“WORK THAT COUNTS”

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 93, 13 January 1921, Page 6

“WORK THAT COUNTS”

NURSERYMEN CONFER VARIOUS PHASES OF THE INDUSTRY The annual conference of the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen was opened yesterday morning in the lecture hall of the Dominion Harmers’ Institute. Mr. Robert Nairn, of Christchurch, presided over a representative attendance of delegates. In extending a civic welcome to the conference, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.AI.G., M.P.) stated that nurserymen were doing work that counted, in that they were instilling into the life of the Dominion a love of the beautiful. Referring to the work of the City Council in planting the Town Belt, he said it remained to be seen whether Wellington could afford to go to the expense of further planting that area, and of keeping down the grass to protect the trees from fire. He added that perhaps the best way of keeping down the grass was to erect a dog-proof fence and keep sheep on the lielt, and thus, instead of expense, netting a little revenue; Councillor R. A. Wright, M.P., and Mr. G. Mitehell, M.P., also welcomed the delegates. Minister’s Remarks. In declaring the conference open, the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Nosworthy, said that the business of the nurserymen was of great importance to the welfare of the Dominion, seeing that it lay at the foundation of the orchard industry, and was relied upon for the supply of shelter trees for replanting denuded areas. The industry had progressed considerably during the last few years under adverse conditions. In this connection he noted that last year 485 nurserymen were registered under the regulations, an increase of 31 for the year. Referring to the question of amending the fruit tree grading regulations in directions found advisable as the result of practical working, the Minister stated that an agreement, which he believed would be found satisfactory to all concerned, had been reached on tho points at issue. Amending regulations along the lines decided, upon had been prepared, and were now only awaiting formal completion before being submitted to Cabinet. The matter of a suitable station or stations for experimental and instructional work in connection with horticulture' was at present engaging his attention, and lie proposed during the present recess to visit the existing horticultural stations for the purpose of fully going into the question of the policy that should be adopted in connection with them. It had been suggested that the establishment of a central horticultural station for the Dominion would give better results than the maintenance and extension of the present district stations. He would, give the proposal tho fullest consideration, but it had to be borne in mind, however, that to provide, equip, and staff such an institution would involve a very large initial and annual expenditure. The Minister went on to say that he earnestly hoped the efforts of the association in the direction of the formation of a bud selection committee, with a view- to the improvement of the existing varieties ot fruits and plants, would meet with every success. presj( j ent , s Address.

In his annual address, the president expressed the opinion that nurserymen had nothing to fear for the future, so far as the nursery business was concerned. He believed that “the best was yet to be.” The settlement of our land would create a demancUfor trees, shrubs, and plants of all kinds. In our cities the increase in the settled homes of our workers and others would mean much to the nurserymen. All over the Dominion the settled policy of tho people was for a freehold land title —this among the rich and poor alike—and wherever we had freeholders, the nurserymen were sure of a market for their productions. Since 1914 the nursery business the world over had suffered much. It was again coming to its own, and the stimulus of demand for trees and plants was being felt. Unfortunately, many lines were in short supply, and such could not be quickly propagated. This shortage would last for years unless they “got busy.” Another point worth stressing was that the public were becoming more educated in horticulture and demanded higher quality than in days gone by. In the past, few knew the -relative value of trees' and shrubs- Now the number was growing who would not lie satisfied' unless their wants were satisfied? Bor such choice and out-of-the-way plants, the enthusiasts would purchase without a demur in relation to price. Our public bodies, which included the municipalities, town boards, county councils, domain boards, and others, had caught the planting .spirit, and recognised that public thoroughfares, recreation grounds, and similar places required furnishing. This spirit was growing, and in consequence nurserymen had much to hope for from this source as the furnishing must come from the nurseries. Executive’s Report. The executive’s report for 1920; which was adopted, mentioned that labour problems and shortage of stock in practically all lines except apple trees, had made business hard to handle satisfactorily, and there was little hope of matters being normal till the whole business methods of the nursery trade were remodelled 1 and brought up to the standard of modern practice. During the year 22 new members were enrolled. After outlining various activities, the report referred to the suggested Bud Selection Association. There was great need for work of this nature, and it could only be carried out successfully by such an association as that proposed. Both in New Zealand, and in imported trees especially, there was a certain mixture, in varieties, and also some of the types that were true could be improved by careful selection of the bud wood by a properly constituted body. The New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation had endorsed' the suggestion, and tho idea had also the support of the Departmental officers. Satisfaction was expressed by the executive at the establishment of a Forestry Department, and the hope expressed that a really forward move would be made in tho development of the Dominion’s forest resources. “We need hardly say," continued the report, "that adequate funds must he forthcoming if reasonable results are to he expected. We are looking forward to our association working with the Forestry Department mutually in the interest of the advancement of our native and exotic forest development.

“The public expect great things from the nurserymen, and as those who follow in the steps of worthy forebears, we can assure them that the motto of onr association is 'Advance New Zealand.’ ” Satisfaction was expressed at the condemn of affairs disclosed in the report, and the lion, secretary (Mr. George A. Green) was heartily thanked for his energetic and efficient administration. Mr. A. W. Buxton, of Christchurch, was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr- V. C. Davies, of New Plymouth. vice-president. Other officers were elected ns follow:— Treasurer, Mr. A. W. Hamilton; auditors, Messrs M'Culloch and Butler. The executive will consist of the chief conference and district officers. Various special committees were also set up. The following remit was tabled by the Wanganui Council" That no forest trees be sold by the Government at cost price, except to those settlers who are prepared to set apart a definite area for forest purposes.” ' The burden of the remit was that, at present the State nurseries by selling •mail lots to private individuals in-

discriminately were competing unfairly with privatelv-owned nurseries. There was no objection tn the State supplying trees to settlers for approved forestry purposes. Tn many cases, it was stated, the State nurseries sold their products at considerably less than what it cost the country to produce them. Ihe remit was carried. The conference will resume at 9.30 o’clock this morning.