“LEADERSHIP OF INDUSTRY”

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 14067, 23 May 1946, Page 2

“LEADERSHIP OF INDUSTRY”

TAURANGA’S LEMON PRODUCTION Sixty Per Cent. Of Total Output Remarks By President Of Association A statement that now the war was over, it was obvious that the citrus growers in Tauranga, which produced GO per cent, of New Zealand’s total lemon output, must he looked to, as a whole, for leadership in the industry, was made by the president of the Bay cf Plenty Citrus Growers’ Association (Mr G. T. Barbery) on Tuesday evening. Stating that now the war had ended, the president added that there had returned to their homes and orchards • some most valued, members of the association. It was not possible to mention all the names to whom the association should express appreciation for work accomplished during the year. In this connection, Mr Barbery mentioned the Internal Marketing Division’s officers and those concerned with the Agricultural Department and lie felt that had it not been for their practical assistance and cooperation, the association would not have been so successful.

The industry was going through a transitional period and- growers were now faced with the fact that they had several years of leeway to make up, mention being made of the lack of fertilisers and the. impossibility of obtaining tree replacements.

Previous annual reports over a period of several years; referred to many problems and encountered by citrus growers and the industry generally, as a result of the war, stated the president in his report. “Fortunately, the close of the war—our foremost and national objective of those years; —was sufficiently close at hand to enable the New Zealand Citrus Council at its last annual conference in June, 1945, to pay close attention to postwar problems and future prospects of the industry. “For the benefit of new members, it is desirable to explain that the four registered Citrus Growers’ Associations are represented by the New. Zealand Citrus Council in all questions pertaining to the industry as a whole. Copies of all minutes of each association are duly posted to the other associations and also to the secretary of the council, who, in turn, furnishes to each association, minutes of all council executive meetings. As practically all- (he problems confronting growers of this district are in evidence throughout the industry, the Citrus Council is obviously a very necessary organisation,” declared the president. Mr Burbery said the year’s activities of the council would be presented at its annual conference to be held at Kerikeri on June 2G and June 27.

“During the year, the other associations, no less than ourselves, have recorded with much regret the death of Mr W. G. Strange, who rendered outstanding service to this association and the industry generally over a long; period of years. “A question of much local concern during the year was the substantial increase in the charges made for the services of the picking team. As tire other citrus districts do not employ a similar team for picking work, and the the loss was a charge upon the industry account with the Internal Marketing Department, it was only right that those growers who employed the team should bear at least a greater share of the costs,” stated Mr Barbery. “The duties and powers of the Citrus Marketing Committee have been greatly extended and our member, Mr A. W. Hawley, lias done good work in this connection. During the year your committee lias met on eight occasions and there have been two special general meetings of the association, in addition to the regular quarterly meetings. “The committee members have attended regularly and have done a good job of work on behalf of the association.

“In conclusion, our thanks arc due to the secretary (Mr R. A. Harris), to Mr Conway, Mr E. W. Meek, the lion, auditor, to our local Member of Parliament (Mr F. w. Doidgc) and the Bay of Plenty Times.” •