FRUITGROWERS AND THE WAR.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15870, 9 April 1917, Page 7

FRUITGROWERS AND THE WAR.

CABE OF FKUIT FARMS

ItEPBESENTATIONS TO

EFFICIENCY BOARD.

An important communication from tho N.Z. Fruitgrowers' Federation on the subject of the care of fruit farms whose owners havo been, or may be, called up under the Military Scrvico Act, was beforo the monthly mooting of tho Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association on Saturday night.

The letter stated that probably fruitgrowing would be treated as an essential industry, provided means could be found for carrying it on, and it was desirablo that fruitgrowers should cooperate with tho authorities in the matter. Fruitgrowers' associations were rcquestod to convene special meetings to discuss the position and formulate proposals as to how, with tho least loss to tho Stato and to tho owner, properties of absentees on militaiy duty, and the interest of owners affccted by men being called up, could be protected. These proposals would bo considered by conference. It was proposed to ask representatives of tho National Efficiency Board to discuss these proposals with delegates. The letter went on:—"It would be advisable for each Association to watch the proceedings of the National Elficieney Board .and for Associations in each district to combine for tho purpose of appointing one fruitgrower to bo a representative of the fruitgrowing industry fo r the district, to co-operato with, and advise, tho District Commissioner of tho National Efficicncy Board and to let him know what the fruitgrowers wish done "

Mr J. Longton said it was an oversight that fruitgrowers liad not becu asked to bo represented before the Efficiency Board. There wore fruitgrowers and market gardeners in and around C'hristchurch who were iu the Second Division, and who, in tho course of a fow months, might i>o callod upon to serve tho Empire. Ho was very anxious that tho Board should take the matter up becauso "as soon as they are prepared to tako my place, I am prepared to tako my place at the front." Fruit farniß were different from ordinary farms which could be put in grass and stock grazed on them. With an orchard ono year's neglect would mean, possibly, a very serious set-back; and two or three years' neglect might mean absolute ruin. There was, therefore, great necessity for representations being mado to the Board and for arrangements being made for those not called up and for tlioso who had partially retired from fruitgrowing, to look after the properties of those called up. Ho moved: "That tho Efficiency Board be approached and that Mr Frank Sisson be asked to represent the fruitgrowers of Canterbury before it." He added that it would be necessary to get others to represent market gardeners and owners of glasshouses, as both would roquire to be looked after." Mr H. Wyatt seconded tho motion, which was agreed to.