FINE STRAWBERRIES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2699, 19 February 1916, Page 9

FINE STRAWBERRIES

CATERING FOR CITY MARKETS. The liaetihi district, with an altitudo of nearly 2000 feet above sea level, is eminently suitable for tho cultivation of small fruits, and strawberry-gi;ow-1 ing iu particular promises to become an important industry in the district, j For many years past, settlers in tho district have grown small plots of strawberries with great success, and have found a ready demand for their plants in other fruit-growing districts. During the last three years, Mr. W. H. TustinJ of Raetihi, has planted experimental plots of sufficient size to thoroughly test_ the possibilities of the district in growing for 5 market, and the results of the experiments have exceed-1 ed all expectations. A number of local residents are turning their attention to the industry, the futuro of which is considered to be assured. , Quick Transit North and South. _ There is a big demand for strawberries in both Auckland and Wellington, and with tho overnight train services Raetihi growers' state that they will be able j# place their fruit on the market in either city on the morning after picking. Another point in favour of ' tho industry at Raetihi is that the ; plants begin to boar fruit several weeks j later than in Auckland and other j warmer districts, and that the bear- ' ing extends over a longer period. Rae-' tihi strawberries will be on the market as late as the third _ week in March, and local growers will got the advantage of the best prices for their fruit.