FRUITGROWERS AND THE AUCKLAND FRUITGROWERS' UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 15, 19 January 1898, Page 2

FRUITGROWERS AND THE AUCKLAND FRUITGROWERS' UNION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —A letter in Thursday's Star over the norn de plume 'Auckland Province' calls for a reply to certain questions therein stated.

No. 1. See conclusion of No. 4.

2. District Fruitgrowers' Report.— The first series of reports from the various associations affiliated to the Fruitgrowers' Union came to hand just prior to the 24th and 25th Nov. last. They were presented at the Conference, and their introduction unanimously approved. Reference was made to them more than once during the sittings of the Conference.

3. Re Orchard and Garden Pests Bill.—On the 26th of November, the day following the last sitting- of the Conference, the Hon. the Minister of Agriculture was wired to as follows: 'Conference Northern Fruitgrowers strenuously protest against any further coercive legislation respecting orchard and garden pests until alleged specific remedies are conclusively proved, and trust Minister will, in any case, consult practical growers throughout the colony. Hope vigorous steps will be taken againstintroduction new pests in imported trees or fruit. Mr P. W. Laing, M.H.E., who was watching the interest^ of the Union, was also wired to urging Auckland members to secure Bill being delayed until copies of the new Bill had been received by the Union. No reply having been received from the Minister in the meantime, a further wire was sent on.December 4th, viz.: Auckland Fruitgrowers' Union strongly urges withdrawal of Pests Bill; certain provisions, if adopted now, would mean absolute collapse of. fruit industry in Auckland Province. Kindly wire reply. Three days later the Secretary of the Department wired: 'Hon. the Minister directs me inform you Bill before Committee, extremely doubtful if will be dealt with this session.' Subsequent advice was received, that the Bill had been withdrawn.

4. Re Trial Shipment Apples to London.—This matter was first introduced at the Conference p*-d at the Birkenhead sitting- considerable discussion took place upon it. It was resolved to approve of the offer of the Department, and inquire from growers what would be the probable quantity available. The delegates present were requested to bring the matter before their several associations, and notify the general secretary of the Union. So far the replies received cannot be regarded as sufficient on which to base an estimate, but other returns are daily expected. 'Auckland Province' may material-/ assist the movement being- made if he will kindly inform the Union how many cases he is prepared to ship. It is due to -me as Secretary of the Union to say that, owing- to the absence from Auckland since.about the middle of Deceember of Mr Blackmore, Government Pomologist (the

gentleman who made the intimation respecting the trial shipment), f°* ther details of the arrangements to be made have not been available Thi« is one of the reasons why special <£ culars have not been sent to tfl various affiliated associations, '\uolr land Province' may rest assurechth" .Executive Committee of the Union possess too high a sense of- their responsibilities as officers <rf \\l Union, by any act, omission, or com mission to imperil the interests of th? Union; and in regard to the.proposed Home shipment, they certainly ar« not 'trying to hush it up.' J Q ' No. 1. lievertmg- to the first q\ les tion—'Whether the Executive Commit, tee. is still in session or out?' l think the facts related above will render aii answer almost unnecessary here tj n til shortly before the holiday's the local Executive Committee had 'met at the Secretary's office at least once each week and transacted the above and other business of the Union There are other pests besides those provided for in the Minister of AM. culture's latest Bill, influenza is one of them, and at least two menibers of the Executive have been victims thereof. The Executive Committee is now in session and business is resumed.

Another matter which will possibly interest 'Auckland Province' arid Ms inquiring friends is the steps which have been taken to publish in complete form the full annual report and the whole of the papers contributed to the Conference in November last The pamphlet will be published very shortly now, and copies may then be procured from the Secretary. This will be the first publication of the kind attempted by the Fruitgrowers' Union, and may be accepted as mcii. cative of what the Committee have set themselves to do, viz., to make the Union a powerful organisation and the medium for the dissemination of information of a practically useful character.

Unity is Strength, and the Executive Committee of the Fruitgrowers' Union, realising this, will be pleased to have the co-operation of 'Auclcland Province' and others having the objects of the Union at heart. Will he disclose his identity, and give us an earnest of his willingness to help the cause? I fear I have trespassed, on your good nature, Mr Editor, but knowing your sympathy has always been with the policy adopted by the Union, trust you will grant this op, portunity of setting" the Union right with the fruitgrowers generally.—l am, etc., J. HENRY MACKIE,'

General Secretary Auckland Fruitgrowers' Union.