HORTICULTURE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 88, 13 April 1923, Page 11

HORTICULTURE

AIMS OF INSTITUTE ■COMMERCIAL AND OTHER ASPECTS. A special meeting of the committee of the New Zealand Institute o£ Horticulture was held at the office of Mr. J. A. Campbell (Director of the Horticultural Division of the Agricultural Department) yesterday, Mr. Campbell, who is president of the institute, presided, and there were also present: Messrs. G. A. Green (hon. secretary and treasurer), T. Brash (New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation), T. -Waugh (Nurserymen's Association), F. S. Pope, and W. K. Dallas. The interim report stated that considerable work had been done in the various centres, some 15,000 apricot buds having been distributed to some ten different firms of nurserymen in both islands These buds had been carefully selected from some half-dozen of the' very best varieties, while the trees from which the buds were cut had been carefully noted, and were the best that Otago could produce. Bud selection aimed at doing for the fruitgrower exactly what cow selection was doing for the dairyman. Officers of several of the larger horticultural societies had been interviewed with a view to co-operating in the work of the institute. The replies received were very favourable, and it was hoped that before long some form of federation would be effected between the various horticultural societies now operating' in New Zealand, thus enabling them to speak with united voice on matters of national moment, and to obtain representation on a national basis on the council of the institute. The report also stated that the Plant Acclimatisation Society of Auckland had been in communication with the hon. secretary of the institute in reference to,the question of the establishment of a plant-breeding-station with a view to endeavouring to raise types of commercial fruits of good quality, but immune from many of the commoner pests and diseases. It was suggested that as soon as the institute was registered it should be asked to take an active lead in the proposed research work. The report was adopted. The main aim of the executive of the institute is " to launch a scheme which will appeal to all, the horticultural interests of the Dominion; in fact, to every individual who loves the aesthetic and beautiful in plant life." The main object is to encourage, foster, arid improve every branch of horticulture, 'ornamental as well as useful. The constitution aims at giving 'a strong national executive, while providing the utmost elasticity for the development of district councils in all parts of the country. The financial aspect has not been lost sight ■ of. It is intended to raise the necessary capital from members' subscriptions, affiliation fees from associations and societies interested in horticulture, legacies, donations, endowments., and grants and subsidies from the Government. The proposed activities of the institute will include education, the ultimate aim being to secure for New Zealand's youth the' possibility of securing a first-class education, extending from the primary school to the University. At the present time it is not possible to secure a first-class horticultural' education, much less degrees, in the Dominion. -. It is hoped in time tc- secure the necessary funds to establish one or more up-to-date horticultural experimental stations, where plant-breed-ing, plant-testing, and other classes of work essential to the development of commercial horticulture will be carried out, carefully recorded, and published for general information. New Zealand has for a long time been importing trees and plants from all parts of the world, with the re"sult that there is at present considerable confusion as to the correct nomenclature of many trees and plants. The institute hopes to secure the establishment 'ol a nomenclature and certificating board, or boards, competent to deal with the question, who will be able to compare notes with similar bodies in other parts of the world. Nursery science, fruit-growing, economic plant improvement, and plant introduction and acclimatisation all fall within tho scope of the institute's activities. It is also intended to secure constructive and protective legislation relative to horticultural matters. '