APPLES FOR EXPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1928, Page 2

APPLES FOR EXPORT

TOO MANY VARIETIES. WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. Speaking to-night at the Nurserymen's Conference. -Mr T. AY. Atwood, of Auckland, president of the Fruitgrowers’ Federation, urged that the number of varieties of apples for export should be cut down to about eight. Mr Atwood’s address was entitled “Commercial Fruitgrowing,” and he stated that the Dominion was highly suitable for fruit-growing from one end to the other, but there wore too many varieties of apples grown. He understood that about 1250 different varieties had been introduced and at least 1200 were no good. From one or two varieties only in the right place they could build up a successful commercial orchard for the export trade. If he had his way he would cut the varieties down to eight, ns the others were not worth their salt. The future of the apple industry lay with the orehardists in the first place, and secondly in the insulated chambers of the shipping.

Mr Atwood also made some remarks on the insect pest. There were about 175 insect pests and fungoid growths in the Dominion known to the scientists, and Dr Till.vard had told him that there were about 200 more waiting the chance to get in. Personally, said Mr Atwood, he would not he sorry to see them in. because then the orchardist would know exactly where be stood. (Laughter). Nine-tenths of these “varmints” the fruit farmer could not see. as they worked in the dark and his life was spent in one incessant struggle against them. At one time he could not sleep at night thinking out the different formulae be was recommended to apply. (Laughter). Now, however, science was coming to the rescue and in that connexion he considered that New Zealand had been very silly in losing the service of Dr Till.vard.