INTERESTS GUARDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 663, 15 May 1929, Page 11

INTERESTS GUARDED

FRUITGROWERS’ COUNCIL i ACTIVE Questions bearing on the interests oi fruitgrowers have been closely investigated in the past year by the Auckland Provincial Fruitgrowers’ Council, Limited, which held its annual meeting this afternoon. The council has a small credit balance for the year’s working, but considers that the period has been satisfactory. The main objectives of the council have received full attention. They include organisation, stabilisation of fruit-packs and co-operative advertising, co-operation with the federation, protection of growers’ interests with those of tomato and small fruit producers, surveying the trend of legislation, education and research in horticulture and the support of the Export Control Board. A good deal has been done toward securing relief from excessive local taxation. In its annual report the council S found that citrus growers will still j need assistance to secure a fair rate j of duties with Empire preference. Horticultural education is extending and about 20 pupils are preparing for examination at the Technical College. The first grant from the Scientific and Industrial Research Department through the Institute of Horticulture is being spent on raising pedigree stock trees from citrus-growing countries. MINISTERIAL VISIT The council’s shows have had good j results. The Hon. G. Forbes is to make arrangements shortly for visiting the Auckland fruit districts. The council regards with satisfaction the fact that, during a season in which shrinkage in fruit exports has been reported in Australia and New Zealand, almost everywhere there has been an increase in the Auckland district. Dr. E. J. Reakes has undertaken to institute departmental investigation into the ravages of the bronze beetle. So far no instructions have been received as to the best method to prevent the new passion fruit disease. The council hopes that the New Zealand Citrus Council will be fully representative of all citrus growers. Mention is made in the report of the larger plantings of fruit areas, notably for citrus growing. The benefit of the lectures given by the secretary after his visit to Australia also receives comment in the report, .1 __