AN APPRECIATION AND SUGGESTION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 17 November 1927, Page 9

AN APPRECIATION AND SUGGESTION.

(To The Editor.) Sir, —Lieut.-Colonel Gray has now relinquished his position as London representative to the Fruit Control Board. In that capacity thinking men of all shades of opinion are agreed that largely through, his personal charm, unrelaxed efforts and sense of fair pla- fruitgrowers and their dependants have been permitted to enjov a share of prosperity hitherto unknown. The fruit industry can ill afford to lose the services of one who is ad. mittedly keenly interested in all problems affecting the orchardist. \Ve have, sad to relate, too few gentlemen of the Colonel’s calibre connected with the fruit industry, and one is naturally apprehensive with regard to the future now that this great influence is withdrawn. Those of us who last night were permitted to listen to his address, felt in his magnetic personality a deep sense of sincerity, a marked sense of duty and a deep love of fanplay and kindly criticism. Colonel Gray, in short stood before us and spoke the plain, unvarnished truth, wrapped up in such a wav as only an English gentleman can talk to those of less educational advantages. No thinking man could possibly have listened to the Colonel’s address without sensing the great work he has attempted and done for the material (rood and well-being of the Dominion in general, and the orchadist in particular. Through his unaided efforts many a struggling orchardist has found his feet. Through his keen foresight many an orchardist will see the sun shine .again. Taught from youth to produce and produce more and more, orchardists throughout the Dominion suddenly found, to their sorrow, that there was such a thing as over-production and that it was not so much a greater production that was required, but a payable market for what was produced. it was at this stage of our history that the Colonel was discovered. His attempt to organise the fruitgrowers in the Nelson province and his subsequent work ip connection with export matters is now known. Without question be is the “biggest man” in the industry, the iikc <> whom we may never see again. Men have come, men have gone; but even the best have fallen short of Colonel Grav. Although the results of his work are laid bare for all men’s fight, although he has “distinguished himself with honour.” few orchardists can possibly conceive the thought and attention b- '-'-I't have devoted to their personal interests anti being. Colonel Gray entered the field when men were despondent, when the future was black, when hope had gone and ambition had fled. Thon, as if bv magic, the scene of despondency is changed, the present is pleasant, and the future full of hope. Orchardists. therefore, owe to the Colonel a deep sense of gratitude for his untiring efforts on their behalf—work and performance done, not for money, but from a love of duty, other than which there is no greater motive power, I would suggest, therefore, that Colonel Gray’s services to the industry be suitably acknowledged. What he has done in the past is doubtless a happy memory to him. but I venture to think some small gift as a token of our deep appreciation won‘<be but a fitting recognition for his great services to the industry; and although'! am conscious that the Colonel will not feel pleased with me for making the suggestion. I sincerely trust the members of the local Association will show their appreciation of the Colonel’s magnificent worn performed on their behalf and that, at an ear”- date, we shall have the opportunity of again meeting him when the presentation will be made. Too often good work performed on behalf of others is passed unnoticed. This time let it never be said die Hawke’s Bay orchardists failed in their duty. Trusting the Association will take up this suggestion— Yours, etc., ARTHUR C. FODDY. Hastings. November 16. 1927.