ARATAKI AGRICULTURAL STATION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 177, 10 July 1916, Page 3

ARATAKI AGRICULTURAL STATION.

SPRAYING DEMONSTRATION AND PRUNING COMPETITION. At the Arataki Agricultural Station Havelock North, on Saturday afternoon, a largo number of orchardists and others were present at the invitation of the H.B. Fruitgrowers’ Association, to witness a demonstration of power-spraying and a pruning competition. Considerable interest was taken in the proceedings, which was of a practical and instructive nature. A splendid demonstration was given of spraying by means of high power machines of the most modern and up-to-date kind. Messrs. Williams and Kettle had two machines, each fitted with a Mogul engine and a Myers pump; Messrs. Booth. McDonald and Co., two fitted with Chore Boy engine and Gould pupni, and Messrs. Adamson Bros, one, fitted with a Gray engine and Gould pump, whilst Air. T. Horton gave an exhibition with a Bean sprayer. The demonstration, which was watched with the keenest interest, was most successful, and gave orchardists an opportunity of judging for themselves the respective methods of the different machines.

Fourteen competitors took part in the pruning competition took part in being very favourable, the work being watched closely and keenly criticised. Some of the competitors showed a certain amount of nervousness, owing probably to the large number who were watching them work, and on this account the judges decided to invite the competitors ,to take part in another competition ' on Saturday next, when conditions would be more favourable. The judges will then explain more fully the current methods of treating both young and mature trees, so that it is hoped all competitors will be present. The judges were Mr. J. A. Campbell (Assistant Director of Orchards), Air. G. Esarn (Orchard Instructor. Hastings), Mr. W. H. Taylor (manager ot the Arataki Station), and Mr. J. Fickling, orchardist, Havelock North. The Hon. Dr. Ale Nab, who was present, took the liveliest interest in the proceedings. He also at the wish of the association, presented the certificates awarded in the ploughing competition which took place at the station a few weeks ago.