FOR BIGGER, BETTER ORANGES

Te Ao Hou, Summer 1954, Page 10

FOR BIGGER, BETTER ORANGES From Te Araroa to Raupunga citrus growers are busy pruning, spraying and planting — improving their lawns and gardens, and each one hopes that one day the Judge Carr Cup will rest in his home as a reward for the care and trouble he has taken of his home, garden and citrus trees. Donated by Mr H. Conway, Horticulturist of the Maori Affairs Department, Gisborne, the Judge Carr Cup is to be competed for each year by any Maori growing citrus fruits. Its name was a token of regard for the enthusiasm shown in citrus growing by Judge Carr, past judge of the Tairawhiti District Maori Land Court. The competition is open to any Maori in the Tairawhiti District, and the only condition is that he has six or more citrus trees. Points are awarded on the general condition of the trees, how they have been pruned and cared for and the tidiness of the section. The appearance of the grounds and gardens also has a bearing on the number of points awarded. To show the prospective growers how trees should be planted and cared for, a field day was held, and Mr Conway demonstrated planting, pruning, spraying and feeding of the trees. At the conclusion a sale took place, and approximately 150 trees were bought. Since then, in co-operation with the Maori Welfare Section and various Women's Leagues, field days have been held all over the Tairawhiti District. Large attendances have been the order—even school children have been given the opportunity of attending and taking notes. Many questions are asked, and are answered by the demonstrator. The season 1952–53 was the first in which the Cup was competed for. It was won by Nehe Tu, a dairy farmer living at Puha, about 25 miles from Gisborne. Nehe has grown 12 citrus trees in addition to other fruits, and the general condition of the trees and surroundings was first class. His was a good performance, although Judge Carr, when presenting the Cup, remarked that the other competitors numbering about 40, were not very far behind.