured all the space, and ask to be allowed to send away a hundred cases of fruit. The industry, he says, can never thrive under such conditions, and the sooner we place our ocean affairs on a sounder basis the better it will be for the orchardists, who now have to suffer heavy losses every season because they cannot get their stuff away. There is practically no local demand, because there is such a small population; and in the absence of shipping facilities it is impossible for the growers to make ends meet. In some instances the holders of fruit storage space on the quick vessels have demanded a royalty of 3d per case, and got it readily. But when it comes to middlemanism obtruding itself into the industry in this way, what chance is there for the growers? Apples have to be good, and meet good luck, to fetch 10s a case in London. Deduct such expenses as freight and royalty, rail freight, commission, cases, packing, paper to go round the apples, and a few small incidentals from this price, and it requires no great stretch of the imagination to enable one to perceive that very little in- deed will remain for the grower. A buyer for 1000 cases of grapes for America presented him- self in Melbourne lately, and. wanted to do business. He found he could not get what he wanted for less than 6s 6d per case here, 4s per case being for the fruit at the orchard, and the rest consisting of expenses of case, carriage, and cork dust. He would not trade at the price, and went to South Australia, where he secured 500 cases of good fruit at 3s 5d per case, or a shade over one-half of the Victorian price.
1905 'VICTORIAN RURAL NOTES.', Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), 5 April, p. 25. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71500794
[thole = Scot and Northern English: to put up with; bear]
Reporter, Box Hill, Vic., Friday 7 April 1905
DONCASTER SHIRE COUNCIL - DONCASTER SHIRE.
Doncaster riding in Bulleen Shire severe, and constituted Doncaster Shire May 30 1890.
COUNCILLORS. Retires
- Pickering,* Doncaster East Aug. 1907
- Sell,* Doncaster .. .. ,, 1907
- Zerbe,* Doncaster East .. ,, 1905
- Crouch* Doncaster .. .. ,, 1905
- Finger,* Doncaster .. ,, 1906
- Tully, Doncaster .. .. 1906
Secretary, W. Thomas
Engineer, Lindsay Russell.
* Ex-Presidents.
At the meeting of the above council on Monday there were present :—Crs Sell (president), Crouch, Finger, Tully, Zerbe and Pickering.
CORRESPONDENCE.
From Mildura shire council, stating that it is proposed to agitate for the erection of a cool store at Mildura, and asking if the Doncaster council paid anything towards the cost of the cool stores at Doncaster.—Secretary to reply that the council had nothing to do with the matter, which emanated from the local fruitgrowers' association.
1905 'DONCASTER SHIRE COUNCIL', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 7 April, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90310063
Local News
Following his usual course the Premier has enquired of the local Shire Council what amount it proposes to contribute towards the building of cool storage sheds, which it has asked him to erect in Mildura. The Council has not yet replied, but it might at least supply the site—and a good one is available near the Customs House—and in other ways facilitate the movement, which would undoubtedly be to Mildura's advancement. As the Fruit Culturist remarked in a recent issue, " Fruitgrowers need to study their business of marketing and distribution more than they do. Country districts might organise for storage depots near railway stations ; careful cool storage will mean practically that the Australian market will be double its present dimensions by the pertinent fact that most fruits can be held for consumption for twice the time of the ordinary period. At Doncaster, where the first local district cool store has been erected, and was satisfactorily opened on the 16th March, it was no sooner ready for fruit than it was filled ; and several growers have already made a good profit in holding pears and peaches."
1905 'LOCAL NEWS.', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 8 April, p. 7. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75753667
Reporter, Box Hill, Vic., Friday 14 April 1905
THE SUGAR DUTY.
Agitation for Repeal.
Inaugurated at Doncaster.
At the Doncaster Athenæum on Saturday night, a meeting was held, presided over by Cr Sell, president of the shire, to discuss the sugar duty. Although the weather was bad there were about 50 fruitgrowers present.
Cr Sell said he was glad the fruitgrowers had awakened to make an effort to get some relief. After reading several apologies from jam manufacturers, to whom invitations to attend had been sent, he introduced Mr W. Peacock, whom he said most of them had heard at the opening of the cool stores.
Mr Peacock said the question of the sugar duty was one of great interest to the commonwealth, and to the fruitgrowers of particular interest, although the greatest difficulty lay in an apathy which was perhaps a credit to the producers, since it was the result of close attention to the hard graft of their occupation. It was a mistake for producers to think that because they minded their own business others would do the same. A party had grown up from the trades hall, which looked after other people's business, and the duty on sugar was one result, and they should not think other people would do a fair thing by them. They were all in favor of a white Australia. Asiatics were no good to them as consumers of their products, but these people advocated not only a white Australia, but an empty Australia, as witness the cases of the six hatters and Lady Tozer's maid. It was certain if white men came here to grow sugar they would be refused admission. The party which had captured political power did not represent numbers, but noise; a dozen looking after other people's business made more noise than a thousand minding their own. There would have to be a change, or the producer would be forced out of industrial existence, as there was no limit to the demands of the labor party, and they would have to protect their property, their products, and even their wives against that party. He would quote from figures supplied by Mr Tom Petty and others as to the returns from fruitgrowing, Plums at £4 per ton would give a return of £15 per acre, but the manufacturer had to pay £19 5s. per acre in sugar duty, which tax did not go into the revenue. Peaches yielded £25 per acre, and the duty on the sugar used was £19 5s. Apricots yielded £26 5s. per acre, and the tax came to £20 5s. Quinces £12 per acre, tax £24 per acre. If there were no duty on sugar plums might fetch £10 instead of £4 per ton, while jam could be sold at the same price and the maker get the same profit. The tax every year on the sugar used equalled the capital value of the land upon which the fruit was grown. There was practically an export duty of £1 per in on sugar used in jam making, as £6 per ton duty was paid [illegible line] agents, adding the cost of manufacture to the jam, deducting a small profit and handing over the balance to the fruitgrower; to compensate for the increased cost of sugar, the public must pay more for jam, the manufacturer take less profit, or the grower accept less for his fruit; jam was being sold cheaper than ever, the manufacturer was not paying the piper, and there was only the poor devil of a fruitgrower left, and the loss on the whole of the crop amounted to thousands. This burden was placed on them in the name of a white Australia, and was another instance of the labor party's generosity with other people's money. In 1900 Queensland sugar was sold at £13 a ton, and now it was £23 a ton. If sugar were grown by black labor it had to pay an excise duty of £3 per ton, but if grown by white labor £2 per ton was returned. 150,000 tons were produced locally, which brought £7 a ton more than in 1900, and the growers thus got £1,050,000 more for the same stuff, so that if their profits were 10 per cent. in 1900, to-day there was 70 per cent profit. The duty collected on sugar for the past year amounted to £1,580,000, of which £1,050,000 went to the grower. To grow fruit took one person to 8¾ acres, while sugar only required one person to 10½ acres, and he could be a black fellow. The returns from fruit averaged £7 8s. 2d. per acre, and from sugar from £15 to £20 per acre, so that fruit cost more to grow than sugar, and returned less than half. There were 20,328 persons employed in fruit-growing and jam making, while there were only 15,487 employed in sugar growing and all the operatives in confectionery, biscuit, and such factories were levied upon for the benefit of the sugar grower. The fruitgrowers should make a noise like the labor party. If they were robbed and did not squeal they deserved to be robbed again; they had great vested interests to fight, but their case would appeal to the British fair play of the community. They could call themselves working men more truthfully than any members of the labor party, against whom they needed to protect their property, their products, and their wives. He (the speaker) would not be benefited by one penny if the sugar duty were removed or doubled.
In response to an appeal from the chairman, Mr R. Kennedy moved that the central association be asked to communicate with all other associations with a view to holding a monster meeting in the Melbourne Town hall to discuss and pass resolutions with a further view to approaching the government with reference to a rebate in the duty.
Mr Tom Petty seconded, and the motion was carried.
Mr H. Hatfield said 15,000 persons were engaged in sugar growing, while 30,000 were engaged in fruitgrowing and kindred industries, and it was their duty to see the duty was taken off sugar used in jam making. He moved the government be asked to remit the whole of the duty on sugar used in jam and preserve making.
Mr J. Whitten seconded.
Cr Sell said it was for Doncaster to move in the matter as the centre of the largest fruitgrowing district in the commonwealth, and he would like to see some definite action follow the meeting.
Mr Toogood thought the abolition of the duty would put a pretty penny into Mr Peacock's pocket.
Mr Peacock said it was the man who had to pay who should squeal, and although he thought Doncaster the hub of the universe, others did not, and there should be united action. He would be prepared to repeat his statements before the tariff commission or anywhere, and when the sugar-growers came to attempt to refute them the fun would start. He did not know who paid the duty if the fruitgrowers did not, and they should let the public know they were being robbed. Their only chance to get the duty removed was in the return of Mr Reid with a good majority. It should only have been put on if it were to produce revenue, which it did not. The loss to Australia since federation amounted to £800,000.
Cr Tully said a federal member told him that when he was electioneering he found everyone, almost, in favor of a white Australia, but they wanted waking up to what this white Australia meant.
Mr Tom Petty moved a vote of thanks to Mr Peacock for the lucid manner in which he had put the case, and if there were another side he would like to hear it.
Cr Sell said it was necessary to carry on the agitation with vigor, as they had to fight a very strong combination. The central committee was very weak in funds and would need assistance. The meeting was one of the most important ever held in Doncaster, as the question touched them in a very tender spot—the breeches pocket.
The chairman and Messrs R. Clay, J. Hudson, J. Tully, J. Petty, T. Petty, F. Thiele, and R. Kennedy were elected as a committee to assist the central association.
1905 'THE SUGAR DUTY.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 14 April, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90308904
N.B. Six hatters (1902) and Lady Tozer’s maid (1905) two cases where the clause in the Immigration Restriction Act prohibiting the entry of labourers under contract if similar labourers can be obtained in Australia was discussed in the press.
DONCASTER COOL STORE.
Mr Bent says that the cool store which was erected at Doncaster for keeping fruit is paying its way.
1905 'DONCASTER COOL STORE.', The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 - 1954), 16 June, p. 3. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72816777
NEW CENTRAL MARKET. PRODUCERS AND DEALERS MEET. SOUTH MELBOURNE SITE APPROVED.
Some 420 persons, representing marketgardeners, florists, and dealers in garden produce, met at the Assembly-hall, Collins-street, on Saturday evening to hear the report of the committee with respect to negotions [sic] for the establishment of a new central market behind the Military Barracks, South Melbourne. Mr. Keast. M.L.A., presided.
Councillor R. Mills (Heatherton), in moving the adoption of the report, said that at an interview the Premier had expressed himself favourable to giving a 50 years' lease of the land in question. Mr. Bent had also expressed himself in favour of having cool stores erected on the site. Subsequently the South Melbourne Council was seen, and councillors expressed their willingness to spend £25,000 on buildings and £16,000 for the land. But the ground could now be got on much better terms. The council was prepared to make provision for 1,800 stalls and cover the building entirely, so that the gardeners and their horses might be comfortable. It was also agreed to allow representation on the market committee of the council, without any voting power. That matter might be got over also, as he believed if 500 or 1,000 stallholders paid £5 a year rent, they would be entitled under the Local Government Act to representation with a vote. It was provided that the market would be for producers only. If the council built the market, then gardeners and others would have to stick to them through thick and thin.
Mr. John Ramage (Bayswater), who seconded the motion, stated the council had been informed no guarantee could be given if the market was built. The council would expect the growers who signed the requisition for the building of the market to stand by them.
Mr. T. Petty (Doncaster).—Have you received an offer of a site from another council?
The Chairman.—We have received correspondence from the Richmond Council, but must now deal with the business set forth in the resolution.
Mr. W. G. Leary (East Brighton).—Have you asked the South Melbourne Council what the fees will be? How many market days are proposed a week?
Mr. Mills.—Not more than 26/ per quarter.
Mr. Leary thought that the Government should build the market. Seeing that the City Council got the land for nothing, it was a great shame that gardeners should be compelled to stand in the gutters for want of accommodation.
Mr. C. D. Hall (Vermont) considered the matter too important to hurry over. A new aspect had been given to it by the proposal from Richmond. So far as the South Melbourne Council was concerned, the experience of the gardeners had not been pleasant. The sanitary arrangements at the present market had been disgraceful. Why should the gardeners have anything to do with councils, seeing that the Government was prepared to assist them?
Councillor Sell (Doncaster) stated that the owner of a suitable block of land in Victoria street was willing to sell, and the Richmond Council was prepared to take up the building of a market on it. This site was just as good for the Brighton people as was the South Melbourne one.
Mr. Phillips, speaking on behalf of the fruiterers and greengrocers, said dealers in Williamstown, Braybrook, and places on the far side of the river westward ought to be considered.
Mr. J. M'Lorinan (Mordialloc) thought there was a possibility of the City and South Melbourne councils arranging to run the market together. If the gardeners built the market themselves, they would still have to pay toll to the municipality.
Mr. J. B. Brewer (South Brighton) stated that the Central Fruit-growers' executive had unanimously recommended the South Melbourne site, and he believed 90 per cent. of the branches would accept it. His society had agreed to the recommendation.
Councillor W. G. Burgess (East Brighton) thought it wrong to propose a wholesale market only. If negotiations were opened up with the City Council—providing they did not get a market of their own—they might have a splendid market where they were at present.
The motion for the adoption of the report was then carried, with six dissentients.
Mr. J. Monk (Cheltenham (moved)—"That, in the event of the South Melbourne City Council erecting a suitable market, this meeting pledges itself to take stalls and support the market in every way."
This was agreed to, seven voting against it.
It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. A. Vincent (Notting Hill), that the last resolution be forwarded to the South Melbourne Council as an earnest of their intentions. The committee was reappointed, with Mr. Jordan as treasurer, and it was announced that a collection taken up to meet expenses had resulted in £4 11/ being received.
The Chairman stated that if a loop line was constructed from the Port Melbourne line to the proposed market, it would do away with a lot of carting, and people from, say, Carrum would be able to consign right through. Then, if cooling chambers were built, fruit could be put aside for another day, if fair prices were not at first offered.
The meeting then terminated.
1905 'NEW CENTRAL MARKET', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 19 June, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9898410
The Victorian Premier declares that the cold storage of fruit at Government cool stores at Doncaster, Victoria, has been a financial success. It is only four months since the store was opened, and it may seem early to predict its success, but the facts appear to justify the Premier's declaration (says a Melbourne exchange). Operations were commenced at the tail end of the fruit season, and up to the present time about 9000 cases of fruit have been put through the stores. The average quantity in the store at one time has been a little over 4000 cases. The charge for storage is 1½d. per week. The revenue is, therefore, about £25 per week, an amount which, according to the Inspector-General of Public Works, is sufficient to pay all working expenses and interest on capital, and to allow a liberal depreciation fund. The space is likely to be utilised all the year round. When the apple crop is exhausted oranges and lemons come in, to be followed by the soft fruits later on. The experiment has also been a success from the storage point of view. Some of the fruit, which is principally apples and pears, has been kept over three months in the cool chambers, and at the end of the period has been found in perfect condition. Apples, both dessert and cooking, in all the favourite varieties, have been equally well preserved, with the bloom as fresh as on the day the fruit was picked. Pears are, as a rule more sensitive to injury, but they can be stored with equal success. Large quantities of windfalls, which were absolutely valueless at the time they were placed in the store, can now be seen, after four months' storage, without having suffered the slightest deterioration. The secret of the success appears to be that the temperature in the chambers is kept uniform, and that the air is purified daily.
1905 'TRADE, FINANCE, AND PASTORAL.', The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), 22 June, p. 3. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19342363
COOL STORAGE FOR FRUIT. A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT.
Cold storage for fruit has been proved a sound pecuniary investment. Although the cool stores at Launceston have not been much used for fruit, the experiment has been tried on a small scale, and has answered well in the case of apples picked and stored fresh from the tree. Some southern-grown apples selected from a shipment prepared for the English market were put into the stores and kept there 17 weeks. At the conclusion of that period they were examined and found to be in splendid order. In another instance some apples were put in the stores after having been kept two months in a barn. They turned out badly, and the lesson is that the fruit should be sent to the store fresh from the tree. If that be done there is every reason to believe that orchardists would find cool storage a remunerative policy in that they would be able to keep their fruit until the price was good, instead of selling at a figure that, after expenses are deducted, leaves them little or nothing.
The experience of Doncaster (Vic.) is worthy of note. Mr. Bent has declared that the Government cool store erected at Doncaster for the storage of the fruit of the local orchardists has proved a financial success. It is only four months since the store was opened, and it may seem early to predict its success, but the facts appear to justify the Premier's declaration. Operations, says the "Leader," were commenced at the tail-end of the fruit season, and up to the present time about 9000 cases of fruit have been put through the stores. The average quantity in the store at one time has been a little over 4000 cases. The charge for storage is 1½d per week. The revenue is therefore about £25 per week, an amount which, according to the Inspector-General of Public Works, is sufficient to pay all working expenses and interest on capital and to allow a liberal depreciatiron [sic] fund. The space is likely to be utilised all the year round. When the apple crop is exhausted oranges and lemons come in, to be followed by the soft fruits later on.
The experiment has also been a success from the storage point of view. Some of the fruit, which is principally apples and pears, has been kept over three months in the cool chambers, and at the end of the period has been found in perfect condition. Apples, both dessert and cooking, in all the favourite varieties, have been equally well preserved, with the bloom as fresh as on the day the fruit was picked. Pears are, as a rule, more sensitive to injury, but they can be stored with equal success. Large quantities of windfalls, which were absolutely valueless at the time they were placed in the store, can now be seen, after four months' storage, without having suffered the slightest deterioration. The secret of the success appears to be that the temperature in the chambers is kept uniform, and that the air is purified daily.
The growers who have availed themselves of the storage accommodation also appear to be amply satisfied with the result from their standpoint. One grower, about two months ago, when Jonathan apples were only realising from 9d to 1s a case in the market, put 300 cases in the cool store. He is now getting an average of 3s 6d a case for his fruit. After deducting the storage charges, his returns are from two and a half to three times greater than they would have been without storage facilities. In other cases fruit which was hardly worth marketing at the time it was stored, owing to the glut in the market, is now being sent to Sydney and to New Zealand, and realising profitable prices.
Though Doncaster is the centre of the most densely packed fruit plantations in the state, only twenty growers have availed themselves so far of the opportunity of storing their fruit, the majority apparently waiting to see the result of the experiment. It is significant, however, that the growers who first put their fruit in the store have continued to use it, and there is every likelihood that they will use it to a greater extent next season. The cool chambers have a capacity for the storage of 7000 cases, and, according to local opinion, there will be such a demand on the space that the accommodation will be found altogether inadequate. There are half a dozen growers in the immediate neighbourhood of the store, any one of whom could fill the whole space with the produce of his own orchard. One of them has put over 2000 cases into the store since it was opened, with great pecuniary advantage to himself.
1905 'COOL STORAGE FOR FRUIT.', Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), 28 June, p. 7. (DAILY.), viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38788754
COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT. VICTORIAN OPERATIONS.
The Victorian Premier declares that the cold storage of fruit at Government cool stores at Doncaster, Victoria, has been a financial success. It is only four months since the store was opened, and it may seem early to predict its success, but the facts appear to justify the Premier's declaration (says a Melbourne exchange). Operations were commenced at the tail end of the fruit season, and up to the present time about 9000 cases of fruit have been put through the stores. The average quantity in the store at one time has been a little over 4000 cases. The charge for storage is 1½d. per week. The revenue is, therefore, about £25 per week, an amount which, according to the Inspector-General of Public Works, is sufficient to pay all working expenses and interest on capital, and to allow a liberal depreciation fund. The space is likely to be utilised all the year round. When the apple crop is exhausted oranges and lemons come in, to be followed by the soft fruits later on. The experiment has also been a success from the storage point of view. Some of the fruit, which is principally apples and pears, has been kept over three months in the cool chambers, and at the end of the period has been found in perfect condition. Apples, both dessert and cooking, in all the favourite varieties, have been equally well preserved, with the bloom as fresh as on the day the fruit was picked. Pears are, as a rule, more sensitive to injury, but they can be stored with equal success. Large quantities of windfalls, which were absolutely valueless at the time they were placed in the store, can now be seen, after four months' storage, without having suffered the slightest deterioration. The secret of the success appears to be that the temperature in the chambers is kept uniform, and that the air is purified daily.
1905 'COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT.', The Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), 1 July, p. 30. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20795031
COLD STORAGE FOR FRUIT.
According to the "Leader," the Premier of Victoria has declared that the Government cool store erected at Doncaster in that State for the storage of fruit by the local orchardists has proved a financnal [sic] success. The report upon it says :—"It is only four months since the store was opened, and it may seem early to predict its success, but the facts appear to justify the Premier's declaration. Operations were commenced at the tail end of the fruit season, and up to the present time about 9,000 cases of fruit have been put through the stores. The average quantity in the store at one time has been a little over 4,000 cases. The charge for storage is 1½d. per week. The revenue is therefore about £25 per week, an amount which, according to the Inspector-General of Public Works, is sufficient to pay all working expenses and interest on capital, and to allow a liberal depreciation fund. The space is likely to be utilised all the year round. When the apple crop is exhausted oranges and lemons come in, to be followed by the soft fruits later on.
"The experiment has also been a success from the storage point of view. Some of the fruit, which is principally apples and pears, has been kept over three months in the cool chambers, and at the end of the period has been found in perfect condition. Apples, both dessert and cooking, in all the favourite varieties, have been equally well preserved, with the bloom as fresh as on the day the fruit was picked. Pears are, as a rule, more sensitive to injury, but they can be stored with equal success. Large quantities of windfalls, which were absolutely valueless at the time they were placed in the store, can now be seen, after four months' storage, without having suffered the slightest deterioration. The secret of the success appears to be that the temperature in the chambers is kept uniform, and that the air is purified daily.
"The growers who have availed themselves of the storage accommodation also appear to be amply satisfied with the result from their standpoint. One grower, about two months ago, when Jonathan apples were only realising from 9d. to 1s. a case in the market, put 300 cases in the cool store. He is now getting an average of 3s. 6d. a case for his fruit. After deducting the storage charges, his returns are from two and a half to three times greater than they would have been without storage facilities. In other cases fruit which was hardly worth marketing at the time it was stored, owing to the glut in the market, is now being sent to Sydney and to New Zealand, and realising profitable prices.
"Though Doncaster is the centre of the most densely packed fruit plantations in the State, only twenty growers have availed themselves so far of the opportunity of storing their fruit, the majority apparently waiting to see the result of the experiment. It is significant, however, that the growers who first put their fruit in the store have continued to use it, and there is every likelihood that they will use it to a greater extent next season. The cool chambers have a capacity for the storage of 7,000 cases, and according to local opinion, there will will [sic] be such a demand on the space that the accommodation will be found altogether inadequate. There are half a dozen growers in the immediate neighbourhood of the store, any one of whom could fill the whole space with the produce of his own orchard. One of them has put over 2,000 cases into the store since it was opened, with great pecuniary advantage to himself."
It may be asked by some of our readers, what do the Victorians store their fruit for, and where do they sell it? Ah! our growers little realise what is going on in Melbourne; to what a surprising extent the Department of Agriculture there helps the growers to find markets, advise them as to the requirement of those markets, show them how to pack their fruit to the best advantage, and suggest new modes as to "get up" of the fruit. Do our growers know that Victorian apples are being largely sold in Sydney, in West Australia, and in Queensland, in tempting little boxes or cases ornamented after the style of Jones's or Peacock's jams? And the fruit for the purpose is beautifully selected and graded. Even fancy paper is used by some of the exporters. And this fruit not only finds its way to places up round the shores of Queensland to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Port Darwin, but is even being imported into Burnie and Zeehan! The output of fruit by the Victorian orchardists is increasing after the style of the arithmetical progression sum of the horseshoe nails. Yet this is only one branch of the great stimulating business carried on by the Victorian Department of Agriculture, which similarly helps the viticulturists, hopgrower, poultry raiser, flax grower, dairy farmer, mutton producer, and even the stud horse breeder. There are over 30 paid experts at the work, besides commissioners sent to foreign countries to exploit new markets. This system has been steadily developing for years, with little published about it to reach the other States. There is a certain amount of secrecy observed. That it pays, however, is made only too clear by the fact that the department's efforts and scope of operations are being continually increased and extended.
At a recent fruitgrowers' conference in the Province of Ontario, Canada, one of a party of delegates who had been to London to observe the pulse of the apple market, stated in their report :—"We witnessed the auction of Tasmanian apples. The boxes were not nearly as attractive as those our apple-growers are now using. They are smaller, too, holding only about 40lb., and the fruit itself is not packed in them so neatly." This goes to further the suggestion of the Agent-General in London and of dealers in Sydney that our Tasmanian fruit should be put on the market in a more attractive form.
1905 'COLD STORAGE FOR FRUIT.', The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), 4 July, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12309206
Complaint has been made by friutgrowers at Doncaster that an excessive charge is made for the storage of fruit in the Government cool chamber, recently opened. The departmental officers state that the "boot is on the other foot," and that some of the growers have refused to pay the amount which, under the regulations, they are supposed to pay. The charge is 1½d per week per case, but in some cases the growers had demanded as long as eight weeks' storage for that amount. It is stated that the amount outstanding for storage charges is £230, and, on behalf of the department, it is urged that unless the proper charges are enforced, the limited space in the store will become monopolised by a few growers throughout the season.
1905 'SATURDAY, AUGUST 5. 1905.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 5 August, p. 14. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9908342
DONCASTER COOL STORES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, In "The Argus" on Saturday reference is made to the charge levied at the Doncaster Cool Stores, viz., 1½d. per case per week, and it is stated, on the authority of the department, that some growers had demanded eight weeks' storage for that amount. It was further mentioned that, unless the proper charge, meaning, I presume, 1½d. per case per week, be not enforced, the space in the future would be monopolised by a few growers. This assertion is ridiculous. Should the department insist on the proposed charge, and also charge full rate on fruit removed after a few hours' enroachment [sic] of the first day of the ensuing week, they will have considerable space to spare this coming season. All the growers ask is a fair charge of 1d. per case per week.—Yours, &c.,
ONE OF THE GROWERS.
Doncaster, Aug. 7.
1905 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 8 August, p. 9. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9869981
DONCASTER COLD STORAGE.
QUESTION OF CHARGES.
The Minister for Agriculture (Mr Swinburne) proposes to visit Doncaster tomorrow morning at half past 10 o'clock for the purpose of inspecting the cool store for fruit, and hearing the views of fruitgrowers on the questions of charge for storage, the future management of supplies, and other matters. The fruitgrowers are desirous of securing a reduction in the rate charged for storage last season, when a quantity of fruit was put in to test the new machinery. They claim that the fruit they supplied was not such as they would store ordinarily, that the cases were not of the description that would be used, nor were they filled to the limit of their capacity as would be the case in ordinary years. Under these circumstances, they do not think that the charge of 1½d. per case per week for eight weeks should be exacted, and it has been suggested that a charge of 1½d. per case altogether should be made. The department, on the other hand, hold that the charge is that made in the Government cool store, Melbourne, and that it would not be fair to make an abatement. The growers will put their case before the Minister at the store, and it will be seen if a satisfactory arrangement can be arrived at. It is generally agreed that the store has proved a success, and the fruit sent in kept well, indeed some bruised fruit put in as a test when taken out several weeks later had not deteriorated at all. By a recent estimate there are about 7,000 acres under fruit around Doncaster.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, Kindly grant us space to contradict a statement which appears in your issue of Saturday, 5th inst., in reference to the Doncaster Cool stores. When the stores were opened in February there was not mention of a price being fixed, and the growers using the stores had no idea what they had to pay till they received their accounts, on or about 15th June. A committee specially appointed had waited on the Minister for Public Works on several occasions in order to ascertain the charge before storing the late keeping fruits and was under the impression that the charge would only be 1d per case per week for this season at any rate. Later on they waited on the Minister for Agriculture, who promised to come to Doncaster, so that he could go into matters fully with the growers, as they were anxious to settle their accounts.
So far Mr Swinburne has never paid the promised visit, and the growers are anxiously waiting for him to do so in order that a definite understanding may be arrived at. The Government have charged 1½d. per case per week or fraction of a week. For example 82 cases stored for 15 days are charged for three weeks, for 29 days as five weeks, &c. In one instance fruit stored on May 31 is charged for as one week to June 1, the date the accounts were made out on, although the fruit still remained in the store at the end of June. We maintain that the charge is too high, and consider 1d. per case per week is ample to pay all expenses and provide a good sinking fund, especially as we have practically to handle all our own fruit. We know of no case where any grower wants eight weeks' storage for 1½d., as stated in "The Argus" of Saturday. If Mr. Swinburne says he must have 1d. per week or fraction of a week we are certain that every grower using the stores would settle their accounts at once. Some of them have sent in two-thirds of their account, pending the Minister's decision. Yours,
&c., A. F. THIELE, President
- A. WEBB, Secretary
Aug. 8.
[NB The original scan of the newspaper from which this transcription was made was of very poor quality. There may be small errors in the transcription as a result.]
1905 'DONCASTER COLD STORAGE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 9 August, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9904152
An experiment in the erection of district cool stores in fruit districts is on its trial at Doncaster. A cool store was erected there for the storage of fruit by the Public Works department, at a cost, including the refrigerating machinery, of £2,700. The store has accommodation for 6,000 cases and was opened in February last. From that date to the end of May 9,015 cases were stored in the cool chambers for periods varying from a few days to several weeks. Two officers employed by the Public Works department (an engineer, who also keeps the books, and an assistant), manage the store. The cost of wages, oil, fuel, and requisites amounts to about £6/17/per week. From the opening of the store to the end of May the total expenditure was £163/7/8. The charge the department fixed for storage is 1½d. per case per week, but it is claimed by growers that this is too high. It gives a revenue for the time the store has been open of £349/5/, about £186 in excess of working expenses, which is a handsome profit. As, however, the period during which the store has been open covers the busy portion of the fruit season, it cannot really be said with certainty how the profit and loss account will result until the experiment has had 12 months' trial. The Public department has requested the Department of Agriculture to take over the store now that it is in working order, and Mr. Swinburne will inspect the building today, and confer with the local growers as to the adjustment of charges for storage and the future management of the concern.
1905 'THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 1903.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 10 August, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9867590
DONCASTER COOL STORES. VISIT OF MR. SWINBURNE.
Mr. Swinburne, Minister of Agriculture and Water Supply, yesterday inspected the Doncaster cool stores, and conferred with a number of fruit growers as to the charges made by the Public Works department for the storage of fruit in the cool chambers, and also in respect to the future manage- of the cool stores. After Mr. Swinburne had inspected the building, which provides cold storage for 6,000 cases of fruit, and the machinery, consisting of a 20- horse power oil engine and pair of condensers, an [illegible word] discussion was held between the Minister and a number of the growers who had used the cool stores.
Mr. F. Thiele said that growers found they could not afford to pay the charge of 1½d. per case per week at this time of the year, when fruit had to be held for months to obtain a substantial market advance. In the early part of the fruit season, when soft fruits had only to be kept a short time to relieve glutted markets, the charge was not objected to. It was a matter for the department to consider whether it would not pay better to reduce the charges and the season for fruit storage, than to charge a higher price and have the store filled for a short time only.
Mr. T. Petty pointed out that the growers had waited on the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Cameron) several times before the season for storage of hard fruits began to ascertain exactly what the charge would be and, although Mr. Cameron could not say definitely, they had come away with the impression that the charge would not be more than 1d. per case. The growers would willingly entertain any reasonable proposals for the future working of the store.
Mr. Swinburne, in reply, stated that the department did not want to make any profit out of the concern. If they could obtain 5 per cent. on the cost of the building and 10 per cent. on the cost of machinery, so as to cover interest, sinking fund, and depreciation of machinery, that was all the department would look for. He could offer them two proposals on these lines. The first was that the growers should unite in guaranteeing interest and sinking fund (amounting to about £200 a year), take the whole concern over, and work it under the auspices of the department. The second suggestion was that the department should continue to work the store, the present charges (1½d.) to be allowed to remain in force, and all surplus, after paying for working expenses and providing for interest, depreciation of machinery, and sinking fund, should be returned pro rata to those who stored fruit in the chambers. It was immaterial to the department which offer was accepted. He recognised that the store was an experiment, and might be the forerunner of a number of similar ventures. What he wanted was to get the undertaking established on sound business lines before dealing with applications for cool stores in other districts. His own opinion was that the concern could be run cheaper by the growers than by the department.
Mr. Petty thought there could be nothing fairer or more reasonable than Mr. Swinburne's proposals. It only remained to pay up their accounts, which at no time had they attempted to evade paying. They had only been held over pending a definite settlement as to what was to be done. It would take a few days to decide which scheme the growers preferred to adopt.
Mr. Swinburne quite recognised that the matter of settling the accounts was only held in suspense until he could meet the growers and say exactly how they stood. The undertaking was a new experiment, and it required patience to adjust the difficulties of the position.
All the growers present appeared to be highly pleased with the result of the interview. The accounts for storage will be paid, and the subject of the future management of the store submitted to an early meeting of fruit-growers.
1905 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 11 August, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9893418
FRUIT-GROWING. NOTES AND GLEANINGS.
By J.W.
DONCASTER COOL STORES.
Mr. Swinburne, the Minister of Agriculture and Water Supply, inspected the Doncaster Cool Stores on the 10th inst., and conferred with a number of fruitgrowers as to the charges made by the Public Works department for storage of fruit in the cool chambers, and also in respect to the future management of the cool stores.
COST OF BUILDINGS AND MANAGEMENT.
The cost of the concern, including the refrigerating machinery, was £2,700. The store has accommodation for 6,000 cases, and was opened in February last. From that date to the end of May 9,015 cases were stored in the cool chambers for periods varying from a few days to several weeks. Two officers, employed by the Public Works department (an engineer, who also keeps the books, and an assistant), manage the store. The cost of wages, oil, fuel, and requisites amounts to about £6/17/ per week. From the opening of the store to the end of May the total expenditure was £163/7/8. The charge the department fixed for storage is 1½d. per case per week, but it is claimed by growers that this is too high. It gives a revenue for the time the store has been open of £349/5/, about £186 in excess of working expenses, which is a handsome pro- fit. As, however, the period during which the store has been open covers the busy portion of the fruit season, it cannot really be said with certainty how the profit and loss account will result until the experiment has had 12 months' trial.
GROWERS' COMPLAINTS.
Messrs. F. Theile [sic] and T. Petty, who spoke on behalf of the growers who were present, said that it was found they could not afford to pay 1½d. per case per week at this time of year, when fruit had to be held for months to obtain a fair market advance The charge was not objected to so far as the early part of the fruit season is concerned, when soft fruits had only to be kept a short time to relieve glutted markets.
FAIR PROPOSALS.
Mr. Swinburne, in reply, stated that the department did not want to make any profit out of the concern. If they could obtain 5 per cent. on the cost of the building and 10 per cent, on the cost of machinery, so as to cover interest, sinking fund, and depreciation of machinery, that was all the department would look for. He could offer them two proposals on these lines. The first was that the growers should unite in guaranteeing interest and sinking fund (amounting to about £200 a year), take the whole concern over, and work it under the auspices of the department. The second suggestion was that the department should continue to work the store, the present charges (1½d.) to be allowed to remain in force, and all surplus, after paying for working expenses and providing for interest, depreciation of machinery, and sinking fund, should be returned pro rata to those who stored fruit in the chambers. It was immaterial to the department which offer was accepted. He recognised that the store was an experiment, and might be the forerunner of a number of similar ventures.
What he wanted was to get the undertaking established 0n sound business lines before dealing with applications for cool stores in other districts. His own opinion was that the concern could be run cheaper by the growers than by the department.
The Minister's proposals appeared to satisfy the growers, who at once paid up their accounts, which had been held over pending Mr. Swinburne's visit, and agreed to remit the departmental offers to a public meeting of district growers to be called for the purpose.
1905 'FRUIT-GROWING.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 19 August, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139195450
COOL STORAGE ACCOMMODATION.
Freezing companies are evidently expecting a busy summer, and are anticipating and making provision for an increased volume of business. The Farmers' and Dairymen's Milk Company, which handles a big proportion of the butter, are about completing an additional 81,000 cubic feet of space, which will be available for butter, meat, fruit, eggs, &c. The Glaciarium Company is another firm actively pushing on the completion of its cold storage accommodation, and when complete there should be 26,000 cubic feet for use. The Fresh Food and Ice Company, the Metropolitan Ice Company, Sandown Meat Works, and Birt and Company are also catering for their constituents, and should the season turn out better than it at present gives promise of there should be no shortage of refrigerated storage. The natural increase in dairying, even though the summer should not prove as good as last year, must necessarily result in a much greater amount of business, but, on the other hand, it is doubtful whether the meat export trade will show any substantial gain. Fruitgrowers have not commenced to realise the value of cool storage to its full extent, but there is no reason why the Victorian example should not be more generally followed, and owners of highly perishable products enabled to tide over a glut at a minimum of cost. It is a matter well worth consideration now whether or not it would not pay growers of citrous [sic] fruits, provided they can secure the accommodation, to store a percentage of the crop. September is already here, and there is quite half, if not more, of the fruit still on the trees. In most years orchardists expect to see the prices making a quick upward move during the spring, but so far there has been no appreciable alteration. In October there must surely be a change. Fruit which is hanging now in the Cumberland district will not last many weeks longer, but even if it does there must be a deterioration in the quality. The skin of the fruit will become puffed, and the flesh stringy. Were the fruit picked now, while in prime condition, it ought to survive six weeks in the cool chamber without undergoing any change, and come out in a fit state to go upon the market to meet the fruit from higher country. At the Doncaster Government store, in Victoria, accommodation is provided for at the rate of 6d. per case per month, or 1½d. per week. At this juncture storage on those terms should be a sound investment. Under ordinary conditions prices for citrous [sic] fruit must move up 1/ or more per case within the next month, and by the end of October they should be almost double their present rates. The cool storage of fruit has not yet been developed in Sydney, but as soon as growers wake up to the importance of it Sydney's refrigerated stores will have to be still further enlarged.
1907 'RURAL NEW SOUTH WALES.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 31 August, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139277137
DONCASTER DOINGS.
Mr John Tully has been appointed secretary of the Doncaster fruitgrowers' association, vice Mr W. A. Webb, resigned. The association has decided to approach Mr Swinburne with a view of getting the storage space in the cool stores allotted to growers. Meantime, neither of the options offered by the minister, re future working of stores, has been finally accepted.
1905 'DONCASTER DOINGS.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 8 September, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92815341
Our Delegates In Melbourne.
The delegates of the various States at the recent conference in Melbourne seem to have been hospitably received and made to feel thoroughly welcome. The offer of the Minister to frank our growers to any part of the State was in glaring contrast to what Mr. Blood justly described in the Union the other day as the "niggardly conduct" of the N.S.W. Railway Department. The delegates were invited to dine with the Victorian Minister at the State Parliament House, and were entertained at luncheon at the "Victoria" coffee house by the proprietors of "The Fruit World." With regard to the proceedings at the conference we observe that the Tasmanian delegate, Mr. Shoobridge, wanted the Tasmanian case to be generally adopted for all kinds of fruit. This case goes 23 to the ton and was, he contended, very suitable. Our delegates thought in such a case citrus fruit did not reach the market in the best condition. They preferred a case about the same length, but squarer. They approved of it for apples, and after discussion it was finally decided on the motion of Mr. J. C. Hunt, seconded by Mr. H. J. Rumsey, that the standard case for fruit other than apples be one of a bushel capacity, with or without a dividing partition. A joint deputation of nurserymen and fruitgrowers waited on Sir William Lyne, the Minister for Trades and Customs, and asked him to take steps to draw the attention of the South African authorities to the South African prohibition of the importation of clean fruit trees, and the suggested prohibition of clean fruit, to the end that the embargo might be removed. It was stated that one gentleman had had, owing to this prohibition, to refuse an order from Pretoria for £1500 worth of trees. Sir William Lyne undertook to bring the matter before the Cabinet and ask that representations be made to the South African authorities on the subject, and thought that perhaps, under the preferential trade system, something might be done. He expressed his appreciation of the earnest spirit of endeavour evidenced by the strong inter-State deputation. Sir William, also, in reply to the deputation, pormised [sic] to submit for the consideration of the Cabinet, a request for a rebate of the sugar duty on all manufactures of fruit having sugar for a basis. The trade with Germany was a subject discussed, and it was stated that, during last season, South Australia sent 50,000 cases of fruit to Germany. Germany was, however, now putting on a duty of 2s per case. Sir William undertook that the Cabinet should consider the question of making representations on this head to the German Government, but did not take a very hopeful view of the subject.
The deputation was introduced by the Hon. Joseph Cook and Mr. Edwards, M's.H.R. The New South Wales Director of Agriculture, Mr. W. S. Campbell, ably presided over the conference.
The trip which the delegates had at the invitation of the Victorian Minister to the cold storage at Doncaster seems to have been a very enjoyable excursion. The party were conveyed in a four-horse drag, and on the way back Mr. J. C. Hunt persuaded the driver to allow him to show his skill with the ribbons, and tooled the turn-out along in masterly style. Either owing to a nervous uplifting of the hair on beholding his colleague's recklessness, or merely from a sudden gust of wind, Mr. Bruce Purser's hat was suddenly whirled aloft, and ended its flight in a very muddy resting place. Mr. H. J. Rumsey, in a paper read to the annual meeting of the Fruitgrowers' Union, thus speaks of the trip:—
"Leaving the Lands Office about 10 a.m., the road lay through the city, through to the Victoria bridge, over the Yarra, by the banks of which some market gardeners had a fine lot of plants sheltered from frost, hail, and driving rain, by boards, apparently split hardwood fruit cases. We were not near enough to make sure, but they were probably tomato plants, and, if so, should be early enough to be in advance of any we are likely to have in the vicinity of Sydney this season. Passing through Kew the country is soon reached. The land in the vicinity of Melbourne is much superior from an agricultural standpoint than that around Sydney, and is suitable for grazing and orchard purposes, although no extensive areas of the latter were in evidence until near Doncaster, which is about 12 miles out. Many of the small orchards were in a similar condition to some of the Sydney suburban orchards, but a few well-kept places were seen. One place had a tin or galvanised iron band about 2 inches wide, tacked around every tree, as a preventive, we were told, against the damage by borers, acting, we presumed, by preventing them climbing over its smooth surface.
An interesting feature on the way is what is called the Doncaster Tower, a miniature Eiffel of rather poor architectural design, structurally weak, which was erected in the boom times as an attraction to a wayside hotel. We understood that the structure was condemned and closed, but that recently sight-seers could climb it free of charge at their own risk, and for 6d at the risk of the proprietors. A short distance past the Doncaster Tower we found the cool stores. These have been erected by the Government for the use of fruitgrowers, and placed in the centre of an orchard district where the fruit can be packed, sorted and shipped without the necessity for a trip to the city. There are two large storerooms with a capacity of 7000 cases altogether, kept cold with a current of air cooled by the ammonia process. The fruit is stacked in bushel and half-bushel cases, without lids, and kept apart by one inch cleats, placed under and over. The fruit in the store is mostly apples, but there are a few choice pears. It has been stored for periods of from two weeks to four months, and is in splendid condition, although some of it is such as the visiting delegates classed as "culls." There is some good fruit which (as the attendant very much amused the Tasmanian delegates by telling us) will be put on the market as soon as the "Tazzies" are done. The store was opened in February last, costing about £2700. The upkeep is not very large, one man being in charge of engine and stores, with, I suppose a night officer to relieve him. The cost of kerosene for the 21 h.p. engine is 10d per hour. The charge made for storage 1¼d per case per week, with a rebate from the profits. Since February, up to date (September) there has been been [sic] a profit of £106 of receipts over expenses. The charge for storage is considered by local fruitgrowers to be rather high, and it is suggested that three farthings a case per week would be sufficient to cover expenses, and would ensure a more general use of the stores. It seems rather expensive at the present rates to store apples for the months necessary to keep them until the market here, but it would no doubt be very valuable for summer fruit and pears. The temperature aimed at, and which, it is reported, is kept with very slight variation, is 40 degrees Fahrt. Crossing the back of the two stores, and connecting with them, is a room, used as a packing and grading room, and it has been suggested that it be insulated to act as a cooling and thawing room. The fruitgrowers generally should watch this experiment closely, as, with a little co-operation, those stores could be erected at convenient centres in many of our fruit districts."
Of course, the inevitable camera fiend pursued the delegates, who were photo- graphed for one of the Victorian pictorials.
1905 'Our Delegates in Melbourne.', The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), 23 September, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86183472
Rural Topics 1908
A return was laid on the table of the Legislative Assembly on Sept. 26, on the motion of Mr. Ewen Cameron, showing the balance-sheet of the Doncaster Cool Store from the date of its opening in March last. The total receipts were £450, received in respect of 9,047 cases of fruit at 1½d. per case. The expenditure was £243, including:— Wages, £113; depreciation £90, leaving a credit balance of £206.
1905 'RURAL TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 30 September, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139197449
NOTES AND TOPICS. COOL STORAGE. EXPERIMENT WITH ORANGES.
The erection of a Government refrigerating chamber at Doncaster some years ago placed that district in an enviable position. The advantages of holding over fruit for several months have gradually been more and more appreciated by the orchardists, until now the demand for space has become so great that it exceeds the quantity available. Inability to secure space has thrown many growers back on their own resources, with the result that several of the more progressive orchardists have constructed cool stores for themselves. The system most adopted is that of cooling the fruit chamber by ventilation by means of the "Meekin principle.'' This system has previously been described in these columns. The system is that of creating a cool draught of air through the room by means of an inlet covered with moist gauze, an outlet for the hot air being provided by means of chimney ventilators. The inlets are placed in the basement of the building, so as to ensure the whole of the interior of the store being served with the cross current of air. Under these conditions of storage Mr. A. F. Thiele has this year carried out most satisfactory experiments. Oranges were placed in the store early in October, at a time when the market value was 7/ a case. These were allowed to remain in store until the market for oranges rose, and were then taken out at varying periods some six weeks later, while others remained in until the 9th of December. Those last removed were in excellent condition, and an advance of roughly four shillings per case was obtained on the number stored—320 cases. A saving of from £15 to £20 was also effected on previous years by reason of the fruit being stored in private chambers instead of in the Government store, as had been the custom before the construction of the building. From two to three cases of fruit were rejected during the period of storage. Whether this system will be found to be so effective as the refrigerating process with such fruits as apples, peaches, and pears, when different varieties each require different temperatures, remains to be seen. American experiments scarcely lead one to think that it will.
1907 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 21 December, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139282323
NOTES AND TOPICS. THE CITRUS CROPS.
For months past reports from the Central Cumberland district of New South Wales have shown that growers of citrus fruits have had much to contend with. Heavy crops brought values of mandarins and oranges down to practically nothing, so that many orchardists decided to try this market some weeks before their customary time. This gave them temporary relief, but the regularly increasing shipments lowered prices, so that often fruit made only a small return to the exporter. The main crop has now been nearly marketed, and though the quality of the fruit arriving is not t0 be compared with that of earlier shipments, the end of the season seems likely to make some amends, and oranges are again becoming good property. Evidence of the exhausted state of the trees from lack of moisture and over-production becomes more apparent with each fresh consignment. Many buyers, who a few weeks back would have none but the best, recognise that the best has fallen away, and much has become so flabby and puny that it is scarcely equal to what was considered as merely medium fruit in the earlier part of the season.
AT DONCASTER.
The growers round about Doncaster, however, seem likely to benefit, and though the misfortunes that have existed on the Sydney side have not been so great here, some of these growers too have suffered. In one or two instances where lemons have been planted in low-lying ground, they have been much cut about by frosts. One grower declares that the frosts this year have been the severest that have occurred in the district for over 15 years, and he is probably correct, for close on 200 trees planted in a portion of the orchard have been so severely injured that there is little hope of their picking up or regaining productiveness. In other orchards occasional trees have suffered.
THE CROP.
Regarding the prospects of the coming crop—for growers here have not yet commenced to market their oranges—the season promises to be a remunerative one. The fruit so far has hung well, and has plenty of colour, but the constant market fluctuations caused by the changes from dull to warm weather have made many distrustful, and growers do not feel disposed to market the fruit as long as the element of chance is so great. Unless a hail or windstorm occurs to strip the trees, many of them will average six cases to the tree, while here and there large seedling trees are met with carrying heavier crops. Those storing the fruit with a view to the Christmas market, intend clipping within the next week or so, and the picking for the general market may be expected to follow soon after.
STORING THE ORANGE.
Among the numerous advantages Doncaster possesses over other districts is a Government cool store. For the past two years it has been much availed of by growers for holding over their oranges. As a rule the fruit is picked during October, and placed in the store until the middle of December, so that the charge of 1½d. per case per week for the time seldom exceeds more than 1/ per case, and instead of selling at picking time for 5/ or ? per case, many realise an extra 6/ or thereabouts for their outlay. One grower, Mr. A. F. Thiele, this year intends storing fruit under Government conditions, and also in his own cellar, which is being altered to the Meekin principle. Last year he was not altogether satisfied with the cool storage, and this year fruit stored under the two systems will be treated with the same care in the shipping and handling, so that comparison may be made, and the more effective system ascertained. He expects to compare both lots about the end of November or early in December.
1907 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 12 October, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139279164
DONCASTER COOL STORES.
A deputation of fruitgrowers from Doncaster waited on the Minister for Works (Mr. Cameron), and asked that additional accommodation should be provided at the Doncaster Cool Stores. It was stated that the present accommodation was not nearly sufficient to cope with the local requirements, and the capacity of the stores should, it was contended, be increased by one-third. The machinery and plant at the stores would be sufficient to cope with the suggested extension, with but a slight additional expenditure. If the stores were extended, the Government would be enabled to make the business a better paying one. Forty-two growers forwarded fruit to the stores, and the available space only allowed each grower an average of 142 cases, which was totally inadequate for their requirements. Mr. Cameron said he recognised the justice of the request, and the department was aware that it would be repaid by increased returns, if the extension were made. He would approach the Treasurer with a view to finding out if a grant could be made to enable the extension to be carried out.
1908 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 15 February, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139209452
Intimation has been received from the Premier that the erection of cool stores at Mildura by the Department of Agriculture must be postponed until actual results of the present stores at Doncaster, near Melbourne, are available.
1905 'PHYLLOXERA.', The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), 7 October, p. 3. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56856721
NOTES BY NORGA.
During the recent congress of Bureaus the question of storing eggs in cold storage, and the question of cost, was raised. The following may throw some light upon the matter. A return was laid upon the table of the Legislative Assembly on September 26, showing the balance-sheet of the Doncaster cool store from the date of its opening in March last. The total receipts were £450, received in respect of 9.047 cases of fruit at 1½d. per case. The expenditure was £243, including: —wages, £113 ; depreciation, £90 ; leaving a credit balance of £206. Eggs should cost little or no more to store than apples. (Get your poultryman to enquire).
1906 'NOTES BY NORGA.', Petersburg Times (SA : 1887 - 1919), 2 January, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110248382
Mildura Shire Council. ORDINARY MONTHLY MEETING. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1906.
Present:—Crs. Paul (President), Thomas, Grossmann, Mitting, DeGaris, M'Donald, Johnstone, Gooch, Downing and Pegler.
RAILWAY MATTERS.
The Railway Commissioners intimated that the business done on the Mildura line did not justify the running of a third train each week, neither was it possible to run fruit right through by passenger train, nor to start from Mildura later than 5.35 p.m. On the motion of Crs. DeGaris and Gooch it was decided to again impress upon the Department the desirability of promoting the fresh fruit trade with greater facilities, and at least allowing the trains to leave Mildura a couple of hours later during the fresh fruit season.
Crs. Gooch and DeGaris further moved that the Railway Department be asked to erect at Mildura and Irymple sheds under which the fresh fruit trucks might stand until shunting time, instead of being left out in the sun all day as at present. It was also agreed to suggest to the different packing companies the erection of the same. Cr. Thomas commented that there was a good deal in the way fruit was stacked. It should be placed skeleton fashion, instead of in a solid block.
The secretary reported that he and the engineer had that morning accompanied a railway inspector on a visit to the Mildura and Irymple railway station sites and that the inspector had agreed upon certain sites which he was prepared to recommend for leasing for sites for cool stores —Cr. DeGaris commented that the advantage of a cool store locally might be considerably negatived by a shortening of the life of the fruit after being taken out of the shed, he having heard that this was the Doncaster experience.—It was decided to write to Doncaster and to Mr Joseph Knight, of the Government Cool Stores, asking what the experience was in the matter.
1906 'Mildura Shire Council', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 6 January, p. 8. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74846930
LOCAL NEWS
The Premier has agreed to the erection of a cool store at Irymple, and it is to be run on the same lines as that at Doncaster. A telegram to the foregoing effect was received from President Paul on last Thursday. The exact wording was "Premier promised cool stores similar conditions those Doncaster." The Doncaster conditions were that the people were to provide the site (which is on this occasion being provided by the Railway Commissioners —free of cost if the Government builds, and at a nominal rent if there is private erection.) Our telegram of yesterday appears to indicate that it might be a co-operative venture, the Government lending the money at 4½ per cent. The Doncaster store is controlled by the Government, who charge so much per case per week for storage, and have the stores well filled at certain seasons.
1906 'THE Mildura 'Cultivator.'', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 27 October, p. 6. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74848619
HORTICULTURAL NOTES & NOTIONS
The success of the cool storage system for fresh fruit has been so pronounced that the absence of refrigerating plants in many of our leading fruit-producing districts is proof of a lack of enterprise on the part of the orchadists [sic], remarks the Melbourne Leader, which has recently published several articles in which the results attained with fruit in cool storage were recorded. Some time ago its horticultural reporter described a private venture—viz, the cool store erected by Mr Lawson, the well known pear grower of Doncaster ; and, earlier still, that of Messrs T. H. Grant and Co., of the Toomuc Valley orchard, Pakenham. The success of the Government cool store at Doncaster is also well known, growers using this method of holding fruit having gained an advantage as regards marketing opportunities. In the circumstances, comments the Leader, it is surprising that the usually enterprising settlers of Mildura are so late in recognising the merits of the system. The writer forgets, apparently, that it is only during the past two or three seasons that Mildura has had rapid transit facilities, and he also appears to forget that there has been a doubt as to length of time that fruit will keep without deterioration after being removed from cool storage. Some Mildura growers still think that it would be better to store in Melbourne after the long journey than to store [i]n Mildura. It s felt to very desirable that the fruit having once been cooled down should not be subjected again to an excessive temperature during transit. But perhaps that can be satisfactorily arranged with the Railway Department. At any rate, it is very desirable that fruit should not be sent hot from Mildura, as sometimes has been the case.
A new process for the preservation of fruit by cold storage has been brought under the notice of the Minister of Agriculture. Mr Knight has been watching a process invented by Mr F. W. Meakin, which he states is much simpler and cheaper than any method yet used. The process is simple, and can be applied by any orchadist [sic] with little cost, as when once established it requires no further expense in working, as nature's laws maintain the conditions of air suitable for the fruit contained in the chamber. The system consists of charging the air with moisture by passing it through openings in the wall, which are covered with an absorbent fabric that draws up the water from a small trough, which is made of ordinary spouting, stopped at each end. Passing through the moistened fabric the air is cooled from 48 to 50 deg.. which is sufficient to prevent any absorption from the fruit. Mr Knight has no hesitation in saying that this homely, simple and effective method of preserving fruit will be a great boon to orchardists.
1906 'HORTICULTURAL NOTES & NOTIONS', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 10 November, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74848715
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA. Friday, 21st December. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. APPROPRIATION BILL.
Some discussion took place on the item "Maintenance of cool stores at Doncaster, £600," which received the support of members generally on the ground that the cool stores were a great benefit to the fruit growers.
1906 'PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 22 December, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89564434
Horticultural Notes.
Mr. W. Eades, of Kellyville, who has just returned from a trip through this State and Victoria, has come back impressed with the fact that Victoria cannot show this State anything in the way of growing fruit. Victoria's biggest centre is Doncaster, and Mr. Eades says that it could be lost in a corner of Central Cumberland. However, Doncaster has one great advantage. It has cool storage rooms right in the centre, where growers can put their fruit away and avert a glut. Peaches were stored there for three months, and then came out fresh; oranges four months. In these cool storage rooms, Mr. Eades saw what our Cumberland growers require. He was impressed with Orange, in this State, as a fine fruitgrowing centre. At the Canoblas he saw model orchards, well kept and beautifully pruned. This was the best place he came across in all his travels. Here he met a Mr. Clarke, an old pioneer orchardist, who went up there over 50 years ago. Mr. Clarke was previously engaged on the steamers that ran from Sydney to Parramatta before the railway was opened. He has not seen Sydney since. Good old stay-at-home.
1907 'Horticultural Notes.', The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), 26 January, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86156508
Doncaster Cool Stores.
The storage at the Doncaster cool stores has again reached its limit, the chambers being packed. Mr French, who is in charge, has had to say "No" to numerous requests for space—to the tune of several thousands of cases. In order to cope in some measure with the demand, Messrs Bent and Cameron are to be asked to have the chambers enlarged at once.
1907 'Doncaster Cool Stores.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 1 March, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92818003
CURRENT TOPICS.
Vice-Regal Visit.—Sir Gerald Strickland, Governor of Tasmania, accompanied by Major Watson, paid a visit of inspection to the cool stores for fruit at Doncaster (Vic.) on Friday. He took a keen interest in the store, and congratulated the manager, Mr. French, on the all-round excellence of the arrangements.
1907 'CURRENT TOPICS.', Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), 19 March, p. 4. (DAILY.), viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45805626
STORAGE OF FRUIT. THE DONCASTER STORE. BENEFIT TO ORCHARDISTS.
After little more than a two-years' trial of the Government cool store at Doncaster it is possible to gauge with some accuracy the effect of this innovation upon the fruitgrowing industry. Of the many perplexing problems the orchardist is called upon to face, none gives him greater concern than the profitable marketing of his fruit. A good crop very often means nothing to him, unless good prices are accompanying conditions, and it is to ensure as far as possible this desideratum, by storing surplus supplies, and so relieving a congested market, that the Government undertook the provision of storage accommodation. So far as it is possible to judge by the facts ascertained from the officer in charge at Doncaster, the establishment of a properly-equipped store has been attended with highly satisfactory results.
At first some of the fruit-growers displayed the utmost caution in identifying themselves with the future success of the undertaking. The more timid, naturally enough, wanted to know how the process of cooling was going to act—its effect upon the fruit and the length of time the fruit could be preserved without deterioration. However, any fear that the treatment acted injuriously upon a rather delicate product, or that the cool chamber lacked any of those appliances necessary for maintaining an equable temperature, absorbing deleterious gases, and providing adequate ventilation has been dispelled. That the growers have every confidence in the equipment of the building and its management is proved by the fact that the existing accommodation is at present taxed to its utmost, and that had the available space been three times as great none of it would have remained unoccupied. The engineer in charge (Mr French) states that he had to refuse about 30,000 cases of fruit during the last few months, and he is positive that if the building were enlarged he would experience no difficulty in filling it. An enlargement, so he estimates, sufficient to hold about 2,000 more cases, could be made without having to add anything to the working plant. That is to say, the engine and the refrigerating appliances are capable of supplying 7,000 cubic feet of cooled air without impairing the efficiency of the present store. The whole plant was erected at Government expense. The store, which when fully equipped, represented an outlay of about £2,700 was opened in February, 1905, and the fruitgrowers were not called upon to defray any of the cost of construction or to guarantee any supplies. All they have to do, if they wish to take advantage of the benefits of cool storage, is to pay 1½d. per case for their products as long as they are under the care of the Government. During four months of the year—the slack months in the fruit trade—the charge is only 1d. per case per week. These months cover the period between June and September. As far as the financial side of the venture is concerned, it is not easy to arrive at definite conclusions. This aspect of the question presents itself in two lights. It has to be considered from the revenue point of view and from the growers' point of view. Under some conditions there is a clashing of interests, for a full store may not necessarily mean that the growers are obtaining large returns. It is easy to conceive of circumstances when orchardists might not require the assistance of the cool chamber. When fruit is scarce and prices are high it would pay better to market the fruit immediately, and so the store would go unoccupied. It is in seasons like the present, when all over the state, and in the neighbouring states, there has been an exceptionally heavy crop of the same kinds of fruit that the value of the accommodation is plainly apparent.
When operations were first commenced the cool store was not so liberally patronised as it has been during the past few months. Some of the men, whose first experience of storing was gained at Doncaster, had much to learn about the preparation of their fruit, and if failures were sometimes made it was partly their own fault. Some valuable lessons have been learned since then. Even now the fruit is not always what it should be when it arrives at the cooling chamber, nor is it always presented in the proper kind of cases. Mr. French's observations on these important points coincide in most respects with American investigations, and he strongly urges the desirability of wrapping fruit, especially apples, before they are packed and stowed away. Comparisons that have been made between wrapped and unwrapped fruit are all in favour of the former, and it has been found that the wrapper influences the keeping quality of the fruit in several different ways. In the first place, it extends the life of the fruit beyond its normal period by retarding the ripening process. Mr. French advises the picking of fruit at "the full stage of its greenness"—that is, at a stage just before it has arrived at maturity. The ripening of apples and pears, for instance, in not arrested by the treatment they receive when subjected to and confined in a low temperature, it is merely retarded, and after a long interval in the storeroom such fruit comes out in a sound and marketable condition. There appears to be a liability of fruit, especially apples, when not wrapped becoming soft and the skin wrinkled, because the flesh becomes mellow from over ripening. At this time the wrapped apples may be firm, and remain in prime condition for several weeks or even months. The wrapper is especially useful in extending the season of early winter sorts, or in making the long-keeping varieties available for use over a still longer period of time. In preventing the transfer of rot from one fruit to another the wrapper is invaluable. Should a fungus disease keep on growing while in such a low temperature, which appears doubtful, the wrapper would not then retard its development but when the spores develop within the wrapper their dissemination is checked or rendered impossible. Another interesting and useful piece of information is that when wrapped the apples do not press closely one against another, and the danger of discolouration that may arise out of bad packing, or rough handling when being packed, is minimised. A great deal of the fruit which comes into the store, however, is still unwrapped, orchardists no doubt considering that the benefits derived do not compensate for the time and money spent in enveloping each fruit in suitable paper. Their practice is different from that prevailing in America, a country where the cultivation and marketing of fruit approaches perfection.
Another process in which an uniform system does not obtain is in packing. Looking over the immense stacks of cases that fill the chamber, the first impression is the difference in the styles of cases used. Some of the fruit is stuck away in old kerosene cases, some of it is carefully packed in clean boxes, with plenty of ventilation, allowing a free circulation of air. It is obvious which of the two methods is the better. The kerosene boxes are deep, consequently there is a heavy pressure on the bottom layers, and when the lid is nailed on there is very little chance of the fresh air reaching in. To overcome this difficulty the manager, as far as possible, contrives to have these heavy, almost air-tight boxes, placed under or in close proximity to the air ducts which provide the chamber with air, so that they shall have a better chance, but where the number is great it is not possible that they all can be treated in this way. However, there is very little variation in the temperature in the different parts of the store. Mr. French keeps the thermometer somewhere between 34deg. and 36deg. Fahrenheit, though American refrigerating engineers find that a temperature of 32deg. gives better results. But he has tried both, and adheres to that which has been found to answer best.
It is probable that as the industry develops in importance—it is yearly reaching greater dimensions—that more of these storage chambers will be established in different parts of the state. There is no reason why districts should wait for the Government to make a move, and why, when established on a co-operative basis, they should not be successful. Not only apples and pears, but soft fruits and oranges can be preserved over long periods by the same process. It is unnecessary to mention individual cases where orchardists have benefited by this system of insurance. Anyone having a knowledge of the vicissitudes and vagaries of seasons and of markets can see the importance of keeping fruit from a glutted market, until a time when the surplus has been got rid of, and room is made for what is left. Victorian orchardists have not only a hungry local market, and a big export trade to satisfy, but they have in New South Wales a perpetual demand for sound fruit. Not infrequently the price of fruit jumps in a month several shillings, so if the expense of storage is only 6d., there is a wide margin of profit. That is after deducting the expenses of handling connected with the storage. The system of cool storage can be said to have passed the experimental stage in Victoria, and its expansion should be the matter of only a short time.
1907 'STORAGE OF FRUIT. THE DONCASTER STORE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 27 April, p. 21. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10631476
REGULATION FRUIT CASE.
The Fruit Cases Act, which will come into operation on July 1, will, it is believed, confer a benefit upon retail buyers of fruit, some of whom have in the past been penalised rather severely by some vendors, who repacked fruit in cases that were much smaller than the bushel or half-bushel sizes and selling them to unwary housekeepers and others as full-measure cases. The schedules to the act give the measurements for certain sized cases for both local use and export abroad, as provision has been made to protect the distant buyer, as well as the one at home. The figures set forth are as under:—For local use—Double case, 26in. x 12in x 14¼in. deep, clear of all divisions; single case, 26in. x 6in. x 14¼in., clear of all divisions; or, 18in. x 8⅞in. x 14in. deep, inside measurement, no divisions allowed; half-cases, 26in. x 6in. x 7⅛in. deep, or 18in x 7in. x 8⅞in. deep, no divisions allowed. Export Cases—Single, 18in. x 8⅞in. x 14in.; half case, 18in. x 7in. x 8⅞in., no divisions allowed. Mr. J. G. Turner, chief inspector under the Vegetation Diseases Act, has been appointed to supervise the work of carrying out the provisions of the act, and he has already drafted circular letters to send out to the persons concerned, giving them all the necessary information in respect to the measure. It is provided that the requirements of the act as to the sizes of the cases will not be insisted upon for two years, provided the vendors and shippers clearly indicate on each case the exact quantity of fruit it contains. This semi-suspension of the provisions for two years will enable holders of fruit cases in large quantities to get rid of them in the meantime, in the ordinary course of business.
1907 'REGULATION FRUIT CASE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 27 April, p. 21. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10631480
SOMERVILLE FRUITGROWERS' ASSOCIATION.
Mr Griffeth understood that the cool storage establishment provided at Doncaster by the Government had proved a success, and he saw no reason why the Somerville growers should not apply to the Government for such a convenience. He was satisfied that it would prove a great boon, as some of their fruit, instead of being sent to market in a heated and unfit condition, could be delivered in proper order. Besides, at times, when there was a glut of fruit on the market, it could be stored, and sent forward when higher prices were obtainable. He knew of one grower in particular who made a lot of extra money out of his fruit through cool storage. The Premier had, some time ago, declared that the Government would erect no more cool stores until the experiment at Doncaster had been proved to be successful. Now that it had proved a success beyond a doubt, it was probable the benefits of cool storage would be extended to other districts. He moved that the secretary write to the Minister for Agriculture applying for the erection of cool stores at Somerville.—Mr J. Brunning seconded.—Mr T. Unthank agreed that the erection of cool stores at Somerville would be a decided acquisition. He suggested that the Doncaster association be communicated with for information regarding the conditions on which the stores were erected, and the cost of storage.—Mr Griffeth believed the Minister would supply that information. He was under the impression that the stores at Doncaster had been erected out of Government money, and that the growers were required to give a guarantee as to the amount of storage that would be utilised. There was no doubt as to the benefits derived from storage, and it would be advisable to have one large establishment at Somerville, as individual growers had not a sufficiency of fruit to warrant the erection of their own stores.—The Secretary (Mr S. S. Gault) thought the erection of stores by the growers in combination might be worth considering. If there was a profit to be made from the stores, a local company might avail themselves of it.—Mr Warren understood that growers at Doncaster had to guarantee the interest on the money expended in the construction of the stores. Some troubles had cropped up at the outset, but these had been overcome. He was decidedly in favor of the motion.—Mr Martin had noticed, from a press report, that the Doncaster stores ultimately proved very satisfactory to the Government as well as the growers —The President urged that every effort should be made to induce the Government to erect cool stores at Somerville. He felt sure they would pay well.—The motion was carried unanimously.
1905 'SOMERVILLE FRUITGROWERS' ASSOCIATION.', Mornington Standard (Vic. : 1889 - 1908), 2 December, p. 6. (MORNING.), viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65825465
RURALISMS.
The Premier (Mr. Bent) has promised to erect cool fruit stores at Mildura on the same terms as those accorded to the Doncaster fruitgrowers for their cool store.
1906 'RURALISMS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 3 November, p. 6. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139178490
The inspector of exported products (Mr. Knight) has brought under the notice of the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Swinburne) a new invention for maintaining cool air for fruit storage, which, he says, is much simpler and less costly than the system used at the cool store at Doncaster. The process, invented by Mr. P. W. Meakin, is so simple that it can be applied by any orchardist at little cost, and when once erected requires no further expense in working. It consists of charging the air with moisture by passing it through openings in the walls, which are covered with an absorbent fabric, into which water is drawn by capillary attraction. This reduces the temperature to 50deg. or 48deg. Fahr., and increases the moisture of the air in the chamber from 50 to about 70 or 80 per cent. Mr. Knight holds that the invention will prove a great boon to orchardists, and may be applied to wine, cider, and other products. A small chamber has been erected on this principle by the inventor at 675 Canning-street, North Carlton.
1906 'RURAL TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 10 November, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139178874
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA. Friday, 21st December. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. APPROPRIATION BILL.
Some discussion took place on the item "Maintenance of cool stores at Doncaster, £600," which received the support of members generally on the ground that the cool stores were a great benefit to the fruit growers.
1906 'PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 22 December, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89564434
FRUIT CULTURE. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. COOL STORAGE.
The experiment made by the Government in the establishment of a cool storage chamber having turned out so successfully, the question presents itself—why should not private enterprise do the same thing in other districts. So far as results go, taking the manager's version, the presence of this building has been of immense advantage to Doncaster fruitgrowers, and as there have been no contradictory statements, Mr. French's report can be accepted as a correct indication of the real position of affairs. The increase in the number of such buildings should accompany the increase in the acreage under fruit. During the last ten years in Victoria, the area under orchards has increased from 45,000 acres to 60,000 acres, and much of the enlarged area is now coming into full bearing. The export market is going to swallow up a great deal of the extra production, but the whole of it will not find its way to foreign ports. Heavier supplies, therefore, will come on to the local market, and gluts will be more frequent and more prolonged than has been the experience in the past. Cool storage seems to offer the only palliative of the trouble. There are many advantages in each big district having its central depot where the fruit can be always under the supervision of interested persons, and not the least of these is the experience growers will obtain in the treatment of their produce. Success does not depend wholly upon the person in charge of the cooling plant. To secure the best results, orchardists must exercise as much care in preparing their fruit for the cool store as the engineer must in maintaining its condition. This has been one of the most valuable lessons Doncaster growers have learned.
PREPARING FRUIT.
Too frequently fruit, especially apples and pears, is roughly handled when being pulled and picked. If the stalk is at all tough, the picker, instead of twisting it, gives it a violent tug, and by doing so not only does he do unnecessary damage to the trees, but he also unintentionally bruises the skin and the flesh of the fruit. When the fruit is in a fairly green state these blemishes do not show out at all prominently, and it may go away to the store apparently in perfectly sound condition. And when kept at a low temperature, it is possible these bruised patches may not develop. But when they leave the store the dark spots can quickly be detected. In a day or two they discolour and disfigure the fruit, and reduce its marketable value. This is only one of the matters that calls for attention. Another is the packing. Any case is considered good enough for a cool store. The fact that the fruit is going into a greatly reduced and even temperature is not in itself sufficient to ensure its preservation. Ventilation is equally necessary. Gases are generated which, if not dispersed, would affect the keeping quality of the fruit. Where fruit is jammed into an almost airtight case, it is nearly impossible to secure a free passage of pure air among the fruit, and in addition to suffering from this defect, the lower layers are crushed by the weight of the fruit upon them. Well-ventilated, shallow cases are as essential to success in packing for cool storage as they are in packing for the export market, and for either purpose careful picking is of the utmost importance.
1907 'FRUIT CULTURE.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 4 May, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139761392
"Quick transit and refrigeration solve the future of the fruit and produce industries of the Southern Hemisphere, as the . . Northern Hemisphere markets depend on quick, regular and good transit connections." —The foregoing is the first of a series of expert statements which is printed by The Fruit World as an introduction to an article on " Refrigeration and Cool Storage." It is further stated (1) that " The place for the refrigerator is on the orchard ; (2) the railways need refrigerated fruit cars to connect the orchard with local and interstate markets; (3) the steamship companies need to study refrigeration in a more popular and commercial sense and to connect all [i]nterstate, intercolonial and European markets with regular and guaranteed facilities (4) each market needs its cool stores to hold fruit temporarily from glutted markets. It is no use waiting for things to grow. All interested must take the thing slightly in advance and the industry will grow with the advance. Let the way be opened more and the industry will quickly grow to fill the opening. Make no advance opening and it is retarded." What have the Mildura growers to say to the last preceding proposition ? It is a matter which members of the Co-operative Fruit Company might discuss and in which all consignors of fresh fruit should show an interest and action.
1908 'COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 25 February, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10651786
COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT. RESULTS AT DONCASTER.
More attention is being given by fruitgrowers to the advantages of cold storage for holding over fruit in good condition when market prices are unsatisfactory. The cold stores erected three or four years ago at Doncaster by the Government as an experiment in storing fruit near the orchards is proving useful to local growers and additional storage capacity is shortly to be provided to meet the growing demand for space. The capacity of the present cool-room is 7,000 bushel cases, and it is blocked to the doors, chiefly with apples and pears. The number of orchardists storing fruit is 44, as against 26 last year. It is estimated by the officials of the local fruitgrowers' association that in addition to what is stored locally, fully 15,000 cases have been placed in cold stores in Melbourne and several orchardists shipping to Sydney are storing fruit in cold stores there, where the charges for storage are less than in Melbourne. The rate charged at the Doncaster stores is 1½d. per bushel case per week, except in June, July, August, and September, when it is reduced to 1d. per case per week.
The present building and plant at Doncaster cost £2,300 and the additions, which will provide storage for another 3,500 cases, are estimated to cost £750. Working expenses, including engineer's wages, temporary assistance, fuel, oil, insurance, and maintenance, are in the neighbourhood of £400 per annum, and the receipts about cover this sum. Experience has shown that it requires a minimum storage capacity of 10,000 cases to make a cold storage plant pay, because in the winter months the stores are nearly empty, and sufficient storage has to be provided to earn enough during 12 to 15 weeks in the summer to cover expenses for the year.
Mr. French, the engineer in charge of the cool stores, states that the best temperature for nearly all fruits is 33deg. Peaches, if kept over two or three weeks, do well in a temperature of 32deg. Apples ought to be graded and wrapped before being placed in the cool room, or the skin "wilts." Pears do better unwrapped. Peaches should also be wrapped if they are to remain in the cool chambers for several weeks.
The humidity of the atmosphere in the cool chamber is important. It is controlled by being passed through calcium chloride before entering the chamber. This removes impurities and regulates the degree of moisture. Pears keep better in a drier atmosphere than apples, which require a fair amount of humidity. William's Bon Christien pears have been kept in perfect condition in the cool chamber for three months, so that under proper conditions this, the most profitable of all pears, should carry safely to London, although this has rarely been done. Soft fruits, as cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches, keep well for several weeks without serious loss of flavour.
It is found that fruit, after being taken out of the cold chamber, should be placed in a cool room, where its temperature may be gradually adjusted to that of the atmosphere.
1908 'COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 25 February, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10651786
COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT. RESULTS AT DONCASTER.
More attention is being given by fruitgrowers to the advantages of cold storage for holding over fruit in good condition when market prices are unsatisfactory. The cold stores erected three or four years ago at Doncaster by the Government as an experiment in storing fruit near the orchards is proving useful to local growers, and additional storage capacity is shortly to be provided to meet the growing demand for space. The capacity of the present cool-room is 700 [sic] bushel cases, and it is blocked to the doors, chiefly with apples and pears. The number of orchardists storing fruit is 44, as against 26 last year. It is estimated by the officials of the local Fruitgrowers' Association that, in addition to what is stored locally, fully 15,000 cases have been placed in cold stores in Melbourne, and several orchardists shipping to Sydney are storing the fruit in cold stores there, where the charges for storage are less than in Melbourne. The rate charged at the Doncaster stores is 1½d per bushel case per week, except in June, July, August and September, when it is reduced to 1d per case per week.
The present building and plant at Doncaster cost £2300, and the additions, which will provide storage for another 3500 cases, are estimated to cost £750. Working expenses, including engineer's wages, temporary assistance, fuel, oil, insurance, and maintenance, are in the neighborhood of £400 per annum, and the receipts about cover this sum. Experience has shown that it requires a minimum storage capacity of 10,000 cases to make a cold storage plant pay, because in the winter months the stores are nearly empty, and sufficient storage has to be provided to earn enough during 12 to 15 weeks in the summer to cover expenses for the year.
Mr. French, the engineer in charge of the cool stores, states that the best temperature for nearly all fruits is 33deg. Peaches, if kept over two or three weeks, do well in a temperature of 32deg. Apples ought to be graded and wrapped before being placed in the cool room, or the skin ''wilts." Pears do better unwrapped. Peaches should also be wrapped if they are to remain in the cool chambers for several weeks.
The humidity of the atmosphere in the cool chamber is important. It is controlled by being passed through calcium chloride before entering the chamber. This removes impurities and regulates the degree of moisture. Pears keep better in a drier atmosphere than apples, which require a fair amount of humidity. Williams's Bon Cretian pears have been kept in perfect condition in the cool chamber for three months, so that under proper conditions this, the most profitable of all pears, should carry safely to London, although this has rarely been done. Soft fruits, as cherries, plums, apricots and peaches, keep well for several weeks without serious loss of flavor.
It is found that fruit, after being taken out of the cold chamber, should be placed in a cool room, where its temperature may be gradually adjusted to that of the atmosphere.
1908 'COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 26 February, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89578543
COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT. RESULTS AT DONCASTER.
More attention is being given by fruitgrowers to the advantages of cold storage for holding over fruit in good condition when market prices are unsatisfactory. The cold stores erected three or four years ago at Doncaster, Victoria (says the "Argus"), by the Government, as an experiment in storing fruit near the orchards, is proving useful to local growers and additional storage capacity is shortly to be provided to meet the growing demand for space. The capacity of the present cool-room is 7,000 bushel cases, and it is blocked to the doors, chiefly with apples and pears. The number of orchardists storing fruit is 44, as against 26 last year. It is estimated by the officials of the local fruitgrowers' association that, in addition to what is stored locally, fully 15,000 cases have been placed in cold stores in Melbourne, and several orchardists shipping to Sydney are storing the fruit in cold stores there, where the charges for storage are less than in Melbourne. The rate charged at the Doncaster stores is 1½d. per bushel case per week, except in June, July, August, and September, when it is reduced to 1d. per case per week.
The present building and plant at Doncaster cost £2,300, and the additions, which will provide storage for another 3,500 cases are estimated to cost £750. Working expenses, including engineer's wages, temporary assistance, fuel, oil, insurance and maintenance are in the neighbourhood of £400 per annum, and the receipts about cover this sum. Experience has shown that it requires a minimum storage capacity of 10,000 cases to make a cold storage plant pay, because in the winter months the stores are nearly empty and sufficient storage has to be provided to earn enough during 12 to 15 weeks in the summer to cover expenses for the year.
Mr. French, the engineer in charge of the cool stores, states that the best temperature for nearly all fruits is 33deg. Peaches, if kept over two or three weeks, do well in a temperature of 32dg. Apples ought to be graded and wrapped before being placed in the cool room, or the skin wilts. Pears do better unwrapped. Peaches should also be wrapped if they are to remain in the cool chambers for several weeks.
The humidity of the atmosphere in the cool chamber is important. It is controlled by being passed through calcium chloride before entering the chamber. This removes impurities and regulates the degree of moisture. Pears keep better in a drier atmosphere than apples, which require a fair amount of humidity. William's Bon Chretien pears have been kept in perfect condition in the cool chamber for three months, so that under proper conditions this, the most profitable of all pears, should carry safely to London, although this has rarely been done. Soft fruits as cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches, keep well for several weeks without serious loss of flavour.
It is found that fruit, after being taken out of the cold chamber, should be placed in a cool room where its temperature may be gradually adjusted to that of the atmosphere.
1908 'COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT.', The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), 27 February, p. 6. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12678777
COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT. RESULTS AT DONCASTER.
More attention is being given by fruitgrowers to the advantages of cold storage for holding over fruit in good condition when market prices are unsatisfactory (says the "Argus"). The cold stores erected three or four years ago at Doncaster by the Government as an experiment in storing fruit near the orchards are proving useful to local growers, and additional storage capacity is shortly to be provided to meet the growing demand for space. The capacity of the present cool-room is 7000 bushel cases, and it is blocked to the doors, chiefly with apples and pears. The number of orchardists storing fruit is 44, as against 26 last year. It is estimated by the officials of the local fruitgrowers' association that, in addition to what is stored locally, fully 15,000 cases have been placed in cold stores in Melbourne, and several orchardists shipping to Sydney are storing the fruit in cold stores there, where the charges for storage are less than in Melbourne. The rate charged at the Doncaster stores is 1½d per bushel case per week, except in June, July, August, and September, when it is reduced to 1d per case per week.
The building and plant at Doncaster cost £2300, and the additions, which will provide storage for another 3500 cases, are estimated to cost £750. Working expenses, including engineer's wages, temporary assistance, fuel, oil, insurance, and maintenance, are in the neighbourhood of £400 per annum, and the receipts about cover this sum. Experience has shown that it requires a minimum storage capacity of 10,000 cases to make a cold storage plant pay, because in the winter months the stores are nearly empty, and sufficient storage has to be provided to earn enough during 12 to 15 weeks in the summer to cover expenses for the year.
Mr. French, the engineer in charge of the cool store, states that the best temperature for nearly all fruits is 33deg. Peaches, if kept over two or three weeks, do well in a temperature of 32deg. Apples ought to be graded and wrapped before being placed in the cool room, or the skin "wilts." Pears do better unwrapped. Peaches should also be wrapped if they are to remain in the cool chambers for several weeks.
The humidity of the atmosphere in the cool chamber is important. It is controlled by being passed through calcium chloride before entering the chamber. This removes impurities and regulates the degree of moisture. Pears keep better in a drier atmosphere than apples, which require a fair amount of humidity. William's Bon Chretien pears have been kept in perfect condition in the cool chamber for three months, so that under proper conditions this, the most profitable of all pears, should carry safely to London, although this has rarely been done. Soft fruits, as cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches, keep well for several weeks without serious loss of flavour.
It is found that fruit, after being taken out of the cold chamber, should be placed in a cool room, where its temperature may be gradually adjusted to that of the atmosphere.
1908 'COLD STORAGE OF FRUIT', Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), 27 February, p. 3. (DAILY), viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38177484
DONCASTER COOL STORES.
So heavy has been the demand for space in the cool stores, erected at Doncaster about four years ago, that the capacity of the building has become totally inadequate to provide storage room for the products of the district. The present cool-room is capable of holding 7,000 bushel cases of fruit, and nearly twice that amount has been turned away. The present building and plant cost £2,300, and it is intended to provide storage for another 3,500 cases, at the estimated cost of £750. A minimum storage capacity of 10,000 cases is necessary to make the place a success, for, with the exception of about four months of the year, very little fruit is stored, and sufficient space is required during this term to earn enough to cover the working expenses for the year.
Mr. French, the engineer in charge of the cool stores, who has been paying special attention to the storage requirements of different fruits, states that the best temperature for nearly all fruits is 33deg. Peaches if kept over several weeks will do well in a temperature of 32deg. Apples should be graded and wrapped before being placed in the cool-room otherwise the skin of the fruit is liable to "wilt." Pears do better unwrapped. Mr. French's experience with pears shows that they keep better in a drier atmosphere than apples which require a fair amount of humidity. Williams' Bon Chretian pears have been kept in perfect condition in the cool-chamber for three months, so that, under favourable conditions, this should carry to London. It is found that fruit, after being taken out of the cool chamber, should be placed in a cool room, to enable it to gradually adjust its temperature to the atmosphere.
1908 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 29 February, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139210273
LOCAL NEWS.
The project of cool stores for Mildura has evidently been dropped. In Doncaster, however, they are found a very great boon. So heavy has been the demand for space in the cool stores (erected about four years ago) that the capacity of the building has become totally inadequate to provide storage room for the products of the district. The present cool-room is capable of holding 7000 bushel cases of fruit, and nearly twice that amount has been turned away. The present building and plant cost £2300, and it is intended to provide storage for another 3500 cases, at the estimated cost of £750. A minimum storage capacity of 10,000 cases is necessary to make the place a success, for, with the exception of about four months of the year, very little fruit is stored, and sufficient space is required during the term to earn enough to cover working expenses for the year. Mr French, the engineer in charge of the cool stores, who has been paying special attention to the storage requirements of different fruits, is reported by the Australasian as stating that the best temperature for nearly all fruits is 33deg: Peaches if kept over several weeks will do well in a temperature of 32deg. Apples should be graded and wrapped before being placed in the cool-room, otherwise the skin of the fruit is liable to "'wilt." Pears do better unwrapped. Mr French's experience with pears shows that they keep better in a drier atmosphere than apples, which require a fair amount of humidity. Williams' Bon Chretien pears have been kept in perfect condition in the cool-chamber for three months, so that, under favorable conditions, they should carry to London. It is found that fruit, after being taken out of the cool-chamber, should be placed in a cool room to enable it to gradually adjust its temperature to the atmosphere.
1908 'LOCAL NEWS.', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 4 March, p. 7. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74852097
Nearly three years ago the Government erected a cool store at Doncaster, for the treatment of fruit, at a cost of £2,716. The store was established as an experiment, but it was utilised so freely by the fruitgrowers of the district that the Government recently decided to enlarge it. The Premier (Mr. Bent) approved of the required expenditure of £700 a month ago, and the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Cameron) instructed his officers to have the work put in hand at once, in order that the extra accommodation might be available during the present fruit season. Yesterday Mr. Cameron visited the store, and found that the enlargement had been carried out so speedily that the new chamber was actually ready for the reception of the fruit, though it was only 23 days since the work was begun. He was informed that 2,000 cases of fruit were waiting to be stored in it. The Minister expressed his appreciation of the excellent and expeditious manner in which the work had been done. He said that his department was frequently blamed by other departments for delays in carrying out public works when it was not responsible. The new chamber at the Doncaster cool stores could be taken as in example of the expeditious manner in which the Public Works department could act when it was not hampered by other departments.
1908 'SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1908.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 21 March, p. 16. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10666235
HORTICULTURAL NOTES & NOTIONS
The contention that fresh fruit does not necessarily deteriorate in a short period of cool storage seems to be borne out by the adjudicators' awards last week at the Doncaster and Box Hill show. It is reported that from 15 to 20 prizes secured by local growers were won by stored fruit from the Doncaster cool chambers. Two exhibits of peaches had been stored for six weeks. They were shown by Messrs A. E Thiele and John Petty and secured first and second prizes. The peaches were thoroughly sound, the flavor and color being perfect. If soft fruits could be kept in a similar state on board ship the oversea trade would be revolutionised, and a tremendous impetus would be given to production.
1908 'HORTICULTURAL', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 25 March, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74852330
Doncaster Doings.
The councillors and leading residents had scarcely finished their interview with the railway commissioners, and congratulated the minister of public works and themselves on the speedy completion of the enlargement of the cool store last Friday, when some workmen burning off in a small patch of bush-land near Whitten's lane were startled by the hasty arrival of the Box Hill and Surrey Hills fire brigades accompanied by one of the "big" officers from the city. This bit of scrub had been burning steadily all day, so the fire-fighters could not have thought it was the cool store they had come to save, yet nothing daunted they laid the hose on to a dam near by and soon got to work with the pumps that forced the water to the tops of the highest saplings in the paddock and lowered the dam some inches, causing a disinterested spectator to suggest that a crop of peas a little further up the hill would benefit more than the saplings if watered. Although the firemen did not seem pleased with the result of their outing, opinion is still divided as to whether the affair was a genuine "call" or just a "turn-out" to show the city officer what good work can be done outside the city and without the aid of the Yan Yean.
1908 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 27 March, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90315616
THE DONCASTER COOL STORES.
About a month ago it was mentioned in these columns that the Governmment had decided to enlarge the Doncaster cool stores so as to provide greater accommodation for the storage of locally-grown fruits. The additions have now been completed, and the storage capacity of the chambers raised from 7,000 cases to just over 10,000 cases. This has been done at a cost of £700, and these is little doubt but that the extra space will soon have paid for itself. Already there are 2,000 cases of fruit waiting to be stored in it, and before many weeks have passed it is expected that the building will be completely filled. Early in the season many of the growers in the district were unable to secure space, and were forced to send their fruit to be stored in Melbourne, where a large quantity now lies waiting to be exported to the other states.
1908 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 28 March, p. 9. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139211727
Doncaster Doings.
On Thursday, 29th ult., two drag loads of delegates from the inter-state fruit conference visited Doncaster, and were shown over the orchards of Messrs Lawford (whose private cool store was inspected), A. F. and A. E. Thiele, and Tom Petty. In the latter garden the motor power spray pump was seen at work. The government cool store, with its storage capacity of 15,000 cases, was also visited. The delegates were entertained by the local fruitgrowers' association at Host Stutt's, where 80 gentlemen had dinner, and the visitors heartily welcomed to Doncaster by the president. An interesting interchange of views took place at the Athenæum in the evening on the following topics, viz. :—Spraying, fruit drying, interstate and orchard inspection of fruit, shipping to Great Britain and the administration of the insect diseases act.
1908 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 6 November, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90314460
[This article follows on from the report of the business proceedings of the National Fruitgrowers' Association.]
WHAT THE VISITORS SAW.
After the formal proceedings were closed the visiting delegates were taken to some of the chief fruitgrowing centres of the Metropolitan district. On one day they visited the nursery of Mr Nobelius at Emerald, which is deservedly famous, as well for the beauty of its situation and completeness of its arrangements as for the quality of its output. On another day they went to Doncaster, where from the tower upwards of 9000 acres of orchards can be seen. There are some good citrus plantations there—although the quality of the fruit is said to be unequal to that of Mildura. But it is chiefly deciduous fruits for the Melbourne market that are grown there, plums and cherries being most in evidence. The delegates learnt in Doncaster that the plum crop is a failure this year, cherries are patchy, apples fair and pears excellent.
They also saw the precautions that were being taken against the cherry and pear slug by means of spraying and against the root-borer by means of zinc bands. Those who were strangers to the latter formidable pest were congratulated on their good fortune. Methods of pruning were also investigated and the cool stores visited.
Somerville was next visited. This district is in the nature of a peninsula lying between Port Philip and Western Port Bays. The soil is mainly a sandy loam over clay. There is a lot of ti-tree scrub and some swamps. It is an apple district principally, but there are several well-known nurseries there. The last trip was to Grant's " Toomue Valley" orchard near Pakenham—the largest apple orchard in Australia.
These trips and the social intercourse enjoyed will have done much to promote a friendly feeling amongst men who sometimes feel themselves to be rivals and will help to consolidate and make permanent the National Frnitgrowers' Association: The next Conference is to be held at Perth. We are a bit out of it here in Mildura, though we might have arranged this time to have delegates at the Conference, as some of our leading men were in town.
1908 'WHAT THE VISITORS SAW.', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 11 November, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74854778
FRUIT-GROWERS' RECENT CONFERENCE. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN DELEGATE INTERVIEWED. NEED FOR COLD STORES IN FRUIT DISTRICTS. INSPECTION OF FRUIT FOR EXPORT.
Mr. H. T. Haynes, who with Messrs. G. H. Palmateer and J. S. Parkes attended the recent conference of fruitgrowers in Melbourne as representatives of the Central Fruit Growers' Association of Western Australia, made a statement on Saturday with regard to the work of the conference.
[One section of that lengthy report states:]
"In Doncaster, a large orchard district a few miles outside Melbourne, there is a Government cool store of 15,000-case capacity. Its cost, including machinery, was £3,460. It is fitted with a 16 h.p. Hornsby engine and a 10-ton ammonia compresser. The cost for storage is 1½d. per bushel case per week between January and June and 1d. for the remainder of the year. The working costs are about £12 per week. This store was full during the season, but now is empty. In one of the Doncaster orchards is a privately-owned cool store with a capacity of 1,200 cases. The owner declared himself quite satisfied with the results, and regarded it as a paying enterprise. Another distinctive feature at Doncaster, which is a hilly district, was the great number of large waterholes, where the winter rains are stored and from which the gardens are irrigated during summer, the water being in some cases pumped by steam power.
1908 'FRUIT-GROWERS' RECENT CONFERENCE.', The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), 16 November, p. 2. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26213750
Doncaster Doings.
The government cool stores received the first in-put of cherries last week. The machinery was thoroughly overhauled during the winter.
1908 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 11 December, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90315021
FRUIT STORES AT DONCASTER
This morning Mr Baillieu (Minister of Public Works), Mr. E. H. Cameron, M.L.A., Mr. Drake (Secretary for Public Works), and Colonel Watson (district architect), proceeded to Doncaster and inspected the cool stores for fruit erected there by the State. After his visit Mr. Baillieu said that a number of fruitgrowers who use the stores had waited on him and asked that portion of the State store should be reserved for their specific use, on the basis of a fixed rental. They desired to be free to handle their fruit whenever they liked, and not have to wait on other growers. Mr. Baillieu expressed himself satisfied that the stores had met a great want in the district, and had stimulated the industry there. The interest on the cost of constructing the building was being paid, and in addition a substantial sum was being put aside towards a sinking fund for paying off the principal. The building had been extended last season, but even now it was found to be not nearly large enough to cope with the demand for space. Consequently the Minister has decided to consult the officers of the Public Works department with a view of having further additions made.
1909 'FRUIT STORES AT DONCASTER', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 13 February, p. 2. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89403799
FRUIT-GROWING. A WELL-INFORMED ORCHARDIST.
Mr. A. E. Thiele, president of the Central Fruitgrowers' Association, is one of the principal orchardists of the important fruit-producing district of Doncaster. He occupies a very choice centre of the locality named, and on his orchard are growing a few trees that are 50 years old, these having been planted by his father half a century ago, at a time when the vast possibilities of the district for orchard purposes were little dreamt of in the philosophy of even the most far-seeing person of the day. Having been brought up in the fruitgrowing industry, it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Thiele is able to submit thoroughly practical views on various subjects connected with this industry. The views he states are the result of his own experience and careful reflection, and such being the case, they have a double value for publication, as the aim of the press reporter is, or should be, to supply informative matter as well as that which is interesting.
ABUNDANT FRUIT CROP.
In respect to apples and pears this season, the district is suffering from what may be fairly termed the embarrassment of riches, for the supplies are so abundant from every orchard that the proprietors have been experiencing considerable difficulty in the matter of handling the fruit, and preventing waste as far as possible. There has been such a large crop of pears, chiefly of the Williams' Bon Chretien variety, that growers could not get through the work of picking them in time to deal with the apple crop as it came on, and but for the fact that the district is provided with cool storage accommodation, the losses would have been very heavy this season. By storing in the chambers for a week or so as required, growers have been able to suspend ripening operations and feed the market more slowly, but the difficulty that now presents itself is, Mr. Thiele points out, that the stores are full, and growers have to send large quantities of their fruit to cold storage chambers in Melbourne, a work that involves more time than can well be spared at present.
APPLES AND PEARS.
In discussing the virtues and faults of various kinds of apples and pears grown in the district, Mr. Thiele speaks well of those that strike him as being the best for either local sale or export. Such early pears as Beurre de Capremont, Beurre Bosc, Golden Beurre, and Marie Louise, all of which kinds are now being picked, are yielding admirably, and giving good cash returns, as also are the Howell, Laurence, and Swan's Orange dessert pears. Midseason pears, namely, Vicar of Winkfield, Broompark, Josephine de Malines, and Winter Nelis, are coming forward very well, and, being free from disease at the present time, high hopes are entertained that excellent results will be experienced. It is estimated by our informant that the area under pears in the Doncaster district is about double that devoted to apples, and as the former fruit becomes very soft when ripe, and thus requires treatment to prevent rapid maturing after being picked, he considers that this fact will still further establish the claim of the growers for largely-increased sold storage space. The kind of pear most largely-favoured in the locality is the Williams' Bon Chretien, and this being the softest and most rapidly-destroyed under adverse weather conditions, it is considered that the future prosperity of the district largely depends upon the Government affording the desired facilities in this direction.
A "CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH."
Last year's apple crop in the Doncaster district was practically a failure; but the trees this year are making up for the former deficiency, both in respect to quantity of yield and quality of fruit. There is practically no codlin moth at the present time amongst the apple trees, and this is attributed to the use of arsenate of lead sprays. Mr. Thiele says that ninety-five per cent, of his apple crop is free of this pest, and that record, he claims, represents as near to absolute freedom, as can reasonably be expected. Incidentally he remarked, that he had a ninety-five per cent. of freedom from disease in his pear crop. The grower does not intend, however, to relax his vigilance against this insidious enemy, for he says much harm may be done by a cessation of hostilities. So rapidly has the fruit crop come in during the present season, and so abundant is the yield, that he, in common with many other orchardists, has been too busy gathering to pay as much attention to the trees as usual at this time of year, and the fact that, notwithstanding this temporary neglect the orchards still have a clean record, is taken to be convincing proof of the efficacy of the method of fighting the disease. Mr. Thiele does not favour the spraying of fruit immediately before picking, for the treatment spoils the appearance to a certain extent, leaving white marks on the skin. This does not argue that any deleterious substance is left by this process, for he claims that his children have eaten applies recently sprayed, and never suffered the slightest ill-effects. The grower thinks that by means of this spray the codlin moth scourge can be kept in complete subjection, making it possible for orchardists to give attention to certain varieties of apples which had to be disregarded in earlier days because of their liability to attack by this disease. The Williams' Favourite apple, it is pointed out, is a variety that does well in the Doncaster district, and realises big prices because of its choice dessert quality. The trouble in connection with it, however, has been its susceptibility to the codlin moth, but now, with this new remedy in hand, the orchardists are in a position to defy the disease and grow the apple named as well as other early kinds without fear.
AN EXCEPTIONAL YIELD.
[The paragraph under this heading is very faint and difficult to read.]
1909 'FRUIT-GROWING.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 13 March, p. 9. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139690073
FRUIT.
The splendid display of fruit has already been referred to in passing, but the most important class in the show cannot be regarded as finally dealt without further comment. For the best collection of fruits—20 varieties of apples, 14 of pears, other fruits unlimited—Mr A. F. Thiele was placed first and Mr A. E. Thiele second. This is the third year in succession that Mr A. F. Thiele has carried off this prize, with Mr A. E. Thiele as runner-up. In previous years the positions of the brothers were reversed. The prize takers had on view in this section a sample of every variety of fruit at present in season or able to be stored. The fine peaches, for example, were brought to the show from the government cool stores at Doncaster.
[This is part of a long report of the Doncaster and Box Hill Ninth Annual Show.]
1909 'INTRODUCTION.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 19 March, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90313052
COOL STORAGE FOR FRUIT.
Mr. Graham, Minister for Agriculture, has been giving further attention to the fruit distribution question. Recently he pointed out that there was a marked difference between the prices obtained by the growers and those charged to the consumers. Further, that it was desirable that some action should be taken to better regulate those prices. To-day Mr. Graham expressed the opinion that it would materially assist Victorian orchardists if they would co-operate on the same lines as those adopted by the fruitgrowers at Doncaster, situated about 10 miles from Melbourne. When Mr. Swinburne was Minister for Agriculture the fruitgrowers of Doncaster approached him on the question of establishing cool stores there, in which large quantities of fruit could be stored, and so secure the best markets. Mr. Graham said to-day that he saw no reason why the fruitgrowers in other parts of Victoria should not follow this excellent example. He would be prepared to favorably consider any proposal for the extension of that system. He felt convinced it would benefit fruitgrowers more than anything else. As a member of a country Ministry, he was prepared to do anything in reason to further country interests.
1909 'BARMAID IN COURT.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 19 April, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100511153
DONCASTER COOL STORES.
The Government has decided to give the Agricultural department control of the cool stores at Doncaster, but will be prepared to hand over the stores to a representative body of growers if guaranteed 4 per cent. on their capital cost.
1909 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle (Vic. : 1882 - 1918), 22 May, p. 3. (Morning.), viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91893662
GOOD APPLE COUNTRY.
At the present rate of extension, it will not be long before intending orchardists will have to travel further afield in search of suitable districts and climates for apple-growing. During the past three or four years Doncaster and the surrounding country has been in great demand, but now most of the land between Doncaster and Mitcham has passed into the hands of orchardists, and suitable areas are not available, excepting at a very high price. Two very important points to be remembered in selecting land for fruit-growing are, the suitability of the district for special varieties, and the rainfall. Nearness to the market is a matter only for secondary consideration, though, of course, it is desirable to be within easy reach of the metropolis. Another question requiring attention is the season at which the fruit is wanted. To catch the early market it is manifest that a district such as the Goulburn Valley is preferable, for, with the aid of water, fruit can be grown and marketed from ten days to a fortnight earlier than in less-favoured places. Mid-season fruit may be produced practically anywhere, but it is always liable to meet an over-supplied market, whereas, late fruits can be stored, and marketed at the will of the owner, over a period of several months. It is in the late districts that orcharding is likely to prove more remunerative than anywhere else. The produce from late varieties grown in these places have for a choice of market the cities of all the Australian states. For this reason Strathbogie is likely to come greatly into prominence as a fruit-growing district.
1909 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 22 May, p. 9. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139694033
Telephone to East Doncaster.
The deputation that waited on the Doncaster council on Tuesday night in reference to the proposed extension of the telephone to Doncaster East, were rather taken by surprise at the very favorable and liberal manner in which their petition was treated by the council. The deputation consisted of Messrs W. Craig, R. Clay, W. A. Webb, H. Mays and Fred. Zerbe, the three former gentlemen acting as speakers. Their desire was that the council should lend the East Doncaster ratepayers similar assistance to that extended the guarantors for the Doncaster telephone line. The need of a telephone at Doncaster East was greatly felt and urgently desired. A canvass had been made of the district since the recent well-attended public meeting and was well responded to, and on Tuesday the deputation were able to inform the council that out of the £30 required by the department as a guarantee, £28 14/- had been subscribed. Several, however, had not put their hands in their pockets to help the movement, but who would nevertheless reap the benefit, and it was maintained that a fair and just way would be for the council to vote a substantial sum, so that these ratepayers would, in an indirect way, be made to pay. In reply to Cr Sell the deputation stated that the suggestion of having a second bureau at the cool stores was taken into consideration at the public meeting. Cr Tully congratulated the residents on the way they had responded to the fund. They had done well. The question arose in his mind as to whether the government to-day wanted to hold this money the same as it did in connection with the Doncaster telephone. He was quite willing to help the residents of East Doncaster the same as they had done the west end, but the deputation came with a request in a very different form. It would be better for the ratepayers to hand over the money they had in hand and ask the council to enter into the necessary bond. Cr Sell claimed to be one of those who had not put his hands in his pockets, and he took up the position of not subscribing because Doncaster was justly entitled to get the telephone without having to subsidise it. Other places not so important as Doncaster were granted these facilities, and not even asked for a guarantee. On the occasion of the last deputation to the postmaster-general on this question, he was asked to mention these places, which he did, and the postmaster-general was examining the papers when the deputation caved in and agreed to accept the conditions as laid down by the department. He was thoroughly disgusted at this, and believed that if the deputation had not given way they would have secured the erection of the line on far more satisfactory conditions. He would willingly subscribe towards the telephone if it were necessary, but in this case it was not, for they were thoroughly entitled to the telephone without having to pay for it. He moved that the £20 recentty [sic] returned to the council from the postal department, and £10 of the amount subscribed by the residents, be handed over as a guarantee for the telephone to East Doncaster. Cr Pickering seconded the motions. Both Crs Zerbe and Tully contended that they could not have got the telephone without paying for it. The council had been with deputation after deputation on the matter, and had been refused again and again. Cr Tully moved, as an amendment, and Cr Zerbe seconded, that the council guarantee £10 towards the telephone. On being put this was lost, and Cr Sell's motion was carried. At the instance of Cr Zerbe, the secretary was instructed to write to Mr R. Harper in reference to the arrangements made in connection with the guarantee and obtaining an interview with the postmaster-general. It was suggested that the committee hold in trust the money they had in hand, as a little extra expense was anticipated in connection with the second bureau at the cool stores.
1909 'Telephone to East Doncaster.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 28 May, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90312320
Doncaster Cool Store.
Mr. Turner, chief inspector under the vegetation diseases act, who attended the meeting at Ringwood last week in regard to securing the erection of a cool store in the district, quoted some interesting figures concerning the cool store at Doncaster. Its total cost, including plant and recent improvements, was £2,846. The revenue for the year 1907-8 was £502 15/5, and expenditure £428 12/10, leaving a profit of £74 2/5. This year the store was filled up to its utmost capacity, and the department looked forward to its returning a profit of £500. There was only one year, when there was a season of drought, that the balance came out on the wrong side of the ledger; every other year the store had returned a good profit. At first the whole storage capacity was taken up by three fruitgrowers,
[NB There is at least one line missing from the report at this point. The copy of the paper scanned had a crease in it.]
home of all scientific methods, it had been estimated that cool storage increased values fully 3,000 per cent.
1909 'Doncaster Cool Store.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 2 July, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90314535
DONCA8TER COOL STORES.
Representative orchardists in the Doncaster district have been informed that the Government is prepared to hand over the local cool stores to their management, provided they enter into the necessary agreement. Briefly stated, a responsible body of growers are asked to provide 4 per cent. interest on the capital, the Government undertaking an advance up to 60 per cent. on reasonable extensions at a similar rate of interest. Before parting with the management, the Government would have to be satisfied that it would be run on co-operative lines, the small grower to have equal opportunity with the large growers for the storing of produce. The offer outlined above was made in response to an application for increased storage capacity. The growers, however, have decided not to accept control of the store and plant on these terms, for, although more space is much needed, many of the leading orchardists consider it unfair that they should be asked to act as guarantors while sharing only similar advantages as those possessed by growers who neither participate in the responsibility of management, nor provide funds as guarantors of the interest.
1909 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 3 July, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139683035
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA. Wednesday, 7th July. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. QUESTIONS.
In answer to Mr. M'Lennan, the Attorney General said the Doncaster cool stores were just about paying their way. They had proved a considerable benefit to fruitgrowers, and the Government would probably consider the question of erecting similar stores in other fruit- growing districts.
1909 'PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 8 July, p. 3. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89913246
NOTES AND TOPICS.
Mr. Graham (Minister for Agriculture), accompanied by Mr. Cameron (Minister for Lands), Mr. Duffus (Secretary for Agriculture), and Mr. M. Jacoby (M.L.A., West Australia), last week paid a visit of inspection to the Doncaster cool stores.
The visitors carefully examined many of the fruits undergoing storage, and expressed themselves as well pleased with the condition of the fruit.
According to Mr. French, the officer in charge of the stores, many varieties of pears could be subjected to a temperature below 32deg. without risk of injury.
1909 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 17 July, p. 12. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139683646
GENERAL NEWS.
This morning the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham) will visit the Doncaster cool stores which the Ministry has been asked to enlarge. Mr. Graham says that before any additions are made to the existing building he wishes to make sure that the stores as constituted at present are paying. His department, he says, has been asked to take over the control of the stores from the Public Works department, but he is unwilling to agree to the change unless the stores are self-supporting.
1909 'GENERAL NEWS.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 30 July, p. 6. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10722805
VICTORIAN FRUITGROWERS. CONFERENCE IN BENDIGO. VISIT OF MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.
Cool Storage.
Mr. W. French, engineer in charge of the Government Cool Stores at Doncaster, delivered an interesting paper on the cool storage of fruit. He dealt with varieties of fruit adapted to cool storage, the best keeping qualities, and the temperatures which should be maintained, and he showed how successfully the system had been adopted at Doncaster and in ocean liners. He claimed that the present system observed on the ships was nevertheless not satisfactory, and he advocated the introduction of the dry air circulation system by means of fans and batteries of ammonia expansion coils. That would give a uniform low temperature. He urged that self-registering thermometers should be installed in the chambers of ships, and that all packages should be ventilated to permit of a perfect circulation of air through them. Pears for export should not be wrapped, but should be tightly packed to prevent bruising. He gave that advice after five years' experience. Mr. French exhibited samples of fruit which had been stored for from six to eight months in the Doncaster stores, and which were in perfect condition. His paper was attentively listened to, and he was accorded the thanks of the conference at the conclusion of an interesting discussion.
1909 'VICTORIAN FRUITGROWERS.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 8 September, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89920530
DONCASTER COOL-STORES. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION.
Some members of the Doncaster Fruitgrowers' Association yesterday asked the Minister for Agriculture to provide for an extension of the local cool stores. They undertook to provide £500 a year.
Mr. Graham replied that the question was one of pounds, shillings, and pence, and he could not support the proposal unless assured that it would pay. Apparently the growers of the district had the subject at heart, as they were prepared to put up a guarantee. He promised to bring the application before Cabinet.
1909 'DONCASTER COOL-STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 23 September, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10735574
This report was quoted in the Reporter, Box Hill, Vic., Friday 24 September 1909
1909 'The Fruit Industry.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 24 September, p. 2. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89694397
Fruit Storage
The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham) had on view in his office on Tuesday some fine samples of Rome Beauty apples, which had been, he said, stored in the cool stores, Doncaster, for six months. As Mr. Graham put it, they were " as sound as a bell." Tne [sic] Minister further stated that the apples were sold that day at 11/6 a case, and that when they were stored first they would not have brought more than 2/6 a case.
1909 'Fruit Storage', The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 - 1954), 8 October, p. 9. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72962267
MORE COOL STORES.
There is a probability that several new refrigerated cool chambers will shortly be erected in several of the fruitgrowing centres. Mr. Graham, Minister for Agriculture, when spoken to on the subject last Monday, said there was no investment from which better returns were likely to be secured than by providing the orchardist with means for holding over the bulk of his fruit crop in periods of gluts and low prices. Many instances had come under Mr. Graham's notice of fruit which early in the season would scarcely have realised 2/6 per case, selling about this time of the year for 11/6 and 12/6 per case. Applications have been received from Doncaster for an extension of storage capacity, and from Ringwood, Diamond Creek, and Somerville for the erection of cool chambers. The Minister hopes when the next Loan Bill come [sic] up for consideration, to secure the necessary money for granting these applications. It is intended that the present store at Doncaster should be removed to Ringwood, and to substitute in its place a new store of considerably larger dimensions. Estimates have been drawn up, and the cost involved in the erection of these buildings, and considering the amount of money being spent in irrigation works for other districts, Mr. Graham states that it is only reasonable that these fruitgrowing centres should receive some assistance. The Ringwood district has drawn up documents guaranteeing the interest on the capital cost, and though the other districts have not yet given a written agreement they have intimated their willingness to provide interest on the outlay.
1909 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 30 October, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139214973
STATE CABINET. NEW COOL STORES.
A good deal of time was spent in discussing proposals for the assistance of the producing industries in various parts of the State, by the establishment of cool stores. Ministers expressed satisfaction with the results which have followed the erection of stores at Doncaster, and they agreed with the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham) that it would be a wise policy to establish similar buildings in other centres. It was, therefore, decided that £15,000 should be provided for the enlarging of the Doncaster building, and for the erection of new stores at Ringwood, Diamond Creek, and Somerville, where the growers have guaranteed the success of the stores, and the payment of proper interest charges to the State.
1909 'STATE CABINET.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 6 November, p. 18. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10745816
COOL STORAGE OF FRUIT.
The grant of money sufficient to erect cool-storage accommodation for fruit at Ringwood, Diamond Creek, and Somerville, and to extend the existing stores at Doncaster, is a step in the right direction. By making the money available for the erection of these buildings a considerable impetus will be given to the fruitgrowing industry. Orchardists in these districts are jubilant, but they apparently overlook the fact that the successful cool-storage of fruit in these parts is not a matter merely of the erection of the buildings. Cool-storage is urgently needed to enable growers to eventually realise the full values of the crops produced, but it may as well be said at the outset that further experience in the art of growing, handling, and packing fruit in such condition as to stand prolonged storage is also essential. A great deal has been learned at Doncaster, but this experience will be only of modified value when fruit-storage is commenced in the new buildings. The characteristics of the soil and the conditions under which the fruit is grown may make a marvellous change in the keeping quality of any particular variety. Because Williams' Bon Chretien has been successfully stored at Doncastcr, it does not follow that it will store equally well when grown at Somerville. Many factors combine to bring about physical changes in the condition of fruit, and these will have to be relatively determined in the districts mentioned before the establishment of these plants will prove as great a success as is anticipated. In the meantime, some growers will, no doubt, sustain losses, and the early successful fulfilment of the scheme will depend largely upon the intelligence of the refrigerating experts placed in charge. Some work might be conducted during the coming season by making experimental tests of various fruits grown in these districts, though even the experience of a single season would be insufficient to make the investigations regarding temperature, &c. reliable.
1909 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 20 November, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139216009
FREEZING FRUIT. COUNTRY COOL STORES.
The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham), the secretary for Agriculture (Mr. Duffus), and Mr. Keast, M.L.A., visited Burwood yesterday, and discussed with local fruit-growers a proposal which has been made for the establishment of cool stores there. Mr. Graham explained that the State would build the stores if the growers would guarantee that the scheme would pay expenses, and also 3½ per cent. interest, and 10 per cent for deterioration. The growers intimated that they would consider the proposition and communicate with the Minister.
Similar guarantees are being asked from the local growers at Doncaster, Ringwood, and Diamond Creek in connection with proposals for the erection of stores at these places.
1909 'FREEZING FRUIT.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 14 December, p. 6. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10753861
FREEZING FRUIT. DONCASTER COOL STORES.
In accordance with the conditions required by the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham), 43 orchardists in the Doncaster district have submitted to the secretary for Agriculture (Mr. Duffus) a declaration that they will guarantee to send their fruit to the Doncaster cool stores if the State will carry out its proposal to erect new buildings which will double the local accommodation for the storage of fruit. They have intimated that the products of particular portions of their orchards, varying in extent from five to 50 acres, will be sent exclusively to the new stores, and they claim that this quantity will be sufficient to ensure the full use of the additional accommodation. If this guarantee is accepted by the Minister as satisfactory, the establishment of the new stores at Doncaster will be proceeded with next year.
1909 'FREEZING FRUIT.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 December, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10754265
Repeated in:
1909 'COOL STORKS FOR FRUIT.', The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), 17 December, p. 9. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57879225
Department of Public Works, Melbourne, 30th December, 1909.
TENDERS will be received until twelve o'clock noon on Friday, the 7th January, 1910, for Refrigerating Plant and Machinery for Government Cool Stores, Doncaster. Deposit, £10; security, 5 per cent.
Description of requirements may be learnt at this office. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
- L. BAILLIEU,
1909 'GOVERNMENT.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 31 December, p. 3. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10757293
This week the Public Works department has started to build the additions to the Doncaster Cool Stores which have been authorised by the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham). The present accommodation of the stores—space for 10,000 cases of fruit—is to be doubled. The additions will provide three new chambers. Electric light is to be installed throughout, and the present oil engine is to be replaced by a suction gas plant. It is anticipated that the new accommodation will be ready in time for this season's fruit harvest. The Public Works department is calling for tenders for the supply of the machinery.
1910 'SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 1910.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 1 January, p. 12. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10824664
The cool stores for fruit at Doncaster, Victoria, are to be doubled in size by the Government. Three large chambers are to be built, a packing-room is to be added, also a new engine-house, and a lock or cooling space between the old building and the new. The stores will, when this work is completed, hold 20,000 cases of fruit.
1910 'ITEMS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 3 January, p. 5. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15096329
COOL STORAGE, HOW FRUITGROWERS BENEFITED. A VICTORIAN INSTANCE. Melbourne. January 10.
"The value of the State cool store at Doncaster has been strikingly demonstrated during the last week or ten days," says Mr. Graham (Minister of Agriculture). Mr. French, an officer connected with the store, had just been telling him that a little over a week ago there had been a glut in the market for peaches, and the wholesale price offered was as low as 1/ a bushel or 6d. a tray. To sell at such prices would, the growers considered, be a mere sacrifice, and accordingly they placed the fruit in the Government cool store at Doncaster for a week. The result was that they were then able to sell them for 7/6, and in some instances for the best fruit 9/ a bushel. The growers, Mr. Graham added, appreciated the store, which was being extended. The extensions, it was estimated, would be completed in time to receive the hard fruits next month. Such an arrangement had been made that the store would pay its way, and the State would lose nothing, while helping the orchardists
1910 'COOL STORAGE.', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), 11 January, p. 10. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5220590
Repeated in Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954) Saturday 15 January 1910
1910 'COOL STORAGE IN VICTORIA.', Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), 15 January, p. 37. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88391105
VALUE OF COOL STORES.
An instance of the great value to orchardists of cool stores has been brought under the notice of the Minister for Agriculture. Early last week there was a glut in the market of certain kinds of fruit, and in several cases as little as 1/ per bushel was quoted for the best fruit. Advantage was taken of the cool store at Doncaster, one of the leading fruit-growing districts, with the result that after seven days' storage the prices realised amounted to seven times those ruling earlier in the week.
1910 'VALUE OF COOL STORES.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 11 January, p. 4. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89540301
Doncaster Cool Stores.
The additions to the cool store at Doncaster are now so far advanced that the minister for public works has decided to accept the tender of Messrs. Willdridge and Sinclair for the supply of the necesary [sic] refrigerating plant and machinery, the price being £2226. It is proposed to remove the oil engine now in use, and substitute a 66-horse power suction gas plant to work the machinery for the new chambers, as well as the existing ones. The storage capacity of these stores will now be 20,000 bushel cases of fruit, as against 10,000 previously.
1910 'Doncaster Cool Stores.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 14 January, p. 2. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89698060
Owing to the recent glut in the Melbourne market for peaches when the wholesale price offered sank to a shilling a bushel or sixpence a tray, a number of growers placed their stocks in the Government cool store at Doncaster for a week. The result, according to the Minister for Agriculture, is that they were able to get 7s 6d, and in some cases, 9s a bushel. This he regards as convincing proof of the value of Government cool storage accommodation. The stores are being considerably extended.
1910 'BOSS TWEED'S DOOM FORETOLD.', Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1889 - 1915), 18 January, p. 3. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61512032
Doncaster News
Affairs at the cool store are very stirring at present. Loads of fruit are arriving continually, and a great part of the "old" store is filled, though the bulk of the pears and apples still hang on the trees to tempt birds and boys. A very busy band of tradesmen, working at high pressure, can be seen striving to get the new part finished in contract time, and thus save growers the extra trouble and expense of storing elsewhere for want of room.
1910 'Doncaster News.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 18 February, p. 2. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89695710
Recently attention was directed in these columns to the good work that was being accomplished in Victoria by the keeping of fruit in cold storage in the Doncaster fruit- growing district. Mr. W. French, the engineer in charge of the cool stores there, has made it known how long different kinds of fruit can be kept in a fresh and wholesome condition. He has kept a number of varieties of apples, including Rome Beauty, Munroe's Favorite, Five Crown, and Rokewood, for a period of six months in a temperature of 30 to 32 deg. Fah. In pears he experienced the greatest difficulty in dealing with the Williams' Bon Chretien Variety (Duchess), but found that even this kind can be kept in first-class condition for six weeks at a temperature of 32 to 33 deg. Fah. Doyenne Bossoch will keep for five months, and Beurre Bosc, Beurre Solden, Beurre Clairgeau, Bakehouse Bergamot, Broom Park, Kieffer's Hybrid, Madame Cole, Vicar of Winkfield, and Bailey's Bergamot are good keepers up to four months. Winter Nelis and Josephine de Malines, however, can be kept for from no less than six to eight months. As regards peaches, Brigg's Red May, Early Crawford, Late Crawford, Lady Palmerston, and Elberta have been successfully stored from one to two months at a temperature of from 32 to 34 deg. A number of different sorts of plums have been kept in the cool stores from eight to ten weeks at a temperature of 32 deg. Oranges will keep from one to three months at 34 deg., and lemons from four months at 38. Grapes have been kept well for three months at temperatures ranging from 33 to 38 deg.
1910 'HORTICULTURAL NOTES.', Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), 12 March, p. 8. , viewed 17 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88394756
DONCASTER COOL STORES.
The construction of the new cool stores at Doncaster has been completed with celerity by the Public Works department, and the building is now in use. It contains already 20,000 cases of produce. The new structure has been erected in conjunction with the old Doncaster Cool Stores, and it has doubled the local accommodation for cool storage. Both new and old stores are now fitted out with electric light and power.
The local fruitgrowers have guaranteed that the stores will pay interest and maintenance charges. The new building and plant has cost £5,000.
1910 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 4 April, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10846436
C H A R C O A L.
TENDERS will be received until three o'clock p.m. on Monday, 11th April, 1910 for the SUPPLY of CHARCOAL, in such quantities as may be required to the 31st December, 1910. Deposit, £2.
Delivery to be made at the Government Cool Stores at Doncaster.
Printed forms of tender, giving an estimate of the quantity required, specification, and conditions of contract, can be obtained at the office of the Secretary of the Tender Board, Treasury, Melbourne, by whom also any information or explanation will be afforded to persons tendering. A. WATT,
Treasurer.
1910 'Melbourne 5th April, 1910. CHARCOAL.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 8 April, p. 3. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10847504
In honor of the opening of the additions to the cool stores at Doncaster, a complimentary banquet will be given to the Murray ministry at Stutt's hall, Doncaster, at 1.30 p.m. on Friday, April 22nd. Tickets, at 5/ each, may be obtained from Mr. A. F. Thiele and Mr. W. A. Webb (hon. secretary).
1910 'Emerald News.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 15 April, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89694684
The Doncaster fruitgrowers are so pleased with the enlarged and improved cool stores provided by the Government that they intend to celebrate the official opening with a banquet on 22nd April, to which they have invited the Premier, the Minister of Agriculture, and several officials of the Agricultural Department.
1910 'THE ORCHARD', The Mildura Cultivator (Vic. : 1888 - 1920), 20 April, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74860382
DONCASTER COOL STORES. ADDITIONAL BUILDING OPENED.
The additions to the cool stores for fruit at Doncaster were opened yesterday by the Premier (Mr. Murray), in the presence of an official party. Interesting speeches, which are reported elsewhere, were made by the visitors in reference to the political situation.
The stores, which have proved such a great benefit to growers, have been doubled in size, and now provide accommodation for 20,000 bushel cases. The new plant, a 66-horse power Hornsby suction gas engine, with Hercules and Linde compressors, can be worked, it is claimed, more cheaply than the old smaller plant. The fruit taken into the new section can be placed in temperating rooms that bring the heat from about 90 to 45 degrees before it is put into the cool chambers, where it can be kept in perfect condition for months at freezing temperature. Yesterday, when the party, which included the Premier (Mr. Murray), the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Graham), the inspector-general of works, (Mr. Davidson), and others, made an inspection the stores were filled with apples, pears, peaches, and other fruits awaiting more favourable market conditions. It is claimed that further accommodation could be fully employed. After Mr. Murray had formally declared the new stores open the visitors were entertained at a luncheon, to which about a hundred gentlemen sat down. The chair was occupied by Mr. A. F. Thiele, president of the Doncaster Fruit- growers' Association.
The use of uniform boxes for fruit was referred to by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Graham), who said that he was pleased to see the stores, but he regretted that the growers had not carried out their agreement to send in uniform boxes. The result was there was a waste of space, which could not possibly be filled, equal to 4,000 boxes. The growers would have to change their methods. The State would be put at a loss because those 4,000 boxes could not be taken in, and the growers themselves should see they would lose by being unable to find cool storage for that quantity of their surplus fruit. There were demands for stores at Ringwood, Diamond Creek, and Somerville, but before any more stores were built there must be an agreement upon the size of cases, and only uniform cases would be received for storage. He trusted to see such stores established throughout the country.
1910 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 23 April, p. 21. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10851174
This article was repeated, with acknowledgement:
1910 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), 29 April, p. 4. (MORNING.), viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60651568
Making a Day of It.
A cynical writer of foreign birth once said that an Englishman's idea of sport was embodied in the sentence, "Let us go out and kill something!" In a somewhat similar way the English method of celebrating an event of local importance is explained in the expression, "Let us eat and drink and have some speeches!" Doncaster was not behind in the maintenance of this tradition when the new additions to its cool stores were recently opened by the premier. At half-past 1 p.m. the visitors sat down to eat. It was well on to 6 o'clock before they left the banquet table. In the interim there were something like 25 speeches delivered. The occasion was to celebrate the enlarging of the capacity of the stores to accommodate 20,000 cases of fruit. During the afternoon the hope was expressed that the stores would soon be enlarged to a holding capacity of 50,000 cases. When that time arrives, the people of Doncaster will no doubt make a week of it.
1910 'Making a Day of It.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 29 April, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89698242
Doncaster News.
The banquet held last Friday at the official opening of the enlargement of the cool stores, has furnished a topic for lively discussion among growers. It would appear that the early and hasty departure of the government party was a lucky thing for them, as the speakers who came on later fired such heavy charges that there would have been trouble, seeing that one of the ministers was not in his most amiable mood that day. It is agreed, however, that Cr. Sell's speech was very fine, one of the best he has given.
1910 'Doncaster News.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 29 April, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89698284
NOTES AND TOPICS. DONCASTER COOL STORES.
For many months the Doncaster Fruitgrowers' Association has agitated for increased refrigerated accommodation in which to store their summer fruits. After some delay the Department of Agriculture acceded to the request, and the extra accommodation, which was completed recently, was officially opened last week. The success of the building has now dispelled such doubts as were until comparatively recently held concerning the wisdom of erecting stores in the fruit-growing centres. It is interesting to notice that, although the extra provision just made has increased the capacity of the store from 10,000 to 20,000 cases, it is yet insufficient to meet the requirements of the district. Locally, it is estimatcd that if further provision were to be made for another 10,000 cases the space would be easily filled. Inasmuch as arrangements have been made to commence the erection of cool stores at other centres before next year's apple crop is ready for harvest, it is hardly probable that further extension work will be undertaken at Doncaster just at present. Speaking at the banquet held to celebrate the opening of the new storage chambers, the Premier (Mr. Murray) outlined some of the work that had been carried out by the department. He said that excellent work was being done at the Rutherglen College in propagating phylloxera resistant vines, and that, although the viticultural industry had sustained a severe check, it was likely that before long the industry would be placed in a sounder position than ever before. Referring to the fruit industry, he said that a superabundance of fruit was produced at certain times of the year, and the only way in which the condition of the producers could be improved was by the use of the cold storage plants. It was no use making the people of Victoria a productive community unless fruit is to be a marketable commodity.
UNIFORM CASES.
The Minister for Agriculture drew attention to the fact that Doncaster growers had not carried out their contract with regard to the cases in which they stored their fruit. When arrangements were made for increasing the space it had been stipulated that a uniform case was to be adopted for storing the fruit. By continuing to send their produce to the store in different sized packages a great waste of space had resulted, and he was now determined to put a stop to the practice. The difference in the size of the cases had resulted in a loss of space equivalent to 4,000 cases. This meant that other fruitgrowers in the district were debarred from sharing in the advantages to be derived from storing their fruit. He asked the growers to confer among themselves and arrange upon a uniform case of such description as was most suitable for the purpose of storing, as instructions were to be issued to the effect that one particular size of package only was to be admitted into the store. Mr. French, the manager of the stores, when subsequently spoken to on the subject, said that, in his opinion, the ordinary kerosene case was the most suitable for storage purposes. Experience had shown that when these boxes were used, and provision made for ventilation through the sides of the cases, the fruit had kept better than when stored in any other kind of package in general use. The best plan was for growers before using the kerosene cases to split off strips of wood from either side, so as to leave a space of about an inch and a half through which the cold air could circulate.
INTERESTING FIGURES.
In the past most of the losses that have occurred from storing fruit have been attributable to it being placed direct from the orchard into the cool chamber, and by removing it from the stores direct into the heat of the outside atmosphere. The sudden change of temperature brought about a breakdown in the tissue of the fruit, which caused it to deteriorate within a few days after removal from the refrigerating chamber. To obviate these losses a regulating room has been included in the new additions. Fruit taken into the store will, in future, be reduced from a temperature of 90deg. to one of 45deg., and will then when placed in store be gradually reduced until close on freezing point. During the past three or four years special attention has been given to the keeping qualities of various pears. It has been found that next to the William's Bon Chretian the Marie Louise is one of the most difficult varieties to keep. Mr. French is now confident that both of these varieties may be kept with safety over a period of three months. This applies only when the fruit is picked well on the green side, and is stored in ventilated cases. The Vicar of Winkfield is a comparatively easy pear to control, and may be kept without difficulty until well on into September. Josephines last year, in some in- stances, realised as much as 20/ a case after being removed, while Broom-park, often called the Cow pear, which at the height of the season scarcely commands 2/6 a case, were last year sold at 11/ after storing. The charge for storage amounts to sixpence a case a month, so that even should the fruit be held over for six months the extra cost is but 3/ a case, while its enhanced value is much greater. Some of the pears now in store have been in since February 2, and they are in excellent condition. A new departure is the storage of peaches and plums. Usually it has been the custom to store these fruits over the height of a glut, but this season a number of cases of both fruits are still being held in anticipation of fancy prices.
1910 'NOTES AND TOPICS.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 30 April, p. 9. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142925036
DONCASTER COOL STORES.
By W. FRENCH (Engineer in Charge).
The Doncaster Cool Stores were erected in 1905, and for four years were under the control of the Public Works department, but in 1909 the supervision was handed over to the Agricultural department, under whose management they are carried on successfully. After the stores passed through the experimental stage it was found necessary to have further additions made to them—at first one chamber in 1908, and then three more, with additional machinery, in 1910—so as to be able to deal with the district fruit. The machinery consists of one 12-ton belt-driven "Linde" and one 9-ton "Hercules” ammonia compressors, driven by a 66-B.H.P. suction gas plant, which also runs a generator for the supply of electric power for lighting and driving pumps and fans. The dry-air circulation system has been adopted. The fruit-growers thoroughly appreciate the great advantage gained by cool storage, and are now able to hold, or dispose of their fruit at will, at the same time being assured of better prices. The storage charge per bushel case is 1½d. per week for nine months in the year, from October 1 to May 31, and 1d. per case for the remaining three months.
Since the inception of the cool stores the following number of cases of fruit was handled each year, viz.:—1905-6, 12,067 cases; 1906-7, 14,712 cases; 1907-8, 12,650 cases; 1908-9, 15,250 cases; 1909-10, 29,097 cases.
Not only has cool storage of fruit been the means of educating the grower to produce the best varieties for export, but it has also caused a great stimulus right throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand in the whole fruit industry, and representatives from each State have called seeking useful information, which they have been readily supplied with. And if the same results could be obtained with the carriage of fruit to oversea [sic] markets, I would venture to say that not only would this industry be one of the greatest revenue-producing, but it would be the means of putting into profitable use some of the waste lands of this State which are not adapted for the production of other agricultural products.
In my opinion the chief fault lies in this, namely, that the system at present in vogue on board ship is not adapted for the carriage and preservation of fruit under the most favourable conditions. I would advacate with every confidence the dry air circulation system, by means of fans and batteries of ammonia expansion coils. Under this system ventilation and humidity are under perfect control. Humidity can be controlled by means of calcium chloride in connection with the battery. A uniform low temperature is essential to the successful storage of fruit in transit. Another most important point to be noted is this, that the carbolic acid gases given off from the fruit must be drawn away by exhaust fans. Also ventilating the packages, so as to allow of a perfect circulation of air through each package, is a matter deserving particular attention. I am of opinion that pears for export should not be wrapped the same as apples, but should be packed firmly to prevent bruising as far as possible. My experience in regard to the keeping quality of pears during the past five years in land storage is that the unwrapped fruit stores successfully for a much longer period than the wrapped article.
Now that it has been proved beyond doubt that most varieties can be kept in perfect condition during the greater part of the year, this means that the consumption of fruit by the general public has increased considerably, for the reason that the market is now supplied with the principal fruits all the year round. As an instance of the benefits derived by the grower from cool storage, I will mention some of the varieties stored successfully during the past five years:—Pears—Williams's Bon Chretien, Beurre Bose, White Doyenne, Beurre Golden, Marie Louise, Beurre de Capiaumont, Beurre Clairgeau, Thompson's, Bake- house, Bergamot, Broom Park, Kieffer's Hybrid, Madam Cole, Winter Cole, and others. Formerly some of these varieties were sold in season in the Melbourne market as low as from 2/ to 5/ per bushel-case, but afterwards 10/ to 16/ per case was obtained for the same class of fruit, having been stored from three to four months. The Broom Park pear, in particular, which was of not much value in season, is now considered one of the best pears to grow, being a profitable pear for export and also very prolific. Another variety which came under our notice, and was watched with interest, and which is likely to outclass the Josephine, because it is a better producer and also a good keeper, is the White Doyenne. But undoubtedly the best pear suitable for cool storage and export purpose is the Winter Nelis, this pear realising as much as 22/6 per case in New South Wales. All varieties of apples store with success, also peaches, plums, cherries, oranges, lemons, grapes, strawberries, currants, tomatoes, &c.
1910 'DONCASTER COOL STORES.', The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), 24 September, p. 10. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142932229
So great has been the demand for cool storage this season, and so much inconvenience through insufficiency, that a number of Doncaster growers have determined to co-operate and build another cool store. A site has been purchased at the west end of the township, and it is hoped that all will be ready by next season. Of the success of it there is "no possible probable shadow of doubt."
1911 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 19 May, p. 2. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89696932
Shipping Pears to London.
At the annual conference of the Victorian fruit growers' central association, held at Ardmona in September last, the Doncaster association brought forward a proposal to send a large shipment of Williams's pears to London. Mr. French, engineer of the government cool stores at Doncaster, attended the conference and exhibited a number of varieties of pears that he had kept in cool storage for some five months, and they were all in excellent condition. He asserted that if arrangements could be made to have the same system of storage carried out on a steamship he would guarantee to land Williams's pears in London in perfect condition. The matter was taken up heartily by the delegates, and it was decided to endeavor to get a shipment of from seven to eight thousand bushels sent during the forthcoming season. The department of agriculture was requested to secure a vessel for the fruit carriage and to take a share in the financial liability in the event of the shipment being a failure, the whole of the arrangements to be under the supervision of Mr. French, whom the minister was asked to allow to accompany the shipment. The minister placed the matter before the cabinet, and after a considerable delay the association was advised that the government could not see its way clear to assist in any way. The executive council of the central fruit growers' association then discussed the situation, and it was felt by all that, in view of the enormous plantings of Williams's pears that had been made, it was imperative to place them on the London market if the growing of them was to continue as a remunerative business. It was [line missing due to a crease in the paper scanned] Perry and Son, to contract for the shipping space and forward the consignment. This led to the securing of the Federal-Houlder liner "Somerset," and the agents agreed to fit up the chamber to the satisfaction of Mr. French and allow him to accompany the consignment. Growers throughout the state were then appealed to to take up the space, estimated to be about 11,000 cases and a substantial response resulted. Matters were thus proceeding very satisfactorily when Mr. French declined to accompany the shipment, and wrote a lengthy report to the director of agriculture adversely criticising the conditions under which the ship was to carry the fruit, and practically saying that growers might expect a disaster. His report circulated throughout the fruit growing centres as rapidly as bad news generally does, and resulted in the creation of a scare among growers. Many who had promised to ship large quantities cancelled their engagements, and others who would have shipped declined to do so solely because of this adverse report. This caused considerable anxiety to those responsible for the shipment, but the more enterprising growers stood together and many of them increased their quantities. There is no doubt that had it not been for the exceptionally abundant pear crop there would have been a fiasco, for sufficient fruit would not have been obtained to make the shipment, and a liability of about £1500 dead freight would have had to be settled. Happily, this report was not the last word in the class of refrigeration required for successful fruit carriage, as the results of the shipment will show. It was decided to cool the fruit to a temperature of 34 deg. Fahr. before shipment and the minister for agriculture kindly allowed growers cool storage at the government cool stores at the actual cost of handling only, viz., 1½d. per case. The ship's chamber was cooled below freezing point before the fruit was taken on board. The fruit was stored, the chamber sealed up, reduced to a temperature of about 31 deg. Fahr., and not opened until it reached London. The engineers of the ship, Messrs. Logan and Ditton, have had great experience in fruit carriage, and the committee felt every confidence in their ability and desire to make the shipment a success. The ship was fitted up with air shoots and a fan specially for this shipment for use in case of an emergency, which however did not occur. The following particulars of the average prices realised for the different varieties of pears sent speak for themselves. Varieties totalling under 50 cases are not included:—
No. of Lond. Melb.
Cases. Variety. Price. Value
4450 Williams 13/3¼ 7/1½
183 Beurre Capiamont 12/3 6/1¾
71 Beurre Anjou 12/1¼ 6/
54 Beurre Bose 11/9¼ 5/8¼
51 Beurre Clairgeau 11/6¾ 5/5½
51 Beurre Hardy 10/7½ 4/7¼
113 Howell 11/6½ 5/5¼
102 Vicar of Winkfield 10/10¼ 4/9¾
318 Doyenne Boussuch 10/9 4/8
5393 *12/11¼ …6/9½
*London average. …Melbourne average.
Total amount, London, £3490; nett for 5393 cases in Melbourne, £1834. The Melbourne value given is for bare fruit after paying for cases and paper. This shipment is the greatest achievement in fruit carriage from Australia to London that has ever taken place, and marks the beginning of a new era in fruit export. Under normal conditions the Williams pear is ripe in from ten to fourteen days after picking from the tree. It is one of the most delicate of pears, and the demonstration of the fact that it can be carried half round the world and landed in perfect condition is one of the marvels in the evolution of cool storage as applied to fruit carriage, and makes it reasonable to believe that in the near future, peaches, apricots, cherries, and other soft fruits from Australia will be placed on the tables of the British public as fresh as if they had been gathered from their own gardens. It would be difficult to estimate the value of the shipment to the fruit growing industry of Victoria, but it is certain that the fear of over-production in pears has been removed, and planting will now be rigorously proceeded with.
—(Communicated.)
1911 'Shipping Pears to London.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 23 June, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89697074
Open Column. SHIPMENT OF PEARS TO LONDON.
To the Editor. Sir,—In reply to the communicated article which appeared in your issue under the above heading on June 23, in fairness to myself I trust you will be good enough to kindly publish the following true facts, also my full report on the shipment of Williams's Bon Chretien pears to the minister for agriculture, a copy of which I hand you, and which reads as follows:— "Government Cool Stores, Doncaster, January 18, 1911. The hon. the minister for agriculture. Re shipment of pears to England per s.s. 'Somerset.'— Sir,—I beg to report that I visited the above steamer yesterday in company with Mr. S. J. Perry, shipping agent, where we met Mr. Logan, chief engineer, and Mr. Ditton, chief refrigerating engineer, who showed me over the refrigerated holds, also the main engine room. The system in use aboard this steamer is called the CO2, or carbonic acid gas machine, with brine circulation as the refrigerant. The system is the best at present in use on board ship, but it is more adapted to the carriage of frozen produce (other than pears). The brine pipes are placed in the ceiling and around the sides of the chamber. I still maintain that the dry air circulation system would have been better and more safe for pears; but under the present circumstances, that with every care and attention, it will be possible to land the shipment of pears in London in good condition. The chief engineer, Mr. Logan, and the chief refrigerating engineer, Mr. Ditton, are very sanguine over the matter, and appear to me to have had a vast experience in the fruit trade. Mr. Ditton informed me that he has never had any loss during the number of years he has been in charge on board ship. I am satisfied that they are very capable men, and a shipment entrusted to them will receive proper attention, providing they are not tied down to a temperature of 35 degrees, which is the temperature I understand they are instructed to carry at from their head office in London. In conversation with me they quite agreed that a lower temperature is required for pears. At the lower temperature there is less liability for the fruit to give off carbonic acid gas, and thus prevent the saccharine matter maturing and retard ripening. I am of the opinion that the pears should not be carried at a higher temperature than 32 deg Fahr., and not lower than 30 deg., leaving it to the discretion of the engineer in charge to run between those temperatures. As the hold will not be entirely filled with pears, as it ought to be, apples will also be sent, and will carry at that temperature. They propose to put the apples at the bottom of the hold and the pears on top. Teh [sic] carbonic acid gas given off from the apples they intend to trap by putting sufficient sawdust on the chamber floor to absorb it. The apples will be placed on board two days before the pears, and will be cooled down. After the pears are put on board the hold will be sealed down and not opened until England is reached. It is the intention to temperate the pears to 45 deg, two days before reaching England, so as to prevent any liability to sweat. As the system on board is entirely different to that at Doncaster, where we store successfully, I will say in conclusion, and point out that an element of risk attaches to all fruit shipments, even under most favorable circumstances, and bearing this in mind I do not think that the department of agriculture should accept any responsibility for the proposed shipment under the carbonic acid gas system, more particularly as the variety of pears to be carried is of an especially perishable nature. Of course it is possible that the shipment, if undertaken, may be landed in good condition, but I cannot see my way to recommend it, or advise that it is likely to prove a success.
- FRENCH."
- FRENCH,
Doncaster, 27/6/11.
1911 'Open Column.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 30 June, p. 7. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89696305
New Cool Stores.
With the expansion of fruit growing in and around Doncaster the necessity has arisen for additional cool storage accommodation. This is being provided for by a section of the growers, who are building premises on the cooporative principle at Doncaster West, about a mile to the west of the existing cool stores conducted by the government, which are on a high point about half a mile from the Doncaster tower. The government's stores cost about £10,000, including machinery. They have six cool chambers, which will accommodate upwards of 20,000 cases of fruit. This space is, however, wholly inadequate in the busy season, since growers have found it necessary to seek considerable cool storage accommodation in Melbourne. With the co-operative venture it is not proposed to undercharge. There will be accommodation for 14,000 cases of fruit, and the buildings, which are in cour[s]e of erection, and will be ready by Christmas, will be up-to-date. The erection of a big cool store at Mitcham by private enterprise is also under consideration.
1911 'New Cool Stores.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 6 October, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90368166
Doncaster Doings.
The building of the new cool store is being pushed on rapidly. The engineer, Mr. Hilton, is busy supervising the placing of the machinery, and it is hoped that everything will be ready for this season's fruit, though reports state that all crops are light, peaches especially so.
1911 'Doncaster Doings.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 8 December, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90369652
Accident.
Mr. French, of Doncaster cool stores, met with a painful accident last Monday afternoon. Whilst attempting to pass a vehicle his motor bicycle was caught in a rut on the side of the road and he was thrown heavily. Dr. Richards was summoned and found him suffering from a severe laceration under the chin, which required several stitches, also a fractured rib and. a severe injury to his left leg. His motor bicycle was also badly damaged. We are now pleased to say that the sufferer is making a rapid recovery.
1912 'Accident.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 30 August, p. 7. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90366536
THE CO-OPERATIVE COOL STORES AT EAST DONCASTER.
The splendid cool stores erected for the Orchardists' cool stores company pty. ltd. at East Doncaster, are giving every satisfaction, and reflect great credit on the architects, Messr. Purchas and Teague, of Selborne chambers, Little Collins street, Melbourne, who were also the architects for the cooperative cool stores at West Doncaster. Large quantities of pears, plums and peaches have been stored; the temperature is everything that could be desired, and the growers using the stores are well satisfied in every way. After being cooled a large quantity of plums and pears have been packed for export to the old world, it having been decided to pool the fruit and pool the profits, the fruit being exported under special brand of the company, instead of being branded and sent away by individual growers. The secretary, Mr. W. A. Webb, has been having a very busy time and expects to be very busily employed for some time to come.
1914 'THE CO-OPERATIVE COOL STORES AT EAST DONCASTER.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 13 February, p. 7. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75089359
OPENING OF NEW COOL STORES AT DONCASTER EAST.
A ceremony of an important nature to the inhabitants of Doncaster East took place on Saturday afternoon, January 10, the occasion being the opening of new cool stores at East Doncaster. The function was attended by some little eclat, a representative gathering being present. Situated on the main Doncaster road and adjacent to Blackburn road, the structure presents an imposing appearance. Externally it measures 138 feet wide by 103 feet deep. It is furnished with six cooling chambers, the total storage capacity amounting to 24,000 cases. The machinery comprises a 65 brake horse power suction gas engine by Hornsby, and a 20 ton Werner's refrigerator. It is also furnished with dynamo and storage batteries for the lighting of the building. The total cost of building and machinery was about £6647. The contractor for the erection of the structure was Mr. May, and the architect Mr. Reynolds. Build of seasoned timber the work has been faithfully carried out, and the directors are well satisfied with the job. Although the opening ceremony had been fixed for 5 o'clock, it was well on to 7 before Sir Robert Best released the key which started the massive machinery running. Sir Robert said they were all gratified at what they had seen of the fine buildings and the noble machinery. It was a monument to the industrial enterprise of the people of the neighbourhood. When one looked around and saw the evidence of prosperity abounding on every hand they could not but admire the bulldog courage shown in reclaiming what had previously been but an arid waste and made it the garden of Victoria. Relying on their own enterprise they had carried out this great work, and he desired to wish them his heartiest congratulations. Their valued old friend, Mr. E. H. Cameron, M.L.A., had been the pioneer of that branch of industry, and he was sorry he was not with them that day. He had made his mark on legislation in Victoria. He had very much pleasure, in the name of Lady Best, in declaring the building open and starting the machinery. Three cheers were called for by Sir Robert and responded to with enthusiasm. The machinery worked with an absence of vibration and almost noiselessly, speaking well for the character of the work. An interesting group photograph was taken at this stage by Mr. Petty. At the invitation of the directors the assembled company partook of refreshments which had been thoughtfully provided by the ladies. The chair was taken by Mr. H. Petty, chairman of directors. After the toast of "The King" had been honored, Mr. Jno.Petty proposed the "Federal Parliament" coupled with the name of Sir Robert Best. Mr. Petty said that Sir Robert must have been a young man when he entered parliament, and he had been a consistent liberal ever since. They had often felt as regards parliament that they wished they would go into recess and stop there. He was glad Sir Robert Best had mentioned the name of Mr. Cameron, who had been a warm supporter of the fruit-growing industry. He noted that one of their old members, Sir George Turner, had accepted a lucrative position. Perhaps after another 20 years of service Sir Robert Best might see his way to accept something of the kind. Sir Robert Best, in responding, said that in the whole course of his political career he had never been on better terms than he was at present with this portion of his constituency. This was shown by the large majority at the last election which he keenly appreciated. To his mind one of the most important matters in connection with fruit-growing was grading. He also thought it of great importance that fruitgrowers should be allowed to manage their own business in their own way. They were all proud of what they had seen that day. Commendable enterprise had been shown in the conservation of water. The country was not naturally fertile and demanded water and an eternity of industry. The comfortable appearance of the neighborhood showed what could be done by enterprise and industry under individual conditions. No doubt a valuable export trade could be developed. There was a number of ways in which the government might assist in developing private enterprise. He had heard of enormous prices made by retailers. No doubt in times past they had been subject to much extortion. He was not prepared at that stage to say what could be done to assist in the marketing of fruit, but the government had placed £5000 on the estimates towards the assistance of the export trade. The industry was yet in its infancy and that enterprise was an important step in its development, therefore he joined in congratulating the company in what had been consummated that day. They did not want a talk about politics, which were a serious matter and came closely home to them. The present government was entitled to credit. It was time that the statute book did not show that a great number of measures had been passed. But he thought the government had done well with a majority of one in getting that iniquitous system abolished—preference to unionists. That was now a thing of the past. The time would come when the people would be asked to settle matters. The government still carried on with a majority of one. The difference in parliament would perhaps be remitted to the electors at no distant date. The government desired to be judged by their programme. If the electors approved of it and felt it was in the interests of the people as a whole, the majority at the next election would be increased and their confidence would not be misplaced. The chairman proposed the toasts of the architect (Mr. Reynolds), the builder (Mr. May), and the constructing engineer (Mr. Werner). He (Mr. Petty) would like to convey the directors' and shareholders' approval of their work. Mr. May thanked the company for the way they had received the toast. It had been in every way a pleasure to work with Mr. Reynolds, and he on his part had felt it encumbent on him to try and give the directors an honest job. He sincerely trusted that the shareholders would be satisfied with the character of the work. Mr. Werner also replied to the toast. He said that Mr. May had already said all that was necessary. He could say that since he had got the contract he felt it his duty to do his best. He did not know of a better constructor than Mr. May. He could congratulate the East Doncaster people on the store. He supposed that there would be further expansion in the future and Mr. May and himself would have another job. Sir Robert Best said he was sorry to be on his feet so often, the chairman was a modest man, and intimated that the toast list would close with the last toast. He thought that they would be disappointed if they had not the opportunity of toasting the directors. At the annual meeting held that day the shareholders had been kindly in their remarks. He thought the confidence they had reposed in their directors well merited and deserved. He was sure they all wished them unbounded prosperity. He had much pleasure in submitting the toast coupled with the name of Mr. H. Petty, chairman of directors. Mr. Petty said that Sir Robert Best had taken the wind out of his sails. He could only thank them very heartily on behalf of himself and co-directors. It had been an anxious time, but the directors knew they would have the support of the shareholders. The store had been well and faithfully built, and if the shareholders did their part the result would be satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Webb also thanked them for the toast. There had been a lot of work to do but the directors knew they had the shareholders behind them. The engineer had told him that the machinery was as good as they could [?] it. They had worked amicably [together] and he trusted they would do [so for the] next twelve months. He thought [there] was one more toast they ought to propose, and that was the ladies, who had worked so assiduously in making the gathering a success. He had pleasure in submitting it coupled with the name of Mr. Carnegie. Mr. Carnegie thought there had been a little bit of a misunderstanding as far as he was concerned. In the first place he did not cut up the sandwiches, but he had to plead guilty on behalf of the ladies. He thanked them for their kind remarks. Of course being a single man he had some little diffidence in responding to the toast, but as he was stopping over the next day there was no telling what might happen. At the termination of the toast list an impromptu dance was held in the packing room, an enjoyable time being spent for some hours. Miss Whitford presided at the piano in an efficient manner.
1914 'OPENING OF NEW COOL STORES AT DONCASTER EAST.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 16 January, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75089060
DONCASTER NOTES.
What might have proved a serious conflagration at the new cool store was happily averted by the prompt action of the employés. One of the pipes from the engine caused the sawdust packing to ignite, and soon the surrounding woodwork burst into flame. At this critical moment a handy water bucket proved invaluable, saving the building and some 20,000 cases of fruit, the loss of which would have been a serious set back to the enterprising and industrious shareholders.
1914 'DONCASTER NOTES.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 20 March, p. 9. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75089666
The West Doncaster Cool Storage Co. Prop. Ltd. (new company) has been registered with a capital of £16,320 in ninety-six shares of £170 each. The first directors are Messrs. John Tully, John Petty, and Albert Thomas Tully.
1916 'COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENGE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 9 August, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1609543
In order to improve the water supply in the higher portions of the district, the Doncaster Council on Tuesday night adopted a scheme formulated by the ratepayers, whereby it is proposed to attach a pump to the 2in. main at the West Doncaster cool store, and drive the water by electric power to the Government cool store. A storage tank will also probably be erected. The council agreed to sell the water to the Government and the ratepapers [sic] at the cost price at which it pays the Metropolitan Board in consideration of the shire hall, school, recreation ground, and trough being provided free.
1916 'MUNICIPAL.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 13 October, p. 3. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1604184
DONCASTER SHIRE COUNCIL.
The monthly meeting of this council was held at the shire hall, Doncaster, on Tuesday evening, December 11. Present:—Crs. H. Clay (president), Mitchell, Hunter, Tully, P. C. Clay, and McNamara.
Correspondence.
…..
From E. Dawes, secretary Central Cool stores, Doncaster, advising that this company had taken over the government cool stores, and requesting that reading of water and light meters be taken accordingly.—Referred to the secretary for attention.
…..
1917 'DONCASTER SHIRE COUNCIL.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 14 December, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75168875
SALE OF COOL STORES. Assembly Debate.
In accordance with the Ministerial policy the cool stores at Doncaster, Burwood, and Diamond Creek have been sold to co-operative companies of growers, and a bill has been introduced into the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Oman) to also sell the land upon which the cool stores stand. The second reading of this bill was moved in the Assembly by Mr Oman on August 1, and the debate was resumed last night.
The leader of the Opposition (Mr. Prendergast) asked the Minister to state on what terms the co-operators were taking over the stores. It was also necessary to discover whether the bodies that were taking the stores were co-operative or joint stock. "They are co-operative companies," interjected Mr. Oman. Mr. Prendergast (continuing) said that if a letter he had received were right, small growers would be excluded from the stores. It was necessary to see that no one was excluded and that the only restriction on storage was that which space imposed. "What the Minister has not said about this bill," was Mr. Prendergast's summary, "would fill several volumes." Mr. A. A. Billson (Nat., Ovens) said that the bill commended itself to him on account of the encouragement it gave to co-operation.
Mr. Bailey (Cau., Port Fairy) protested against the Ministry selling State property without Parliamentary sanction, and then seeking ratification of the contract when Parliament could not do anything else but agree. Mr Solly (Cau., Carlton) joined in this protest. On the other hand, Messrs. Outtrim (Nat., Maryborough) and Everard (Nat., Evelyn) warmly congratulated the Ministry upon its assistance to fruit districts by the provision of cool stores. Mr. Hogan (Cau., Warrenheip) considered that the Minister had done wrong, and he was proceeding with his criticism when Sir Alexander Peacock (Nat., Allendale) interjected. "You contend that a Ministry should do nothing when Parliament is in recess."
Mr Hogan.—I say that a Minister should not do anything after the Ministry have been defeated in the country. (To Sir Alexander Peacock).—One of these stores was sold after your Ministry had been defeated at an election.
Mr. Oman.—It is only fair to add that the stores had been placed under offer long before.
Sir Alexander Peacock (to Mr. Oman).— You wanted to "poke" too much at my late colleague. You made a speech and it is now being thrown up against you.
The motion for the second reading of the bill was agreed to. In committee, the Premier (Mr. Lawson) said that the information asked for could be given at the third reading stage. Mr. Prendergast estimated that the total loss on the transaction would amount to £11,000. The bill was agreed to in committee, and the third reading of the measure was made an order of the day for to-day.
1918 'SALE OF COOL STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 22 August, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1416407
SALE OF COOL STORES.
On the motion for the third reading of the Cool Stores Sites Bill in the Legislative Assembly yesterday the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Oman), in accordance with a promise, gave particulars of the co-operative companies to which the cool stores at Diamond Creek, Doncaster, and Burwood had been sold, and to which it was now proposed to sell the sites. The companies at Doncaster and Diamond Creek were co-operative companies, while that at Burwood was proprietary. "Is it a fact that Mr. Hagelthorn sold these stores after Ministry of which he was a member had been defeated?" inquired Mr Solly (Cau., Carlton) and Mr. Oman replied, " No, the sale of the stores was approved of on October 22."
Mr. J. W. Billson (Cau., Fitzroy) and Mr. Solly urged the Ministry to make certain that the growers to whom the stores had been sold acted on the co-operative principle and did not exclude other growers. After further discussion the Premier (Mr. Lawson) said that it would be impossible to impose conditions now that the stores had been sold, but he promised to see if safeguards could be introduced in some other way. The motion for the third reading of the bill was agreed to.
1918 'SALE OF COOL STORES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 23 August, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1426811
FRUITGROWERS' SELF HELP.
Commended by Governor-General.
A Visit to Doncaster.
Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Helen Munro Ferguson spent yesterday afternoon at Doncaster, where they visited the Central Co-operative Cool Stores, the Orchardists' Co-operative Cool Stores, and the orchards of Messrs. W. Webb and A. Thielle. [sic]
The Vice-regal visitors were received by the president of the shire (Councillor Tully). They were accompanied by Mr. Everard, M.L.A., Mr. Cronin (director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens), the councillors and the shire secretary (Mr. Simmons), Mr. Sampson, ex-M.H.R. for the Wimmera, and leading orchardists.
His Excellency was keenly interested in these co-operative enterprises, which, it was shown, were in a most prosperous condition without any help from the Government. When he was entertained after the visit by Councillor Tully, he commented on this fact, remarking that while some State-assisted enterprises had been remarkably successful there was nothing like self-help. He suggested that the co-operative principle in that district might well be extended to the transport of fruit to Melbourne.
Mr. Everard said that the fruitgrowing industry would be greatly benefited if another fruit-eating campaign were organised. "The Argus," he said, in the early years of the war had done an immense amount of good in advocating that movement, and he suggested that the time had come when it would be opportune for that journal to promote a similar movement.
Before leaving Doncaster their Excellencies visited both State schools, and spent some time chatting with the teachers and pupils. Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson asked that the children might be given a half holiday. The request was granted amid loud cheers from the beneficiaries.
1920 'FRUITGROWERS' SELF HELP.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 19 February, p. 6. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1677985
FRUIT PACKING.
Children to be Instructed.
It has been decided by the Education deparment, in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture, to give instruction in packing to children in fruitgrowing districts. Packing experts will visit Ringwood, Doncaster, and other centres and hold classes for senior pupils of the State schools at the district cool stores. The lessons will be given in the time at present occupied in manual work and clay modelling. The director of Education (Mr. Tate) is of the opinion that instruction in fruit packing will be more valuable to children in fruitgrowing districts than instruction in modelling and similar subjects.
1924 'FRUIT PACKING.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 16 July, p. 20. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4272368
DISTRICT NOTES. DONCASTER.
Orchardists throughout the Doncaster and surrounding districts are well satisfied with the season's prospects. In some of the orchards the soil shows signs of drying, but as most growers are well supplied with their hillside reserves of water, it is but a matter of finding time in the general rush of work to water the land and work it up into excellent condition for the summer months. The crops of all varieties of fruit have set well and while all of last season's yields of apples and pears are not yet out of the cool chambers, the coming season's supplies are well in prospect. The pears, and more particularly such varieties as the Beurre Bosc, which is considered by growers as the best all-round variety, and Josephine des Malines, another excellent general purpose variety, have set really good crops and in some instances the fruits are too numerous. Peaches have also set well, and now that the critical period, that of stone formation, is over with most varieties, it is clear that the fruit is well distributed about the branches, and that really good crops are likely to be gathered.
Growers in this district are rather proud of the fact that it was here that the cool storage movement passed through its experimental stages. The district now possesses the largest co-operative cool stores in any fruitgrowing district in the Commonwealth, and in addition there are numerous stores dotted about the district, which, in the aggregate, provide space for enormous quantities of fruit. Accommodation for more than 100,000 cases of fruit is provided by the large co-operative store. Many of the district growers have interested themselves in the facilities provided by the Department of Agriculture, which afford an opportunity for the school children to learn how to pack fruit in accordance with approved methods. The work accomplished by these children has surprised many of the older growers of the district who in many instances, have found that the children, after a few lessons, are at least equally as efficient as themselves in preparing fruit for market. The continuation of these instructional classes is expected to have a far-reaching effect in illustrating the value of prevent day methods of handling the fruit as compared with those of former years.
On the outer and nearer Melbourne fringe of the district some of the orchards that have been landmarks in the last quarter of a century have passed into the hands of subdivisional experts. As many of the blocks have not been built on, the neglected trees are somewhat of a menace to nearby growers. Little or no action has been taken by the purchasers to keep the trees free from pests, and it is recognised that unless the new owners take action to see that the trees are either sprayed or destroyed, these abandoned orchards may become a breeding ground for insect and fungoid diseases. In some parts measures have been taken already by the local orchard supervisor to compel the owners of these blocks to take action.
There is also appreciation of the action of the Department of Agriculture in conducting experiments this season to determine means for the control of the pear root aphis. During dry seasons this pest has caused considerable damage to nursery stock, and also to trees in old-established orchards. Mr. H. Zelius, a well-known orchardist in the district, has placed a small portion of his orchard at the service of the departmental officers, and it is understood that experiments are to be begun almost immediately, though no results are expected to be obtained until January or February.
1925 'DISTRICT NOTES.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 31 October, p. 21. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2160843
DONCASTER.
The cool stores are being rapidly cleared of last season's fruit. Satisfactory returns have been received, especially for pears shipped to Brisbane.
1925 'COUNTRY NEWS.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 19 November, p. 16. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2167626
DONCASTER.
Cool stores in the district have suspended operations, and are being renovated before receiving the season's fruit early in the new year. Prospects for a good fruit yield are bright.
1925 'COUNTRY NEWS.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 17 December, p. 18. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2173887
TENDERS. (Continued from Page 5.)
ADDITIONS to East Doncaster Cool Stores, labour and material. Preliminary deposit, with tender, 2½ per cent., Councillor A. E. Ireland, Beverley st., East Doncaster. Tenders close 11th June, 1926.
1926 'No title', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 29 May, p. 28. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3785277
COOL STORE BURNT. OUTBREAK AT DONCASTER. EXPORT FRUIT LOST.
A cool store at the orchard of Mr. William Jenkins, at East Doncaster, was destroyed by fire last evening, together with 1,000 cases of apricots, peaches, plums, and pears, which were ready for export to Great Britain. The efforts of Mr. Jenkins and his family, combined with a timely change in the direction of the wind, saved the homestead, but the stables were much damaged.
Mr. Jenkins was walking to a cowshed about 20 minutes past 7 o’clock when he saw flames and smoke issuing from the roof of the cool store, which was a timber building with a corrugated iron roof. The walls were packed with shavings for insulation. In a few minutes the building was a mass of flames, and, aided by his family, Mr. Jenkins fought to prevent them from reaching the house. The wind changed suddenly, and the flames were blown in the opposite direction towards the stable, which was damaged considerably. Detachments from the Box Hill and Surrey Hills fire stations arrived and extinguished the outbreak with water pumped from a dam.
The cool store was erected a few years ago at a cost of £3,500, and the fruit which it contained was valued at £500. The building was covered by insurance, but the fruit was not insured.
1931 'COOL STORE BURNT.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 9 February, p. 11. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4257065
In Voluntary Liquidation
Doncaster Central Cool Stores Pty. Ltd. Creditors meeting at the house of the liquidator, E. Daws, George road, Doncaster, on September 8, at noon.
1933 'COMPANY NEWS', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 31 August, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4759052
This has been a highly successful fruit season in Doncaster. Apples and pears are bringing good prices oversea.—Several orchardists have built their own cool stores, among them being Messrs F. and H. Petty and V. Lawford.—
1936 'OTHER DISTRICTS', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 21 April, p. 14. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11029070
DAMAGE OF £50,000 IN COOL STORE FIRE
Losses at Doncaster
Damage estimated at £ 50,000 was caused by a fire which swept through the Orchardists' Cool Stores Pty. Ltd.'s premises at Doncaster yesterday morning. Half of the storage space was destroyed, and about 40,000 cases of apples and pears, a large proportion of which was not insured, were ruined. About 200 fruitgrowers will be heavy losers.
Residents of the district as far away as Blackburn, three miles distant, heard an explosion in the condenser coils plant and ammonia tanks. About 100 people were standing in the road in front of the store when the explosion occurred.
One of the ammonia cylinders, about six feet long, and weighing more than one hundredweight, was hurled across the road. It went through on iron oil drum and struck a huge pine tree, tearing away about 10 square feet of bark to a depth of about two inches, and fell in the front garden of a house occupied by Mr. W. A. Webb. But for the tree the cylinder would have wrecked the front of the house.
Mr. Webb was standing in the road watching the blaze when the explosion occurred. "The cylinder passed about four feet over our heads," he said.
Fifty firemen from Box Hill, Hawthorn, and Eastern Hill fought the blaze for more than two hours. It began near the furnace, about 5.30 a.m., and the alarm was given by the second engineer, Mr. P. Holdstock, the only man on the premises at the time. "The flames seemed to spread like lightning," Mr. Holdstock said. "I just had time to stop the plant, give the alarm, and get out of the engine-room before it became an inferno."
Much Fruit Uninsured
The stores comprise two buildings, each of which has space for 75,000 cases of fruit. The 40,000 cases destroyed were valued at an average of 8/ a case, or a total of approximately £16,000. Some growers had up to 3,000 cases in the store, and many of them had not insured their fruit. Mr. Jack Snell, a leading grower in the district, had about 1,500 cases in the ruined chambers. Three times last week he went to an insurance office to have his fruit covered, but each time the agent was away. A few thousand cases were to have been shipped for export at the week-end, one grower having arranged for his 2,000 uninsured cases to be shipped to-day.
Several firemen were affected by the ammonia fumes. F. Marshall, from Box Hill station, was treated for the effects of fumes, and another fireman, B. Le-Archer, of Hawthorn, was treated for burned hands.
The building and plant were insured for £40,000. Since the Government cool stores were destroyed in January, there has been an acute shortage of cool storage space for fruit, and the fire yesterday has created a serious position for growers. The storage chambers in both buildings were operated by the machinery that was destroyed, but another plant will be installed by to-day. To keep the fans working in the second building a tractor was brought from the orchard of the chairman of directors of the company (Mr. J. J. Tully). The stoppage of the plant caused a slight rise in the temperature, but the fans operated by the tractor pre- vented a further rise, although they could not reduce it.
An offer to provide a limited amount of cool storage space for fruit for a few days until growers can make other arrangements was received by Mr. Tully from W. Angliss and Co. Pty. Ltd.
COOL STORES AT DONCASTER ON FIRE
[Illustrated – but picture unclear in copy on line.]
Firemen playing a hose on smouldering ruins near the seat of the fire which destroyed a portion of the cool stores at Doncaster yesterday.
1937 'DAMAGE OF £50,000 IN COOL STORE FIRE', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 27 March, p. 7. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11052427
Mr. A. E. Hocking, a former president of the Orchardists' and Cool Stores Association has offered to place storage space at his Graceburn Valley Orchard cool store at the disposal of Doncaster fruitgrowers, whose stores were burnt on Friday.
1937 'CLOUDY TO-DAY', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 29 March, p. 10. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11052679
NO GRANT FOR GROWERS
Doncaster Fire Losses
One of the growers whose fruit was destroyed in the cool stores fire at Doncaster on Good Friday had to postpone his wedding because of his loss, but this, and other tales of distress among growers, did not cause the Acting Premier (Mr. Old) to promise a grant to assist them. The grant was requested by a deputation yesterday.
"Do not think I am unsympathetic," Mr. Old said. "Your misfortune is typical of the hazards of primary production and you will realise that it would be impossible for any Government to adopt a policy of making grants for the relief of those in industries which have failed. Only recently I had to refuse a similar request from primary producers in the north, from where I come."
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Mr. Everard), introducing the deputation, said that the value of the uninsured fruit destroyed was about £8,200 The amount of fruit lost was worth £15,000. Many growers had lost the whole of their season's crop. Growers in the Doncaster district were a self-reliant body of men, who had built the cool stores and put in irrigation works without seeking Government assistance, and they would not have sought it on this occasion had not the position been serious.
Mr. Old advised the growers to seek assistance under the Farmers' Advances Act.
Shareholders' Thanks
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
Sir,—At a meeting of shareholders of the Orchardists' Cool Stores Co. Ltd., held on March 30, I was instructed to express the gratitude of the shareholders to all who came to the assistance of the company and growers at the time of the disastrous fire at their co-operative cool store on Good Friday morning. Particularly did they wish to thank the engineers and employees of R. Werner and Co. Pty. Ltd. and Mitchell and Co., who worked for 36 hours on end in their holidays to instal the machinery necessary to keep the undamaged portion of the store in operation.— Yours, &c., G. S. GROVER, Secretary.
April 6.
1937 'NO GRANT FOR GROWERS', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 8 April, p. 12. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11054962
COOL STORES
Rebuilding Question
Representatives of the Cool Storage Association asked the State Ministry, through the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Hogan) yesterday that it should delay making any decision about the rebuilding of that part of the Government Cool Stores recently destroyed by fire until an expert investigation had been made into the available cool storage accommodation in the State. The deputation was introduced by Mr. Dillon, M.L.A.
Mr. Hogan, in reply, said that no decision had yet been made, and that the representations made would receive careful consideration.
The speakers at the deputation were the secretary of the Associated Cool Stores of Victoria (Mr. E. W. Vagg), the secretary to the Brunswick Ice and Cold Storage Co. (Mr. T. C. Martin), and the managing director of the Metropolitan Ice and Fresh Food Co. Pty. Ltd. (Mr. S. W. Dunkerley).
It was stated that in spite of the partial destruction of the Government Cool Stores and of those at Doncaster private interests had been able to provide all the refrigeration space needed.
Mr. Hogan said that a survey of the position was already being made.
1937 'COOL STORES', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 10 April, p. 23. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11055779
REBUILDING OF COOL STORES. Inquiry to be Made. PROBLEM OF SPACE
The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Hogan) has decided to appoint a committee of experts to consider whether it is necessary to rebuild the Government cool stores, which were destroyed by fire about two months ago, and, if it is not, to recommend what measures should be taken to relieve the acute shortage of cool storage space in Melbourne.
Exporters of primary produce have been caused heavy expense since the Government and the Doncaster stores were destroyed by having to distribute their goods in several private stores.
The managements of proprietary and co-operative cool stores are opposed to the rebuilding of the Government Cool Stores. They believe that the provision of cool storage space for general use is unnecessary Government interference with private enterprise.
They will recommend to the committee that they should be given an assurance that the Government stores will not be rebuilt, and that they should be permitted to build the additional space required for general purposes and for emergency purposes, such a strikes and war. They will recommend that the Government should pay a subsidy to the private cool stores for the maintenance of emergency space. A subsidy paid in this way, they will attempt to prove to the committee, would be a less costly arrangement for the Government than the building and maintenance of stores for national emergency purposes.
There is 3,500,000 cubic feet of cool storage space close to the centre of Melbourne at present. About 700,000 cubic feet of space was destroyed in the Government Cool Stores fire, and 150,000 cubic feet in the Doncaster fire. Although there has been no loss of fruit or other produce owing to lack of space, it was only by the closest co-operation between all the proprietary and co-operative stores that the produce was saved.
Exporters had to distribute their goods among several stores, increasing handling and transport costs. They believe that it would be impossible to carry on next year, particularly for the peak period of three months beginning in November, without a great deal of additional space.
1937 'REBUILDING OF COOL STORES', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 17 April, p. 23. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11057516
When four horses were trapped in their stables after an ammonia pipe had burst at the Doncaster cool stores on February 23 Mr. Eric Cullen, an employee of the stores, risked suffocation by the escaping fumes to rescue them. He entered the stable four times. In recognition of his courage Mr. Cullen was made an honorary member of the Victorian Society for the Protection of Animals when the society's committee met on Tuesday.
1938 'Brief Items in the News', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 17 March, p. 3. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11153214
ORCHARDISTS' COOL STORES
Orchardists' Cool Stores Co. Ltd., Doncaster, shows surplus of £963 for the year to December 31. Directors state that the stores were again leased to the Apple and Pear Marketing Board at a satisfactory rental.
1942 'ORCHARDISTS' COOL STORES', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 20 February, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8233749
FRUITGROWERS IN METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS CONFIDENT
Doncaster Men on Trends Since Acquisition
By MERVYN WESTON/ Special Staff Correspondent of THE ARGUS.
Average annual apple aad pear production in metropolitan districts of Melbourne between the south bank of the Yarra and Ferntree Gully is about 1,000,000 cases. In addition, large quantities of peaches, plums, and cherries are grown for the fresh fruit market. The area produces a large proportion of the Victorian lemon yield.
There are nearly 1,000 orchardists today in the area embracing Doncaster, Blackburn, Croydon, Ringwood, Templestowe, Vermont, Wantirna, Mt Waverley, East Burwood, and Graceburn Valley. It is the home of cool storage of fresh fruit.
There are 40 cool stores with a capacity of 750,000 cases. The district initiated Australia's export of fresh pears, and before the war was handling 35% of that total export.
That was the general overall picture I was given of fruit production in the metropolitan district when I visited Blackburn and Doncaster. "This area went through three bitter years from 1940 to 1943, when fruit was being acquired by the Apple and Pear Marketing Board," one man said. "Growers have not forgotten it, though general marketing conditions today are good and growers are satisfied and confident. However, production of the area is down considerably on prewar figures, because some hundreds of acres of apples and pears were destroyed and other orchards were neglected when it became impossible for growers here to produce at acquisition rates."
This man said storage facilities had been erected by the enterprise of local growers, who realised they were necessary for the safe handling of the highly perishable pear crop, to facilitate the export trade, and to enable growers to spread marketing of their apples and pears in local and interstate markets late in the year when quality fruit was in good demand at payable prices. Place of the district as the chief source of supply late in the season had been enhanced over the war years. In turn growers expected the most remunerative prices offering as a reward for holding their fruit. It was that market which was the compensating factor against low and costly production on poor and high priced land. Acquisition placed all growers on the same level and penalised those who had had the foresight and courage to sink capital into provision of their own cool stores to assist and ensure satisfactory marketing. That was why growers of the metropolitan districts had been hit so hard by the Apple and Pear Board scheme of marketing.
MUST ORGANISE AND CONTROL
"I believe," he said, "that the producer must organise and control his production and also control the movement of his produce. While obtaining the maximum return to which he is entitled, his job is to get his produce to the consumer in greater quantities and better quality and as cheaply as possible. That means that he must get his fruit to the masses at a price they can afford to pay. The weakness of Australian marketing has been that distribution. Even in Victoria today there are areas that are starved of fruit. I think that position can only be overcome by the enterprise of producers' co-operatives. It will never be done by control, for it is then no one's responsibility."
Mr R. J. Tully, of Doncaster East, secretary Doncaster Fruitgrowers' Association, said district growers wanted at all times to handle their own problems with an absolute minimum of Government assistance. "When acquisition ceased in Victoria we were faced with the problem of handling our pears and apples," said Mr Tully. "Because so many of the growers are so violently opposed to any form of compulsion, we decided on a voluntary pool through our co-operative, the Southern Victoria Pear Packing Co. Most of the growers came into it, and results were very satisfactory. The company, which has 695 shareholders, supplied materials, did the packing, and handled transport and marketing to whatever degree individual growers required. I consider that pool to be the biggest forward stride we have taken in the selling of our produce. Pooled fruit is sold under the blue moon brand for pears, red moon for apples, and golden moon for lemons."
Mr Tully said one great worry facing orchardists was the shortage of cases. Timber and labour for making them were in short supply. "What we are going to do next year I do not know," he said. "I would I like to see the use of more soft-woods, and in the postwar years much greater activity in afforestation. That is where the Government can help. Another of our problems is that we know relatively little about various diseases and little about the most suitable stocks of fruit trees.
In that regard the proposed establishment of an experimental farm and experimental cool store in the district should be a great help."
LOSSES OF LEMONS
Mr L. A. P. Webb, of Doncaster, said the district was the largest producer of lemons in the State. It was estimated that about 20% of the spring crop had been lost through the frosts, but the heaviest loss would be in the autumn crop. Losses of trees were not as heavy as in northern areas. Supplies of young citrus trees were totally inadequate to meet the demand, and it was difficult to obtain good, reliable citrus or other fruit trees. Production would have been better if more fertiliser, particularly sulphate of ammonia, had been available.
Mr J. Noonan, of Doncaster East, secretary Southern Fruitgrowers' Association, said the voluntary pool established to handle last season's fruit had been a wonderful success, not only for its return to the grower, but in saving of labour. "While decreased production of this area is mainly an Apple and Pear Board legacy, the shortage of labour has also had a big effect," Mr Noonan said. "It will take many years to replace orchards destroyed and neglected when it became uneconomic to work them. Fruit is not adaptable to board control. It is too perishable, and even in this State and this district itself there is considerable variation in crops and production costs. Although our production costs have been high, our realisation values have recouped us. We have specialised more than other areas not only in spreading our markets in Melbourne but also in other States. The board put all areas on the one basis, and we were penalised for the high capitalisation of our farms. Our experience last season showed us that purely local pools will work out all right. We can control our fruit then."
Mr Noonan said he considered the acquisition price for half the lemon crop marketed between June and December to be satisfactory. "The price is reasonable, especially as the Government wants the lemons for the services and has simplified the handling," he said. "Quite apart from the national aspect, this quota system has been good for the lemon industry. It has kept the market buoyant. In view of the frost damage, however, there might have been some revision of the factory price for this season."
Although it would be said that orchardists knew the conditions when they first obtained the water, Mr Noonan said there should be some revision of the price of water used for irrigating orchards in metropolitan districts. "It is one of our heaviest burdens," he said. "Whereas Goulburn Valley growers can obtain water at 6/ an acre-foot, it costs us an equivalent of £13/5/ an acre foot in buying excess water at 1/ a 1,000 gallons. Then we have galvanised piping costs on top of that."
1944 'FRUITGROWERS IN METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS CONFIDENT', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 3 November, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11368601
£50,000 COOL STORES FIRE HITS DONCASTER ORCHARDISTS
More than two million lbs of pears and apples were damaged by smoke and water when a spectacular fire demolished a large freezing plant and 12 cool chambers at the Orchardists' Cool Stores Co Ltd, Main rd, Doncaster, early yesterday. Damage exceeded £50,000.
A similar fire gutted the cool stores at the same hour on Good Friday, March 26, 11 years ago.
Claimed to be the largest co-operative cool store in Victoria, the building comprised 28 cool chambers, each with a capacity of 4,500 cases. Damage to 40,000 cases of pears and apples is estimated at £20,000.
Breaking out in the engine-room of the plant soon after 5am, the fire spread along the east half of the main storage wing and through
12,000 sq ft of storage space. Residents of an adjoining house tried to telephone the Box Hill fire brigade, but the fire had interrupted the service.
A call from a street alarm brought the Box Hill brigade, which was joined by brigades from Eastern Hill, Hawthorn, and Surrey Hills. The fire was under control by 7am.
The company has suspended operations until a temporary freezing plant can be installed.
More than 100 fruitgrowers in Doncaster and Templestowe who have placed pears and apples in the store since picking began early in February, may have to put a great deal of their salvaged fruit on the market, as nearly all other cool stores in the district are full.
Although the plant and buildings were insured, little of the fruit was covered, and some growers will suffer severe losses.
A fire which gutted part of the Box Hill Ice and Cold Storage Co at 5am on March 9 of last year caused £20,000 damage. More than half of this plant has now been restored.
1948 '£50,000 COOL STORES FIRE HITS DONCASTER ORCHARDISTS', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 27 March, p. 1. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22542444
COOL STORES FIRE DAMAGE
THE BURNT-OUT POWER PLANT OF THE ORCHARDISTS' COOL STORES after the fire which caused more than £50,000 damage at Doncaster early yesterday. The cool stores were severly [sic] damaged 11 years ago in a fire which occurred on the same date, also a Good Friday, and at about the same hour.
[Illustration – unclear in the scanned copy.]
1948 'COOL STORES FIRE DAMAGE', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 27 March, p. 5. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22542691
He won many fruit prizes
One of the most successful entrants in all the sections judged at the Show was Mr. Peter Thiele, of Church rd., Doncaster.
He scooped the pool in the pears section.
Mr. Thiele won 22 classes out of a possible 23. He was defeated only in the Josephine class by Harcourt Orchardists Ltd.
Mr. E. H. Thiele, of East Doncaster, won the Orchardists' Cool Store trophy.
Another successful entrant was Gouldthorpe and Lucas, who won the only four classes in the apples section for those who have not won a prize at a Royal Show.
1950 'He won many fruit prizes', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 25 September, p. 10. , viewed 12 Jul 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22908600
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