TREES AND PLANTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 95, 15 January 1921, Page 12

TREES AND PLANTS

CONFERENCE OF NURSERYMEN DEALING WITH GARDEN PESTS The conference of the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen continued its deliberations on Thursday. The retiring president (Mr. R. Nairn, of Christchurch) was in the chair in the morning, and tho afternoon session was presided over by the newly-elected president (Mr A. VVBuxton, of Christchurch), who took tho chair for the first time. The following Wanganui remit was discussed“ That the Division of Horticulture be required to fornish each season complete details of the number of trees, plants, bulbs, etc., imported from overseas, giving at the same time t country of origin and value from each explained that if such information were supplied it might inspire enthusiastic nurserymen to grow choice plants and eventually eliminate imporraCampbell, of the Horticultural Division of the Agricultural Department, stated that the information could easily be supplied by the Department, working in conjunction with the Customs Department. The remit was' carried. The appointment of the. Dominion organiser (Mr. G. A. Green) was unanimously confirmed. . A resolution was adopted urging the Government “to bring all trees and plants under the scope of the registration regulations,” and, further, that in the event of the Government approving the "remit, and as an inducement, that tiie fee for registration of each nursery bq 50s. in future, and.that all moneys derived from such_ registration fees be earmarked and used in ihe payment the salaries of additional inspectors.” On the suggestion of the Waikato Council, it was decided: “That the conference approve a national wages award in place of the present sectional award, as from 1922.” It was decided to hold the 1922 conference at Christchurch. At the instance of the Wellington Association. the conference affirmed: “That it be left to local councils to go into the matter of reduction of number of varieties of roses propagated in tlieir respective districts, eliminating those which do not thrive owing to climatic reasons, or that are superseded by better sorts.” Another Wellington remit carried ran as follows: —“That it be a recommendation that conference brings under the notice of the Minister the urgent need for having all stocks of plants, trees, roots, and bulbs offered for sale inspected and the growers registered." On behalf of Southland, Mr. Lennie moved that the Government be urged to take the necessary steps fo deal with garden pests on the same Tines as orchard pests. The mover pointed out that in Southland, for instance, holly trees had been found to be infected with mealy bug, but at presenF'thei Department had no power to deal with it. The remit was carried unanimously. Various matters relative to organisation and price fixation were discussed in committee. The sittings of the conference have now concluded, and this morning the visiting delegates will be. entertained at Day’s Bay by members <if the Wellington Council of Nurserymen.