THE FRUIT TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 203, 25 February 1914, Page 5

THE FRUIT TRADE.

COOL STORAGE OPEXED. .SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Hasting!. Last Night. The Hon. W. F. Massey formally opened the Hawke's Bay Produce and Cool Storage Company's now premises at Hastings at noon to-day. Replying to the address of welcome, Mr Jlassey said he was glad, not only so far as Hawke's Bay was concerned, but in the interests of the Dominion, that the fruit-growing industry was not to be allowod to languish, hi different parts of New Zealand people were beginning to realise that fruitgrowing was destined to become a very important industry, and that in New Zealand there was a suitable soil and a suitable climate, and that lately there had been a good market—almost an unlimited demand—for apples. He was referring to the South American trade. People now understood the treatment of diil'ercnt soils and the cultivation that was necessary if they were to become successful fruit farmers, and the varieties of fruits suitable for export. Referring to what had recently been done by the Government, Mr. Massey said he was greatly impressed by the growth of the industry, and lie fully realised the possibilities of the future. Last year the exports bad more than doubled. Again, last session, he took the opportunity as Minister for Agriculture, of asking Parliament for a sum of i i">,flOO for the purpose of granting loans to Fruitgrowers' Associations who desired to make provision for cold storage. The amount was sanctioned, and although he had not actually received the £2.j,000, from the recent events in the London money market he expected to receive it shortly, and rW<> associations who required assistance would then be able to come along to the ..Crown for loans, when he would do all in his power to help the industry'* progress. (Applause.) The 'limit on loan? would be £3OOO. Continuing, the Premier said bis experience from one end of the Dominion to the other was that in pears and apples growers were able te produce the cqunl (if anything in the world, not —- eepting those supplied to the London Market. (Applause.) Now that there was a good market, the industry should go ahead by leaps and bounds, and he felft sure that when the £25,000 graited had been spent judiciously and advantageously, a further sum would b« granted for the same purpose.