The MINISTER of LANDS.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 44, 14 January 1902, Page 3

The MINISTER of LANDS.

VISIT TO MOTUEKA

The Hon T. Y. Duncan Minister of Lands, accompanied by his private secretary, Mr Mawhinney, andMrEoderiek McKenzie, M.H.R., arrived in Motueka from Takaka last night. This morning they paid a visit to the Fruit Grower’s Syndietes factory, where they weie met by the manager, Mr Dunekley, Mr Thorp, Mr Dudgeon, Mr Alexander and Mr Trewavas. Mr J.. C. Blackmore was also in attendance. Mr Duncan was taken over the various portions of the pulping factory and the whole processes explained. He expressed great pleasure that such an important industry had been established, for which he predicted a great future. He suggested the erection of a plant capable of dealing with the whole of the small fruit grown in the district, sufficient to handle say 1000 tons annually and making use of all the labor saving appliances possible, which could also be utilised for canning pur-poses ; also the formation of a. co-operative company of growers to subscribe the necessary capital in proportion to their acreage. On being questioned as to whether assistance could be looked for from the Government Mr Duncan remarked that the fruit industry was as much entitled to -support as the dairy industry and he was prepared to recommend the Cabinet to help in the erection of a factory, on similar lines to that followed in the industry alluded to, on condition that the co-operative company was composed of bona fide growers. He asked the Syndicate to go into the matter as soon as possible by convening a public meeting, confering with Mr Blackmore, and submitting plans and proposals through him to the minister for consideration and approval. The Hon. Mr Duncan was heartily thanked for the interest he had taken in the matter, aftei which he made anotner tour of inspection and sampled the syndicate's products, which were pronounced excellent. The Hon. Mr Duncan and party left for Nelson overland, via Pangatotara. Ngatimoti, and Rosedale this afternoon, intending to catch the train at Richmond.

A report of "other deputations will', appear in our next issue.