Imperial Valley press., 1928-08-02

all the cantalOupes grown here were
picked and marketed. In the past
two seasons, prior TO 1928, there
were heavy losses in cantaloupes
and only fourth of the distributors
survived. This years business, and
its consistently good prices, has re-
stored II number of firms. Canta-
loupcs are responsible for an annual
payroll of about 1900, zoo expended
in the valley.
The Chamber of Commerce survey
makes it apparent that the past -
months have been the most success
full in the history of Imperial Val
ley, with returns greater even than
in war time, when prices were much
inflated. The quantity produced,
except as to dairy products, was ~
percent more than in war time.
The records of the Southern Pa
cific, Hays states, likewise show in
creascs, and indicate greater pro.
duction and renewed prosperity
here. Cars shipped from the valley
during the first six months Of 1928
were 81 $50 in number, as compared
with 1922 i'll the same period Il
year ago, or an increase OF 4.474-
i gain of II percent.
This increase is accounted for
chiefly by shipments Of lettuce.
cantaloupcs, vegetables and hay.
During the period, great quantities
Of all these commodities were also
handled by outbound trucks, and the
increased production is therefore
really much greater than is indlcat-
ed by the foregoing computation.
Inbound carload shipments, Hays
found by inquiry at the district
freight office, also show a crafty
ing increase, which would indicate
an improved purchasing power and
greater degree Of prosperity here.
inbound carloads of foodstuffs,
building materials and automobiles
all show substantial gains. The
automobile increase of - carloads
is especially gratifying to the rail
road officials, when it is remember
ed that shipments of Fords have
been nil, all new Ford cars having
been driven in, whereas last year a
large number were received hy rail.
The payroll Of the Southern Pa
cific stations in Imperial Valley
show substantial increase each
year. In 1926 it was Sl0l, 900; in
1927 it amounted to Sl04. 900; in
1928 ii is expected to reach 800.
The payroll Of the Pacific Fruit
Express, which handles the rcfrig-
81, II. IL
interesting gains. In 1926 its pay
roll amounted to $97 900. In 1927 it
reached &l16.J00. For 1928 it will
run to about $780, 900. These PIE.
increases are due largely to the in
creased movement and distribution
of cantalOupes and lettuce. Lettuce
in full carloads is now shipped to
325 cities and towns. \ year ago
but 22J destinations received full
carloads. Cantaloupes this season
reached $50 cities which used full
carloads. Up to date cantaloupcs
shipped out this season reached the
record figure of 1920 carloads, in
Guiding, of course, honey dews and
similar melons. Last year, a big one
up to that time, there were only
1881 carloads out, and this season
melons are Still being shipped daily
The increased movement of these
commodities has made it necessary
for the railway to double track a
part of it's line from MeXicali to
Yuma, the better to handle the traf-
fic.
Imperial valley, without a doubt,
can certainly be credited with sit
tin prctty,' and the chamber of
commerce computations would indi-
cate that with the passing of the