LATE FRUIT CROP.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 239, 6 October 1916, Page 2

LATE FRUIT CROP.

The strawberry season continues to show a decided backward tendency for the period of the year. In fact, to alii appearances, the whole season lor all fruit appears to be about three weeks late.' So far as fruit is concerned; owing to the mild autumn, .the trees did .not shed their leaves till late in the winter, and as the usual period of rest was required, a corresponding delay occurred in getting into growth in the spring. This may not prove at all a disadvantage. The probability is that the contrary will be the ease, as the young fruit should escape the usual bad weather experienced in the early stages and come into fruit quicker, and grow to maturity more rapidly after the bloom, without further check from bad weather.

In the principal strawberry districts of Birkdale, Birkenhead, Glenfield, and Xorthcote, the outlook at present is anything but satisfactory for a heavy crop, and some growers attribute this more to a weaker strain oi young plants than the abnormally wet season though the latter has certainly had a restraining influence on the growth of plants. Colour is given to their contention by the fact that odd patches are looking very satisfactory, and with emphasis the grower points out that the first essential factor in strawberry-growing is a. plan of strong constitution. No table berries are in sight yet, and there appears not much prospect of any large I quantity for the next six weeks, though some side-fruit suitable for- factory purposes may be available within the next I week or so.

Hothouse tomatoes are looking well, and are well forward, and in most cases are looking very promising for large crops in November and December.

Outside tomatoes have again been planted extensively this year in Birkdale, Birkenhead, Glenfield and Northcote, and a satisfactory season is anticipated.