SEEDS FOR EXPORT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1926, Page 3

SEEDS FOR EXPORT.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR N.Z. GROWERS. WELLINGTON, Aug. IS. Comment was made by Mr F. -I. Nathan in the course of bis presidential address to the conference of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture on the fact that the Dominion was importing various varieties of seeds when they should be producing them themselves. “It would lie a matter of interest to know bow much is sent away from this country to foreign countries for the purchase, of vegetable Seeds, grass seeds and farm seeds generally,” said Mr Nathan. “To a small extent, a few varieties, of seeds are grown for export in this country, but with the training available and the knowledge held, wliat a huge export business might he started in this country in these various lines.

“Do not Kiipnose I exaggerate a little bit when 1 say that no country is better situated by soil, by climate, and by Nature than New Zealand, for the growing of these various seeds,” be continued. “Instead of being a large exporting country we are large importing oioinitry. One jiaturnlly asks himself the question, why and the answer seems to me it must be that the, reason of it is lack of knowledge and lack of understanding of how to do these things. But if you stop to consider is it to be wondered at? AA’hat educational facilities have we given our voung people to Icfhrn these tilings? Is there any institute of tills description, and if there is not, why not?” The election of officers for the 'ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, Mr F. J. Nathan; vice-presi-dents, .Mr C. A. Hay (Auckland), Professor T. H. Easterfiekl (Nelson), Mr T. K. Sidey. M.P. (Dunedin), Messrs P. Black (Manawatu), W. D. Sherratt (Gisbornt), .1. G. MneKenzie (Wellington). Dr Clias. Chilton (Christchurch) ; executive committee. Professor G. S. Peren. (Messrs D. Wall. T. C. Brash, A. H. Cockayne. J. A. Campbel, T. Waugh. H. Baillie and L. A. Jones; treasurer,* Mr Geo. A. Green (Dominion secretary).