FRUITGROWING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17788, 13 May 1918, Page 9

FRUITGROWING.

CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION. , Tlio Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association met in Baker Bros.’ Buildings, Manchester Street, on Saturday night. Mr H. Wyatt presided. The chairman reported on the National Apple Show recently held in Auckland. Ho said that Canterbury had made a fairly good showing—one quito up to the displays made at the two previous shows. The judge had commented very favourably on the dis play, which was, however, not equal to that of the Auckland province. As far as. the number of exhibits in the competitive classes was concerned Otago and Canterbury had sent 75 per cent. 'liio association had secured twentyfour first prizes, fourteen seconds and oight thirds. Where Canterbury failed was in the packing of the fruit. The Otago fruit, which was more scientifically packed, arrived in better condition than the Canterbury fruit,' Mr S. I. Fitch, who was a judge at tho show, said’ a. fine collection of fruit was shown, but it was very badly stalled. Pilfering, too, had been rampant. In fact he had never been at a show at which so much fruit wa3 stolen. Mr J. Longton said that as far ns “'nit was concerned the association nad put up a better display .than at any previous show. Several visitors had I, , ccn / -„ ver T favourably impressed with the Canterbury stand. Canterbury had been only six and a half points behind the Aelson exhibit in the forty-eight cases lot. In view of the fact that Canterbury bad to collect and grade fruit in four centres, whilst Nelson had all its fruit collected and graded at the one place, this was a very creditable performance. Canterbury had more exhibits in the various competitive classes than'Auckland. The latter had concentrated all its energies on its stand display. _ j . Air Fitch said that the Canterbury stand was, in bis opinion, far and away ahead of the Auckland stand, but where the latter scored was in tho "r-'at variety of fruit displayed. Of course some of tho varieties of fruit shown on the Auckland stand did not grow in Canterbury. Air Longton reported on the Ball to be brought before Parliament for the establishment of Fruit Boards. It provides that these fruit hoards should have all the powers of local bodies. Tliat is to say, any defined area could be brought under the jurisdiction of a fruit board, which would have the power to levy rates ; on fruitgrowers in that district. A vote of congratulation was passed to Mr Longton on his election to the position of president of the Federation. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to tl’.e Canterbury delegates who had attended the apple.show and the annual conference.