AUSTRALIAN CITRUS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 694, 20 June 1929, Page 12

AUSTRALIAN CITRUS

COMPARISON WITH N.Z. PRODUCTS MR. G. A. GREEN’S LECTURE “I have been asked to make a comparison between the conditions for citrus fruit-growing here and in Australia. While it is easy to explain some of the details found in both countries, it is somewhat difficult to make a com pari son One of the reasons is that conditions are so different. This was the opinion of Mr. G. A. Green, citriculturist to the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, v o «- tured before the Auckland L)i- ti u Council of the institute at the annual . meeting last evening. “Sweet oranere culture in Am - * •'»* is an old industry, and in some States is fairly well organised. In New Zealand, while sweet oranges have been grown for upwards of 100 years, and in some places considerable areas have been planted and large crops marketed. vet for a variety of reasons, notwithstanding the fine climate and-the large areas- of suitable land available, sweet orange culture has never been fully established. Mr. Green considered that very ni„n class sweet oranges were already being produced here. , The poorman orange had already made a name for itself. But be was convinced that New Zealand could never take the place for which its soil and climatic conditions intended it until the value of a regular supply' of water at all times of the year was fully recognised. Last year he spent several weeks in inspecting citrus orchards and expe.’j - mental work in Victoria. New South Wales, and South Australia. Part of the object of the visit was to study all phases of citrus-growing —stocks, varieties, bud selection, soils, methods of culture, pests and disease control, manuring, packing, and marketing. The three States were all working independently, and there was some tendency toward duplication of effort, but he was convinced that all interests were determined that the indusry should take its rightful place in the commerce of the country. He gave detailed descriptions of the methods employed in the various processes, and said in conclusion that the States had wonderful possibilities for citrus development. If the present Spirit of progress was maintained, a few years would see a vast change in all phases of citriculture and marketing in Australia.