A Languishing Industry

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 December 1916, Page 2

A Languishing Industry

♦ (Hy ''The Peripatetic.'') Here we have one of the finst districts in the Xorth Island for fruitgrowing. And what is being done to lurther.the interest of the district ? I am sorry to say very little. Instead of being up and booming our district, we are only moving at snail pace. While we are standing in our own light our district will remain stationary. We have everything that nature can supply; the only thing lacking is enthusiasm. We have only to look hack at our flower shows for proof. We want enterprising men and women who will put their hand' t i the plough and not look hack. W r e are only a few miles from Wellington, the finest market in the Dominion arvj the demand for fruit and produce is far greater than the supply. The only fault is the want of a controlling body to watch and guard the producers' interests against glutting the markets, which is not only discouraging to growers, but is ruinous to any industry. The rapid fluctuation of prices disorganizes retail trade, and has a bad effect on the purchasing public. Our climate and soil will produce fruit, for ske ami quality, equal to anything that can be produced in the world. Why should we hide our light? We should give .it all the prominence possible. It is a sTiame and disgrace to we an industry dormant and neglected, when we (Levin) could produce sufficient fruits of iirst-claf-'s quality for Wellington's demands, and then have sufficient fruit of a second quality for a local jam factory. These are little points which should be kept regularly before the public through the columns of our local paper. These a're facts which cannot have too much daylight and publicity. We should have the courage to back our own district, against all others. For example, it is only a few yoars ago that a representative of the New Zealand Times who was here reporting our show suggested to our president (Mr Jn«. Prouso) to send an exhibit to Wellington for exhibition, which was agneed upon. There was no delay. The fruit was j collected from nil the growers in the district and sent to the Times office under the supervision of one of tho mem bens of the society 7, with the re-

suit that the display of fruit in tho Times office was the finest ever seen in Wellington; it was a nine days' wonder. 'Hie New Zealand Times ' . did everything possible to ensure success ; they not only gave their best " window for the exhibit, but did everything necessary and printed the show cards to make it attractive, besides giving the Levin exhibit all the publicity possible. Here we had an oiit-' isidor booming out distirct; why not keep the ball rolling? Wo have hundreds of acres of good stony land, which is admirably suited for applegrowing, to produce color and quality. To achieve success in applegrowing a grower must select suitable for the purpose, and for that purpose rich stony land is the best; tho richer land produces larger fruit that lacks color and quality. Tb;2 rich clay land, by all moans, for pears, -plums and all small fruits. (Farmers often miss side lines for want of . knowledge, and proper instructions. If all the farmers were only "nited in action, and grew only one acre of properly selected fruit trees it would mean the enhancing of their finances and a bon-m for tho district; and in after years, when they were past the arduous duties of farm work, they could then live comfortably on tho returns of the orchards with very little manual labor. Besides it is work that appeals to the women folk, more so than farm and dairy wor'k, as the work js clean, light agreeable and interesting. Apple growing is also an industry which should be suitable for our returned soldiers who are partially disabled ; we have the land, all we want ' is tho organization. Soldiers on small holdings could combine fruit-growing with poultry, flowers and bees, as there a Ways is a ready sale for the latter items, they would assist in ' maintaining a home. Now is Levin's opportunity. Not only to welcome, but to assist our married brave' soldiers in a practical way; something that will be of benefit to themselves and to the district. We have the material; all we want again is organization . and then put the scheme bef ore the Government; and no doubt if our request were favourably represented the Government would, give the matter fair consideration. "Never venture, never win.'