FRUIT GROWING.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9352, 22 January 1909, Page 4

FRUIT GROWING.

MR A. R. MAYO’S GARDEN

In view of the unfavourable weather during the past sis weeks it might have been assumed that the|re would be a partial loss of the fruit crops, but that has not been the experience of Mr Mayo, of Aorangi. He informed our representative yesterday fch&t the fruit in his garden is larger this year than usually, though there was not quite so much on the trees, nevertheless, the crops are good all round. Bis output of peaches this year will be about 11 tons, of plums four tons, four tons of apples, besides a large quantity ot nectarines and other fruits. Mr Mayo states, and he has proved by actual practice the truth of his statement, that quite as good fruit can be grown in this district as in Hawkes Bay and at equal profit. He has never sold a pound of fruit by auction, always having bad a market for all he could grow, in the district round. Mr Mayo has been on his place for about eight years and has been increasing the area under fruit each year. He added 2% acres last year, the total area now being 17 1 acres. There is more sunshine in Hawkes Bay, said Mr Mayo, and frosts daring the month of December, which often do great damage to fruit crops. Such frosts do not occur here. Of course It is necessary to provide efficient shelter, but this has been done in Mr,Mayo’s garden, and the trees are as heavily loaded with fruit as if the weather had been calm during the past six weeks. Five persons are engaged on this small

plot of ground and sometimes more, therefore it will be noted that fruit culture provides much employment. Mr Mayo remarked that' what he had done others could do. This is only partially true, however, for Mr Mayo started operations with a knowledge of practical gardening, still he has shown the way to success. It should be added that Mr Mayo also raises a large quantity cf vegetables for the'Feilding market, besides fruit and shelter trees.