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can be directed at almost any ordinary angle; it works very thoroughly, and sends the spray, according to the nozzles used, in such a way as to reach any part of an average tree. • 75. Is it driven by horse-power ? —Yes. 76. Is there a saving in working with the Strawsoniser as compared with the spray-pump ? Would it be more economical ?—lf used on a large scale it is certainly more economical; but it is not so good in the case of a small orchard. 77. How many men does it take to work it?— Two. 78. How many men does it take to work the spray-pump ? —I have three men on mine. 79. .Which would do the most work?—Oh, the Strawsoniser—very much more. 80. By way of comparison, would the Strawsoniser do 10 acres as quickly as you could do 1 acre with the spray-pump? —I think fully as quickly. 81. Mr. Lang.] It has been given in evidence by a witness that bandaging three or four times in the season was sufficient. Would you tell the Committee what would be the result if orchardists in Auckland only removed their bandages three or four times in the season ?—My experience is that they must be removed every eight days. If not, a great many of the pupae will escape, turn into the moth, take wings to themselves arid fly away. 82. Then it is necessary to remove the bandages very frequently, and especially in hot weather?— Yes. 83. Another witness gave evidence that during March and April, at an Auckland auction, local fruit was selling at Is. 9d. a case, while Tasmanian apples were selling at 11s. Are you aware whether Tasmanian fruit would go to Auckland in March or April ?—I am quite certain they would not. Not only would the date be unsuitable to them, but at that time also the Auckland growers can do much more than supply their own market. 84. We have had evidence that the pest can be kept down by spraying. I ask you, if you had been giving evidence before this Committee seven years ago, whether your evidence would have been in that direction ?—Yes ; I may say that I was an enthusiast in favour of spraying in orchardwork. I had been farming to a great extent as well as looking after an orchard, and when the moth attacked us first I thought its subjection would be easy; therefore I would have advocated any measure of the kind then. If my experience did not teach me differently I should continue spraying, which was then the special mode of dealing with the pest. 85. Since that time you see that spraying is useless as far as Auckland in concerned?— After three or four years' very constant work I came to the conclusion that it was utterly impossible by spraying to keep the moth in subjection. 86. I would ask you, as a practical fruit-grower, do you know any means by which you can eradicate the codlin-moth in an isolated orchard, and make the orchard clean ? —-Not on strict commercial lines to make it pay, but the thing can easily be done. The remedies we know of can be made to do so by being applied without ceasing until no moth exists. It is therefore practicable to do so, but it would not pay. 87. Hon. the Chairman.] You would not spray ? —I would certainly use the spray as an adjunct in the early stages. 88. Mr. Lang.] I want to know whether there are any means by which you could eradicate the pest in an isolated orchard short of cutting down the trees? —The most effective way would be to eradicate the orchard. 89. Supposing a way was found for eradicating the codlin-moth, would you object to legislation with regard to it ? —Personally, I should be very glad. It would mean a great deal to me if a reliable specific were found ; and I think the same remark would apply to all the fruit-growers with whom I am acquainted. 90. If the Government took charge of an orchard and could prove, by any reasonable means, they could eradicate the pest, would you object to compulsory legislation to carry that out ?—I think we should all be only too glad to follow the method pursued in such a case, assuming, of course, that it was commercially payable. 91. I understand you to mean that if the Government would show you how to clean your orchard you will gladly follow the method proposed ?—Quite so ; and I feel sure all the growers in the North would be very glad if such a method were discovered. 92. I take it from your remarks that you object to clause 6, which says : " Every occupier of any orchard shall at all times do whatever is necessary in order to eradicate disease from such orchard, and prevent the spread thereof." It is putting it very vaguely: they do not say what is to be done, and it is left to the sweet will of the Inspector ?—That is the great objection to the Bill as drafted. 93. I understood you to say there was a large and growing trade with Wellington and other parts of the colony, but more especially with Wellington, for fruit from Auckland?— Yes ; a salesman reported that to me to-day. 94. It is a growing trade ? —Yes. Subsection (3) of clause 4 says that the Governor may. " Prohibit, either absolutely or except in accordance with regulations under this Act, the bringing into any specified portion of New Zealand from any other portion or specified portion of New Zealand of any specified plant, fruit, fungus, parasite, insect, or other thing which in his opinion is diseased or is likely to spread disease." Might they not, under that provision, shut out the Auckland Province from shipping any fruit to the South ?—lt would be certain to have that effect. 95. If brought into force it would prevent even clean fruit being shipped to Wellington ?—-As I read the Bill, I feel sure it would. 96. You gave an opinion just now with regard to Mr. Blackmore. I suppose that was the opinion of the Auckland fruit-growers—that you spoke as representing those growers?—l was only expressing the opinion of the Auckland fruit-growers, but I am in entire concurrence with them. 97. That is, that the Auckland fruit-growers as a body have not a very high opinion of Mr. Blackmore's capability as an Instructor ?—They have commissioned me distinctly to lay that before the Committee.