Cannery now in full blast

EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year.

From the Penticton Herald archives

JULY 26, 1928 — The Dominion Canners’ plant at Penticton is in full swing with the beginning of the apricot season. Although the cots have been slow in coming in, the rush work will soon commence. Under the capable management of Mr. R. B. Hughes, who was suddenly appointed to the local branch from Keremeos, the cannery is progressing in rapid strides, and if it had not been for the late start, much more would have been accomplished.

Since Mr. Hughes came from Keremeos, conditions in the local plant have been vastly improved. The inside of the building has been freshly coated with whitewash and more room, has been made for the operations. Later on, a new system for peeling peaches is to be installed. This new process is a steam method which is expected to turn out a better class of fruit than the old lye system. The peaches will he handled this season by the new method, and it is expected that the brand will be equal, if not superior, to the American peach. EMPLOYEES TOTAL 125 At the height of the cot season there will be about 100 women and 25 men employed at the plant, which means a high payroll for the town. The working conditions are as good as could be expected with the type of fruit which is handled.

The cherry crop was very disappointing this season owing to the splits. A large number had to be culled, and this took a considerable length of time. According to the canning rules these split cherries could not be packed, thus losing a good percentage of the pack. About 45 tons of cherries were packed during the season. It is thought that at least 175 tons of apricots will be put through the plant this year. Following this, the cannery will pack 250 tons of plums and 100 tons of peaches. Thus the local factory will be busy for some time.