The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1897-07-10
To the Directors of the Van Buren, Hortieultur-
al association.

mate excuse, | put in claim of
$1,000 which was paid within ten
days and turned over to your Treas
urer.
In regard TO refrigerator service,
consider that both companies have
done all in their power to assist us in
every possible manner. One c. +. L.
car shipped to Denver, Col, arrived
there in more or less damaged con-
dition, on account of not being prop
erly braced, and about SO cases of
berries falling down in the center of
the car were considerably damaged.
One A. r. T. car fer Omaha, Neb,
was loaded too heavily and some of the
crates on the top tiers were more or
less damaged.
The comparative total shipments in
refrigerator cars were as follows:
C. +. tbs cars, 9575 crates /;
average net returns, 81 80 l-5.
A. X. T.-53 cars. 267204 crates
average net returns, 81 80 l-3.
When it is taken into consideration
that the only three ears that went
East, and the car that went to Chica-
90 and the last seven cars of the sea-
son that were shipped after the c. F.
+. cars were abandoned, and all sold
at low prices, were all A. K. = cars,
the above figures make very fattcr-
ing showing for this car, and natur-
ally give US the idea that it is no. so
much in the car as in the manner in
which it is handled.
On account of short crop, and adj
ditional expense in recognizing, our
rebate will probably be less than u.s.
ual, but as we feel that we are work
ing on safe plan, and that the pros
pect is bright for the future, we do
not anticipate any complaint. The
Secretary's books and papers are open
fol the inspection of your board at any
and all times, and would be pleased
to have an auditing committee make
an investigation at any time.
In reference to the commission firms
your Secretary believing we have the
best that could be selected in any city,
but AS we expect very much larger
crop next season, would suggest, il
your board thinks proper. that you in
struct your Secretary to keep up a
constant correspondence with new
cities where we have done no business
heretofore, and make special effort
to secure a large line of correspon-
dents that can be youched for as being
reliable.
Shipments to different commission
firms are attached to this report show
ing number of cars and crates shipped
to each, and their net average returns.
We find as whole that the general
average in round numbers is $l83
net on 20 refrigerator cars shipped.
Your Secretary recommends that
next season some system Of grading
berries be adopted, as it is a well
known fact that quite number Of
growers are taking advantage of the
present system of averaging up sales
ON cars, and are taking no pains what
ever in putting up their fruit in good
condition. If this can not be done we
should insist on our commission firms
selling each shippers fruit on their
merits. Unless something is done this
pernicious habit will grow worse every
year, and finally the best growers will
be compelled to draw out of the asso-
citation and club together Oh their ship
mcnts.
Another matter want to call your
attention TO, and that is filling quarts
too slack. Ii does not injure berries TO
fill them one half or one inch above
the level of the quart, aud pressing
lid down on them; in fact it is ben
eft, as it keeps them from shaking up
and down in the quarts, aud causes
them to carry much better.
In addition To amount in Treasur-
er's hand there is what | consider le-
Ultimate claim against the
Milwaukee railroad of about $500 90,
that | think will be paid; but 10 max
ing up present rebate | think at least
: 90 should he reserved in the Treas
urer's hands for any legitimate expen-
SEES that may come up before next sea-
son, aud if above claims are collected
an additional rebate can be issued to
members.
In conclusion yonr Secretary takes
great pleasure in thanking your board
for the uniform aud busInesS-like man
ner in which they have conducted their
business, aud is appraised of the fact
that your efforts aud system have been
highly appreciated by all our CORES
pondents. and the splendid results
nave demonstrated the fact that our
efforts are recognized and appreciated
5y the leading business firms of the
country, Very respectfully,
j. l.. RsA, Secretary.