DISTRICT FUTURE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22316, 29 April 1947, Page 4

DISTRICT FUTURE

CITRUS AND GRAPES KNOWLEDGE OF AREA MINISTER ENTHUSIASTIC “There is a great avenue in this district for the growing of citrus fruits and grapes; the lemons grown here; compare more than favourably with those grown elsewhere in the Dominion,’’ said the Minister of Agricul* ture, Mr E. L. Cullen, in an interview: in Gisborne to-day. Before his departure this morning to inspect the 30-acre unit under cultivation by ex-servicemen at Manutuke Mt Cullen remarked on the future of Gisborne in regard to citrus and graps culture and other small fruits. “I am keen to get another area established in Gisborne.” Mr Cullen said when referring to the scheme at Manutuke. "I look upon the Manutuke units as one of my babies as a member of the Rehabilitation Board.’’ In regard to the other area it wad hoped to establish in Gisborne, Mr Cullen said be did not know how far the plans had progressed since he had last been in touch with the situation. Climatic conditions were ideal here! and he was well aware of the possibilities of the district. This afternoon Mr Cullen bad appointments with deputations from various interests in the Federated Farmers’ organisation pertaining to district problems and a combined farmers and' Gisborne Chamber of Commerce deputation in regard to the need for a nor* them rail link.