AUCKLAND FRUITGROWERS' UNION.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 517, 23 November 1899, Page 1 (Supplement)

AUCKLAND FRUITGROWERS' UNION.

The animal meeting of the above was held at Whangarci on November 14th. There were present: Messrs Wm. Johns, J. G. Kay, H. E. Sharp, Jno. Parr, W. E. Lippiatt, L. Hanlou, A. Karl, S. A. Browne, A. Wilson, Joseph Mackie, A. Sturges, W. Corns, A. Hoey, R. Reyburn, Wm. Thompson, W. C. Thompson, F. Walker, W. S. Downing, E. Edmonds, and Colonel Goring (president of the Whangarci Fru'tgrowers' Association). There were also in attendance: Captain Broun and Messrs J. Hartuet, and T. A. Potter, Government Entomologists, and a number of member of the local association.

The secretary's report showed that in 1897 only five associations and one subscriber paid fees to the union against 12 asssociation and five subscribers in 1899. The new. affiliations for the year were Hokianga and Wade, and the re-affilia-tion at Otahuhn, and it was almost certain that others would join in 1900. With regard to subscriptions, the report stated that whilst there were some exceptions, the larger number of members of some associations did not either fully carry out or realise their obligations to loyally support and further the union, which was established in the interests of all, and from its actions, legislatively or otherwise, all fruitgrowers must benefit. The. secretary, however, thought the future prospects of the union encouraging. The following officers were elected : Mr L. Hanlon, president; Mr A. Starges, vice-president ; and the following executive:— Messis F. Walker, J. G. Kay, Jno. Parr, A. B Sharp, Archibald Wilson, W. Corns, W. E. Lippiatt, E. Morrison, W. C. Thompson, and A. Karl. It was resolved to hold the next conference in Auckland. The report on Mr S. A. Brown's scheme of co-operation stated that the fruitgrowers were agreed as to the necessity for co-operation, but their ideas as to the best way of carrying it out were hopelessly mixed. The following resolution was passed, " That this meeting of delegates affirms the principles of cooperation, and trusts that some suitable scheme may be devised to carry it into effect."

Mr Johns introduced the subject of the Agricultural Department leasing experimental orchards for the purpose of testing systems of getting rid of pests. He said that the Department wanted the Union to furnish the names of the owners of isolated orchards to lease them for the purpose. The following resolution was passed, " That the delegates present be requested to bring this matter under the notice of their various associations, and that associations not here represented be again written to with a view to getting particulars from them as to any orchards which may be available in their respective districts." The followiug resolution in reference to experimental horticultural stations was passed, " That the Union Secretary prepare petitions to Parliament for signature of members of affiliated associations for the purpose of further advocating the Union's scheme and requiring that a sufficient sum of money be placed upon the Estimates to give effect to it, the petition upon its return to the Union Secretary to be at once forwarded to Parliament." Mr C. E. Aldcrton addressed the Conference on the effect prohibition would have on the wine industry. The result was the following resolution : " That whereas viticulture and wine-making promise to be extensive industries throughout New Zealand, and especially in the North, the Government be requested to provide that in case prohibition is carried in any district, the present laws regarding New Zealand wines be allowed to remain in force ; and, further, that all candidates for Parliamentary honours be requested to use their best endeavours to give effect to the above.''

In regard to legislation affecting orchards if destroyed by the authority of the Government, it was decided ''That in any new Act provision ought to be made so that the principles of the present Stock Act should apply to orchards or vineyards." The work of the past year in regard to legislation was detailed in the executive's report. A draft Orchard Pests Bill was prepared by the executive, but this was rejected by the Government, and a Bill on the lines recommended by the experts introduced, which was fought by the unioD, and as a lesult shelved for the present. Messrs Lang, Massey, Bollard, Crowther and Law ry ably espoused the cause of the union.

In reference to the concentration ol fruit sales, the following resolution was agreed to : " That this Conference approves of the patronage of the union being given to two or three auctioneers at most, in order to concentrate buyers, and to improve ths present conditions of the sale and distribution of fruit."

Mr F. Walker lead a paper on imported orange and lemon peel. The following resolutions were passed : —"That the question be referred to the executive of the union to take the earliest opportunity of laying before the Government the desirability of arranging for a duty upon imported lemon-peel, similar to that on other imported fruits;" also, " That the members of the conference study the question of the cost of produc-

tiou of the citrus fruits of the colony, in the hope of decreasing the coat of production."

Mr A, Wilson gave notice of the following motion:—" That the Executive Committee of the union be appointed by the various affiliated associations ; associations with a membership not exceeding 50, to have the privilege of appointing one member, over 50 two members ; those appointed not necessarily to be members of the associations appointing them, but must be members of the union; the election to Sake place previous to the annual conference of the union, and, if any associations neglect to make an appointment, the vacancies to be filled at the following conference."

In regard" to Mr Hanlon's proposed visit to England, America and Europe, the following resolutions were adopted : —" That this conference, having had an opportunity of learning personally from Mr Hanlon the details of his proposed tour, and ascertaining from him his willingness to make a more extended stay in the morn important horticultural centres on the Continent, and in America, to obtain special and expert information upon such matters, earnestly requests the Government to grant a sum of, say, £IOO, in order to facilitate the acquisition of this much to be desired knowledge." It was further resolved, "That Mr Haulon be appointed as an accredited delegate to represent this union upon any conference held in connection with horticultural matters, and the union bespeaks for him such assistance as may be available." It is Mr Hanlon's intention on his return to New Zealand to embody the information acquired during his tour in a report to the Government. The usual complimentary resolutions were passed and the conference adjourned.