FRUIT FARMING PROSPECTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 48, 25 February 1914, Page 11

FRUIT FARMING PROSPECTS.

i'UTUKE OF THE INDUSTRY. \ LOANS TO ASSOCIATIONS. HASTINGS, Tuesday. The Prime Minister (Hon. AY. V. S&ssey) formally opened the Hawke's ißay Produce and Cool Storage Company's new premises at Hastings to-diiy. Replying to the address of welcome. Mr. llassey eaid that he was glad, not only a≤ far as Hawke's Bay was concerned, but in the interests of the DoBiinion, that the fruitgrowing industry was not to 'be allowed to languish. In different parts of New Zealand people rwere beginning to realise that fruit, growing was destined to become a very important industry, that in New Zealand there was a suitable soil and a suitable climate, and that lately there bad been a good market —almost an unEmited market—for apples, lie was referring to South America. People now ttndeietood the treatment of the different soils, and the culture that was necessary if they were to become successful fruit farmers, and the varieties of fruits enitable for export. Befexring to what had recently been done by the Government, Mr. Mjassey eaid he was greatly impressed by the geowth of the industry, and he fully Tealified the possibilities of the future. Xiaet year the exports had more than doubled, and he felt confident that th-ey would be doubled agaiii. Last session he took the opportunity, as Ministpr for .Agricalture. of nsking Parliament for a sum of £2.1.000 for the purpose of granting loans to fniitgTOwers' associations which desired to make provision for cold storage. The amount was sanctioned, and although he had not yet actually received the £25,000, judging from recent events in the London money market, he expected to receive it shortly, and those associations which required aaietance would then be able to come along to the Crown for loans. He would do all in his power to help the progress of the industry. (Applause.) The limit on loan 3 would be £3,000. The Prime Minister said his experience from one end of the Dominion to the other ■was that in pear 3 and apples growers were able to produce the equal of anything in the world, not excepting those supplying the London market. (Applause.) Now that there was a good market, the industry should go ahead i>y leaps and 'bounds, and he felt sure that when the £25,000 granted by Parliament had been spent judiciously and advantageously, a further sum would be granted for the same purpose.