HAWKE'S GAY ORCHARDS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2276, 9 October 1914, Page 8

HAWKE'S GAY ORCHARDS

EFFECT OP LAST WEEK'S FROST. Sufficient time lias now passed since last week's frost to enable a correct estimate to bo made of tbb actual damage to stone fruits in the district. Tlie orchards on the plans suffered most, the greatest damage, occurring to late peaches, Japanese plums, apricots, and nectarines. It is authoritatively stated that orehardists who failed to light fires have lost more than-half-their crops, ■and that peaches in orchards whore fires were lighted did not suffer to any appreciable extent. In all, tho orchards • the early peaches are said to have escaped damage. Had the frost occurred a week later much more ■ damage would have been dona. The apple and, ■'■• pear crops are only slightly damaged. Contrary to expectations, the orchards on the .Havelock Hills,. always considered to be outside the frost area, ■were touched by last week's snap, but tho damage- will cause no financial loss. Mb Clivo and Pakiwhai the frost, has :■■■ merely saved the orehardists the troublo of thinning their crops. > The frost also affected the Waipawa and:- Dannevirke orchards, where tho peaches and apricots suffered very slightly on the hills; on tho. flats,. how- ' ever, it is stated -that nectarines and i apricots have been practically wiped • out.'-'lt is stated that orchards on the : hills at'Waipawa are carrying exceptionally heavy crops.