HORTICULTURE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19149, 4 November 1927, Page 12

HORTICULTURE.

AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK. Tjy Geo. A. Dominion secretary and organiser ai the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen, speaking last night at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Council of the Association, sounded an optimistic note in connexion with the horticultural .trades.

"The general conditions of the Dominion,'' be said, "are certainly much better than they were last year from a business aspect. Finances, however, are still somewhat tight, and as a result the trade conditions have been somewhat-restricted; however the corner has undoubtedly been turned, and the time is opportune for the trade to take advantage of the improved outlook,' by providing in full supply all standard stocks and such sterling novelties as may be available in good quality and well advertised.

"The short supply and high prices ruling for stone fruit* and the improved prices obtained for our exported apples have improved the demand, with the result that the Bupply of stone fruit, has been short. This, in part, is accounted for by the partial'failure of the seedling crop of stocks two years ago. The usual export ot apple stocks were sent abroad last season. "There iB now quite a, good demand for lemons on good stems, and from selected stocks, while Poorman oranges are in short supply, os also are sweet oranges. There is every chance of an increased demand in the near future. It is being recognised that there are considerable areas of good citrus lands in the northern end of the South Island as well as in the North Island. The better attention that is being given to the culture, selection, picking, and packing of citrus fruits must have a great effect on the demand for fie trees.

"Roses have been in full supply, and in some districts in rather over supply. Cooperation in advertising, and writing up the matters pertaining to rose culture have assisted in. some centres, and could with advantage have been used to clear stocks in many instances. The Association's rose list will bo rcTiscd as usual nest month and should be ready for the conference. "Some districts report good business in trees, others report it as patchry, and some as poor. The latter is largely 8. result of the keen cutting competition of the State Forest Nursery Department, who with their travellers, free advertising ,and other advantages are enabled to sell below the cost of production by the private nurseries. This action should be beneath the dignity of a State Department. It is time the peoples' representatives " realised the serious overlapping that is taking place and the national losses occasioned thereby

"As an Association we still urge that there is no justification for the registration of nurceries which does not apply to all nurseries which grow plants for eale. "The interest in bulbs is increasing. The registration of seedling daffodils and their inclusion'-aa an appendix to the R.H.S. list has been arranged for by the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. This Association's annual revision is now in the press. It is understood that negotiations are now in hand for the co-ordination of the daffodil work of the National Daffodil Society and the institute.

"The work of the Florists' Exchange is making steady progress, united displays of the florists' art similar to the one made in Auckland at last conference would do much to stimulote the use of flowers. No branch of the nursery business has gone ahead as fast as that in bedding plants. It is a branch of the trade which needs skill and training to produce the best quality seed; quality, growth of plants, and good culture are all needed. Cutting has been in evidence in a fen' places generally at the cost of quality, but thj3 is the exception. "In conclusion it may be said that the season just closing has been much better than we. feared, but not quite as good as it was hoped. Excelsior should be the motto' for I&2S.'-' ■

LINOLEUM INDUSTRY.

MANUFACTURE IN AUSTRALIA.

When the linseed oil industry was established in Australia about 16 years ago it was a problem what, to do with the residual cake. From three tons of linseed there is extracted one ton of oil, and there < remains two tons of cake. In time the manufacturers were putting on the market practically all the oil that Australia required, but still the sale of linseed cake as a food for cattle dragged. During the 'past two years the demand for the cake has increased to such an extent that the supply is not sufficient. With more cake required to meet the demand, the problem became what could be done with the oil over and above the present requirements. An opportunity presented itself in the manufacture of linoleum, into which linseed oil enters largely. Negotiations with the Linoleum Manufacturing Company of Australia resulted in Meggitt, Limited, investing £15,000 in that company.,, Negotiations with Michael Nairn and Company, Limited, British linoleum manufacturers, followed, with the result that a provisional agreement was arrived at, whereby Michael Nairn and Company will form an Australian company of £250,000. The Bri' tish company will subscribe cash, for 100,000 shares of SI each, and will receive in addition 30,000 shares fully paid as considera-, tion for its expert knowledge. Linoleum Manufacturing, Company of Australia is to be allotted 80,000 shares in payment for its business.

Mr S. W. Philips, chairman of directors of Meggitts, Limited, who conducted the negotiations with the British company, returned to Sydney recently. He will shortly be followed by two representatives of the British company, who will thoroughly examine Australian conditions." It Is expected that the works will be at Auburn. The main manufacture will be plain linolenms and all printed linoleums. Inlay linoleum may not.be made for some time, on account of the greatly expensive plant which would be required.

DAIRY PRODUCE. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., have received the following cablegram from London, under date 2nd inst.: — ' • _„ "Butter-i-New Zealand, 170s to 1725. "Cheese —102s to 103s. Markets quiet."