Second Edition HOROWHENUA FRUITGROWERS ASSOCIATION.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 February 1915, Page 3

Second Edition HOROWHENUA FRUITGROWERS ASSOCIATION.

Thu ordinary meeting oi the Horowhomua Fruitgrowers' Association was hold in Mr D. Smart's rooms last eveinii. There were present: Messrs H. Blackburn (chairman) H. Bower, J. C. Neill, J iiancox, D. Smart, M. Fosella, S. Gilliug, P. Roberts, and D. Laing.

A letter was received from Mr Kirk, head of the Orchard Division of tho Department of Agriculture, stating that it had received advice from Mα - Tacon, NW Zealand Commissioner in South America that a good market for coloured apples existed in that country. These should be exported from March to June and should realise 10s per case. The Department would examine for grading and packing, but exporters would have to arrange for shipping the tin it themselves.

The Association's annual visit to the orchards at the Experimental Farm was fixed for Wednesday, February 24th.

A letter from the Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association giving details of the a proved suggestion for sending fruit to New Zealand troops at the front was received. Letters from the Stoke Fruitgrowers' Association and the Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association were received, stating that their members had agreed to contribute Iβ per acre to> tEe funds of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation with a minimum of 2s 6d and a maximum of £5.

A circular from the federation in connection with the same matter was also received. It detailed what steps it had taken to assist the industry last year, hnt unless all associations followed the example of the Stoke" and Stoke and Canterbury Assocations the Federation could not follow them tip. It was essential that something he done as tho Government subsidy of £200 must bo claimed before March. No action was taken. ■ ANNUAL MEETING. At the conclusion of the business of j the ordinary meeting the annual meeting was held. The secretary read the report for the past year and the balance sheet. The annual report as follows was adopted :—ln presenting the fourth annual report to our members we have to express our regret at the little support given the Association by local fruitgrowers. Our Association, wifli .'ts limited membership has done, during the past twelve months, a great deal to help the progress of the fruit industry in this district, and is deserving of more encouragement. Local orchardists, in general, have derived great benefit by the work of ou>r Association, hut veiy few indeed have Come forward to give any assistance. Our balancesheet .shows a credit balance of 6s. We have joined the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation. It is needless to explain tho advantages that the industry can derive from such an institution. Our secretary attended the annual Fruitgrowers' Conference during which many measures 'of great importance were adopted. A deputation of the executive waited upon the Premier and obtained a subsidy of £ for £ up £200 for the cost of organising the Federation,- also the continuance of Id per lb guarantee on fruit shipped to a i.'ew market, the guarantee on spraying material, an inquiry into shipping rates and many other reforms A depot has

icen established and our members are

now able to put tnemselves in direct communication with the consumers. The

urge amount of fruit disposed '„ f ihrough this channel proves it value and

justifies the Association in establishing the depot. At the invitation of Mr Nvill members of the Association visited each other's orchard and many instructive and pleasant afternoons were spent.

Wo desire to record owr appreciation and .thanks for the valuable services rendered to the- fruit industry and to our Association,.'y particular by Mr G. Stratford, vruhard Instructor, and congratulate him on his promotion to a larger district. -This great war lias affected the fruit trade, buifc we must bear 'n mind that it_ is fought for universal peace and if we suffer now we have before us a future of prosperity and happiness. In closing this report we wish to express our thanks to the local press for its liberal support. The balance sheet showing a credit balance of 6s was adopted as read.

The following officers were elected: President, Mr J. C. Neill; -vice-presi-dents, Messrs J. Hanoox, H. Bower and H. Blackburn. The members of tho Association were appointed a committee. Secretary, Mr M. Fosclla ; auditor .Mr T. G. Vincent.

A vote of thanks to the retiring officers was carried also a vote of thanks

'■■n the press.

Mr Noil lsuggested that a small committoo bo sot up to draw tip programmes for the five winter meetings He mo-red that the commiFtee consist of Mr T). Smart, the secretary and himself, with power to add. Mr Bower seconded the motion and it was agreed fo. It was decided that tfio secretary write fo the new orchard inspector inviting him to bo present at the next nutting of the Association.