NURSERYMEN'S NEEDS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2989, 29 January 1917, Page 6

NURSERYMEN'S NEEDS

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER OP AGRICULTURE. Delegates from tho Nurserymen's Conference, which sat in Wellington last week, waited- upon tho Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald (Minister of Agriculture) on Saturday, and placed before him tho results of tho conference's deliberations. They stated that nurserymen were strongly of opinion that some of tho matters brought forward," including tho prevention of tho distribution of certain diseases and the establishment of an Institute of Horticulture under tho direction of tho Government, should receive immediate attention.

Mr. Mac Donald, in reply, said he could assure the delegates that the matters brouglit under his notice would be studied very closely by tho officers of his Department. He appreciated the great importance of the work that was being dono by tho nurserymen, and he would do liis best to give effect to the considered representations of the conference. The tendency of the Department, hi dealing with the diseases that affected horticulture, would bo to err upon the 6ido of caution, if at all. It was imperative that every effort should be made to keep the orchards and nursery, gardens free from preventiblo diseases, and the Government realised its iresponsibilities in that direction.

Referring to the suggested establishment., of an Institute of/ Horticulture, the Minister said he agreed that the importance of the interests involved warranted, tho expenditure of money on provision for training muter scientific men. The Dominion wanted as many expert nurserymen and orchardists as it could secure. Some provision for tho training of experts was made at Wereroa, and additional measures would bo taken by the Government as soon as possible. In conclusion the Minister congratulated the delegates on the efforts they wero making to organise and build up an industry that was of great importance to New Zealand.