A BREEZE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 656, 5 November 1909, Page 8

A BREEZE.

INDIGNANT ORCHARDISTS. THE CHAIEMAN AND THE INSPECTORS Just at the close of yesterday's proceedings, the Fruitgrower*' Conference, which had, up to that time, been a quiet and unoxcitablo gathering, developed a sudden storm, and some vevy warm words wero spoken It was tho chairman (Mr P. Sisson, of Canterbury) who precipitated matttrs He suggested that tho conference should pass a le-olution urging that all Government fruit inspectors should be required to pass an examination In view of the fact that Mr W A Boucher (Govornmoat Pomologist) was present, this suggestion was ovideutly considered by dolegates rather out of place, but the chairman, notwithstanding signs of disapproval, went on to say that ho hnd been told of inspectors who did not know "black spot" from hail in irks Mi. Boucher observed that ho attributed such remarks to auctioneers, who frequently tried to get round inspectors when they were doing, their duty Ho thought responsible men should not cast reflections upon tho inspectors on moro hearsay. All the orchard inspectors had passed examinations, and were good and competent men Some auctioneers would make all kinds of unwarranted statements, with a viow to thwarting tho inspectors in tho discharge of thoir duty Ho submitted that there should be some specific complaint before such statements were m&do The chairman remarked .that hu knew an import inspector at a southern centre several years ago, who did not know codlin moth whom he saw it. Apples at Palmerston Show. Mr E B Izard (Stoke) stated it had struck a lot of people that the apples at tho Palmerston Show weio not tdo clean A delegate They were covered with acab Mr Izard So they neie, and inspectors wero there, bat none of tho apples were seized The applo spot and black scab had a chance of going right through the country from under the nose of the lnspectoro First prizes were oven to that sort of fruit Why, you didn't have a chance if jonr fruit was clean (Laughter.) A delegate hoped thoso remarks were not meant eenously. Mr J W. Bennetts (Teviot) said that it was not for the conference to make charges in that way. It was very unfair, and thoy would bo doing a wrong which it would bo very difficult to put right ' Mr M Campbell ®eraldine) stated that he had a very , high opinion of the mspectore, and ho thought that it was very wrong to eay euch things as had been said "Not Fair to Throw Mud." Mr. W. H Smith (Hawke's Bay), speaking with some warmth, endorsed every uoid ut tered by the last two speakers He had the CTeateet respect for Mt Kirk and Mi" Boucher. Ho was exceedingly sorry that the matter had come up, and with everv respect to the chairman he would say that it was not a fair thing to throw mud about Ho felt \ory strongly about it Mr Boucher and his chief, and tha men under them, might not be perfect, but they had done a great deal of good for the fruit industry. People should not make general statement, which they vere not m a position to subotantiato Ho hoped tho press would not take any notice of the last quarter of an hour. Mr. Gould (Hawko's Bay) I move, "That this conference has every conndence m Mr Kirk and his officers." Mr. J. Parr (Auckland) said tho proceedings thus far had been very harmonious, and he did not think they should start an acrimonious disenssion at that hoar. Tho inspectors had an uphill battle. Their work was "largely ex. ponniental, because New Zealand was a new country, and pests had to bo fought on new lines The remedies used in other countries had sometimes proved failures here. The Inspectors Praised. ' "Tho Government inspectors," continued Mr Parr, "are only human beings, and mako mistakes like the rest of us I don't think we should be too hard on them, thoy are not too hard on us Taking them all round, they are a very creditable and gentlemanly set of men. When you go to them, you always get courtesy and every information that you want Wo shduld give them a hearty vote of thanks, nnd not clo o the conference with any slighting remarks on them " The chairman Ton aro lextremoly " Mr. Bcnautts I hope this subject will bo allowed to drop. T ? Ir . A - ? , Mayo ( Fell[ hng) If tho South Island wants to get nd of their two inspectors we will gladly take thom at once. ) The Chairman Explains The chairman I uas not making any relection on the present staff, but I think that lTosh inspectors should undergo a certain amount ot examination borne of you, took it up m a most ridiculous way, and caused a reflection which I never intended Mr. Gould I asl that tho motion be put. Mr. Irard then seconded the motion. Several members suggested that it would bo bettei to let the matter drop. Mr. Campbell If the resolution is passed it will bo asked what led up to it. I The chairman And why should not the public know what led up to it? Mr. Campbell It wa3 a reflection that led The mover and seconder consented to with draw the motion , The chairman It is half-past nino, and 1 will adjourn tho conference until to-morrow morning, as it seems there is no other business ■worth disoussing. The conference then dispersed.