Fruit Culture,

Manawatu Herald, 4 February 1896, Page 2

Fruit Culture,

Messrs Mayo and Palmer, Go* vernment fruit experts and instructors, are at the present time in Wei* lmgton, and in the course of a chat with a representative of the Evening Post, gave some information of interest concerning the state of the fruit crops in their respective districts. Mr Mayo, whose district extends from Wellington to Hawke'a Bay and Marlborough, states that the apple crops this year were light everywhere, whilst stone fruit crops are very heavy, particularly apricots and plums. Peaches, except in sheltered spot, have Buffered from the curly leaf; but walnuts and filberts are doing exceptionally well. Excellent crop 3 of grapes are Bhowing in mo3t parts of this district, the Gnyot system of cultivation yielding the best result?. Codlin moth is prevalent in most parts of the district, and only gives way to proper and systematic treatment. Mr Palmer, who is in charge of the Auckland district, remarked on the neglect and lack of cultivation in the orchards up North. With one or two exceptions, the orcb.ar.ds are allowed to take care of themselves. Apples are 9carce up there this year, while peaches, plums, and pears generally are yielding more than the average crop. Lemons and oranges show heavy crops everywhere. The oodlin moth pest has been very bad all through the Auckland district, as far as Wbangarei, but beyond that Mr Palmer only found one or two isolated cases of the moth. In the Hokianga district there are several successful cases of banana growing. The instructors meet orchardists, and give them advice as to the best methods of cultivation, and upon any special cases that may arise.