TO FRUIT GROWERS AMD
US1MESS MEN!
HAVE BEEN ASKED by some of our growers to answer a recent
circular sent out to strawberry growers, which sets our averages
on last year's strawberries as misleading, and claims that we only shipped
local shipments to grocers by express. One grower was so pleased with
our actual cash returns last year that he offered to pay a full sheet add in
the local papers for our answer, ref utal, and the publication of facts. We
have no desire, neither have we occasion, to enter into controversies and
lengthy arguments as to why we FAILED to do this or that. We are per
fectly willing to leave final judgment in the hands of our members, who
base their decision on results obtained, and the verdict fti the shape of ever
increasing membership more than satisfies us.
During the year 1915 when we shipped express shipments only, the above bone of conten
tion was argued with good success.' During the year 1916 only two organizations shipped car
load lots. We were one of them, and our daily returns INCLUDE C ARLOTS as well as express
shipments. That we had to hold over for two days to make up these cars need only be explain,
ed to show that one carlot would comprise two and sometimes three days' separate pools, added
with express lots. That our limited number of carlots shipped was surely not our fault must be
conceded, and that we fed many wholesale dealers with small shipments when they wanted car
lots only again explains that our big HANDICAP lay in our small tonnage.
We could pick over our returns and elaborate largely on the choicest tit bits of salesman
ship, but what intestests the grower is, "HOW MUCH CASH DO I GET BACK?" The mere as
sertion that Express Shipments bring higher returns than carlots is at fault when the high over
headrestricted markets, poor carrying facilities, and subsequent loss, are taken into consideratiod.
However, we are not arguing we are stating facts in the following:--
The Fruit Growers' Exchange, a local organization, issolidly, vigorously, and honestly, working
to get the growers of Hood River the highest all round results, which will tend to redeem, and sub
stantially build a solid foundation on the value of Hood River land and property. Every cent MORE
we can bring back substantiates this fact. We are striving to get MORE for the fruit, not LESS.
We are trying to get BETTER RESULTS not poorer. Therefore, we, and our growers behind us,
welcome ANY healthy rivalry, which only stimulate and spur us on to BETTER RESULTS.
We have to date signed over 20,000 crates of NEW strawberry business for the year 1917 be
sides our old membership. We want to make this 50,000 crates. Surely we will not have the OLD
argument used against us next year. It will be a NEW one.
Our Records, the heart of our business, are Open at all times
to our members. Moreover, we hereby offer this same privilege to
any authorized body or number of unaffiliated growers, and will
throw a certified Audit of our books into-the bargain, providing
they pay the cost. Has the Mood River-Grower
Ever Been Offered This Before ?
We have NOTHING to hide. We have EVERYTHING to show, and we extend to every grower
a hearty invitation to investigate and join this growers' organization NOW. EXCUSES are not
offered you RESULTS are.
Fruit Growers' Exchange
Q
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