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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 84, 7 January 1928, Page 13

“The Hastings orchards are as good as the best in New Zealand,” stated an orchard inspector a few days ago (reports an exchange). . “At present there is more development in orchard extension in Hastings than anywhere. The production an acre leads that of any other district. I can quote instances where orchards produce over 1000 bushels an acre of marketable fruit. The average production in the whole district exceeds 600 bushels an acre, while the Nelson figure, for example, runs between 200 and 300. Tlie alluvial soil of the Hastings plains, with cultivation, holds the moisture in fpite of the dry seasons, with the result that the trees maintain their vigour and production. The quality of the soil, with the remarkable climate, suits the tree growth. I recall one peach orchard that gave two bushels a tree in the third season after planting. The Hastings orchards are subject to late frost, but damaging frosts are extremely rare,” continued the inspector. “They are never severe enough to affect materially the. district output, although. they may affect individuals. The visitations of hailstorms are no nioro frequent than in other fruit districts. AVliat is more important, however, is the fact that all the diseases arc under control, and there is no serious difficulty in fighting any of them.”