H—29

Codling-moth.—The dry, warm weather being favourable to its increase, codling-moth was again troublesome. Generally, good control was secured when the full lead-arsenate spraying programme was carried out. In the Moutere Hills district of the Nelson Province growers were unable to spray their trees on account of water shortage, and suffered accordingly. In Auckland and Otago an increase in the number of codling-moth stings on the fruit was recorded. White Butterfly and Diamond-backed Moth. —These pests were not very troublesome during the year. Citrus Canker. —Small outbreaks of this disease have occurred during the year in the Gate Pa area at Tauranga, on one tree at Opotiki, and among a few citronelle-trees growing wild along the Kerikeri Inlet about two miles from the citrus-growing area. Precautionary measures have been taken to localize the infections. Small Fruits As a result of the demand and consequent high prices received, increased interest is being taken in the growing of small fruits, but the supply of these fruits is still not equal to the demand. . While the production of strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, currants, and gooseberries is being maintained, there is room for expansion of this section of the fruit industry. Chinese gooseberries and feijoas are now being planted in greater quantities. The commercial areas under this class of fruit are distributed as under: —-

Viticulture Weather conditions were not favourable for the growing of outdoor table grapes, with the result that the crop was of only medium quality and quantity compared with the previous year. No obvious extension in the area of outdoor table grapes has occurred during the year. Some plantings of Albany Surprise, however, have taken place, mainly on account of the high price being paid for grapes over the last year or two by the winemakers. These grapes will in all probability be used for market purposes when the wine-grape market becomes stabilized. Indoor Grapes.—ln all districts an excellent crop was harvested. Growers with heated houses again marketed late crops at good prices. The shortage of labour experienced in previous years was not nearly so noticeable, and in most cases the vineries were maintained in better condition. There is not a great extension taking place in the planting of vines for market purposes. There was only one inquiry during the year for plans of a glasshouse for the growing of grapes under glass. This is mainly due to the shortage of suitable glass, the high cost of building, and the shortage of man-power.

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Area (in AcresV GooseOther berries. berries. berries. berries. Currants. Berries. Auckland .. 148 8 37 Poverty Bay 1 Hawke's Bay 7 4 4 3 6 Wairarapa 3 45 3 28 36 i Manawatu 2 18 2 1 2 3 Nelson 5 290 2 8 15 55 Canterbury 35 186 3 26 65 Otago 20 32 7 5 Otago Central •.. .. 10 25 2 1 1 Totals 230 600 25 110 130 60 Estimated production (tons) 250 750 40 150 150 120