PRUIT GROWING.

Jubilee : Te Tiupiri, Volume 1, Issue 4, 25 January 1898, Page 7

PRUIT GROWING.

With wool, and frozen mutton falling in price, and the numerous diseases that sheep and cattle are now affected with, we would suggest to farmers and settlers generally, the advisability of giving some of their time and attention to the profitable industry of fruitgrowing. Climatically, and for quality of soil,' a very great portion of New Zealand is admirably apapted for the production of all but tropical fruits. When we consider that more than ;£ 100,000 worth of fruit is annually imported into this country, it will at once be apparent that the supply of fruit grown here is not nearly equal to the demand, and we would also point out that this demand is increasing by reason of the admitted nutritions and medicinal properties of fruit, as also its being such a delicious article of diet. Instead of importing tined, dried, and fresh fruit, why should we not be exporters of this commodity? Hitherto, settlers have not given this industry that amount of attention that its importance should command, but we hope, that they will see the utility of paying more attention to it. The Government are offering every facility to those who wish to become orchardists, there being in the agricultural department officers who have a thoroughly practical and scientific knowledge of fruit cultiration and horticulture, and who are at all times willing and anxious to supply information to enquirers. Leaflets, for the instruction of fruit growers, are issued by the agricultural department; and railway carriage on fruit has been considerably reduced. Of course there is a good deal to contend against in the stamping out of noxious pests, but, with care, attention, and the use of the best blight specifics these can be overcome. We are pleased to hear that the up-river natives are again paying some attention to the production of fruit. We say again advisedly, as all will remember in years gone by, the large quantities of splendid grapes, peaches, pears, and other fruits the Maoris brought down the Wanganui River for sale. Unfortunately, of late years, the only fruit in any quanity we have had from this source has been quinces—the cause being blight and neglect. However. the natives are now realising the fact that careful attention to their fruit trees and cultivating their orchards means an increase to their incomes. And we hope soon to report the number of tins of fruit sent to market from each of the up-river settlements, as there is no doubt that no finer district in New Zealand exists for this industry than }he land on the banks of the Wanganui River.