DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1925, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

BY TELEGEAm—PXE9S ABSN., COPFBIGHT, LIBERALISM. WELLINGTON, June UJ The lion. R. McKenzie, who was -Minister of Public. Works in tlie (Yard Administration, made reference to fusion at a gathering to mark tho anniversary of Mr Sedchm's death to-day. The present, situation, he said, was something like what it was when the Ballaneo Government was first formed with the difference that at that time there were only two parties. Many newspaper editors. politicians. nr.d

others agreed now that it was time the present three-partv system was done away with. Mr McKenzie expressed the opinion that it should he done away with in every country. There was one thing he felt he could say with confidence. Hint was Unit Liberalism iq New Zealand would never he abolished by any party whatever. (Hear, hear.) Ii: might become weaker. The Reform thirty had been far weaker than the Liberal Party was to-day. and lie felt confident that a man would arise, as surely as Air Seddon arose in JSOG. to revive Liberalism, and restore tlie party to its former strength. Ifo had no doubt that tho majority of those present that day would do their utmost in bring Hint about.

The present Labour Party had some very strong adjutants, but lie did not think they were as strong as those of the old Liberal Party. The Socialism of* that past administration had conferred enormous benefits on the country, and lie bad no doubt, which ever party gained power, that the legislation passed hy Mr Seddon and his Government would be kept on the statute Kink of Now Zealand.

FitUITGRO AVERS CONFER. WELLINGTON, Juno 10. The annual conference of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation was opened to-day, AH' T. 0. Brash presiding. The Hon. AY. Nosworthy congratulated growers on the very encouraging outlook for the industry. Previously tic had been inclined lo look upon Hie industry as a ease more for the Plunkei Society than for tho Department . As a baby the Government was compelled to carry, it had been one of the weakest. The prospects for Hie future, however, were very bright. AIL Brash, in moving the adoption of the annual report. said that the problem of blemished fruit was one which had had a. great effect on Hie local market. The results of exporting ibis year lin'd been very satisfactory, probably due in a groat measure lo heller quality fruit, mid also hotter steamer service. The fruit was arriving in England in heller condition than ever before. In Greal Briiain New Zealand apples were at (he top of the tree. Exports had increased hy ,->OO per cent in the past live years. AYhat was required h\ tlie growers was more speedy shipment. and ihis was receiving consideration. A regular service ".is also desired. The fruitgrowers’ exhibit- at \\emiIvy was Ihe only one from Ihe Dominions io pay iis way. declared Mr Brash. During the first exhibit urn 9000 eases of apples had been sob ami I lie directors had determine.! coni in no the exhibit thro.,gout the second Wembley. .Mr T. W An wood had been sent borne h>r the purpose. “There has been a gradual easing up during the recent years ii. the area planted in commercial orchards. <>ul> soum as acres being sd out c M ,1,0 phinting season." said the Minister of Agriculture. “’I lie tutal aic.. lor (he whole Dominion still stands al approximately RO.COO aeies. o which about To per cent consists ol apples. A total of 0774 orchards roistered during the past year and the sum of £1970 as collected m orchard tax. This amount, less cost ol collection, has been paid over to H). Xev Zealand Fruitgrowers’ l'cdcrntion for furthering the interests o. Hi - fruitgrowing industry gcmonUy.