FRUITGROWERS' CONFER ENCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4746, 13 June 1894, Page 3

FRUITGROWERS' CONFER ENCE.

(By. Telegraph-Press Association.) Aockmnd, Tuesday, At the annual conference of the Fruitgrowers' Association 1 ; a 'letter was received from Captain Broun, tho woll-known ohtoinologist, isug.' gesting tho distribution of a beetle which has been found .valuable as a destroyer of wrious pests, , It was resolved, " That the Government bo urged to proclaim places and reserves in various districts for tho purpose of preserving nativo birds and insects, which may prove of valuo to fanners in the f uturo."

A resolution was passed recommending the Government to provido somo practical entomologist with tlio means of obtaining information togardiug insects, for tho benefit of tho farming community. It was also agreed that tho Government be l-ccommcnded to introduce _ such insects from tho other colonics as are likely,-in tho opinion of naturalists of eminence to prove of value in checking the ravages .of insect pests;

The question was raised of imposing a duty on imported fruit, .■!■' Mr Johns said his Association had drawn up a memorial drawing attention to injustice caused by the admission of fruit from the South Sea Islands, which, although it could not be grown here, prejudiced their soft fruit, and asking tho Government to levy a duly on imported fruit. Ho movod the adoption of tho memorial, and that a copy be forwarded to the Premier. MrLippiatt moved as an amendment, " That instead of increasing the duty on imported fruit tho Government be urged to approach tho Australian Governments with a view of assimilating the tariffs between tho colonies." The amendment was lost. Mr Vickers moved, "That the Covernmcntbc asked to offcrCnptnin Broun a sum of money per annum as Stale Entomologist." This was carried,

It was resolvod,"That the Government be asked to establish an experimental fruit station in tho Auckland province in accordance with tho resolution of the last Conference."

Captain Broun read a papor on the codlin mothuud othor insect pests, Tho Conference agreed that the Government bo asked not to introduce a Codlin Moth Bill this year.