FRUIT GROWING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3003, 28 September 1908, Page 4

FRUIT GROWING.

Fruit griming is reported by the Government Biologist (Mr T. W. Kirk) to have reached an important stage of development in New Zealand, as the industry is now worth a million pounds to those engaged in it. The same authority declares fruit growing to be still in its infancy, and that over 200 acres per year is the average rate of increase. It is surprising that in the Wairarapa more interest is not taken in fruit culture, in view of the fact that the situation of the Valley, climatically and geographically, is all in favour of the industry proving profitable to local growers. Perhaps the experience of those Who have had ito contend with orchard pests before the know 7 ledge and value of prevention became properly known has discouraged others from venturing on extensive planting. Also, the fact that it is a few seasons before returns come in has a deterring influence on the taking up of fruit growing. The experience of several local orchardists, who have dealt scientifically with their trees and gone ahead on right lines generally, has been that a very good income ha 3 been derived from very small areas. Orchards for a great part of the year demand very little attention,, and this should be borne in mind by those who have scruples against embarking on the industry on various gDunds.