INTERCOLONIAL FRUIT CONFERENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 106, 9 May 1896, Page 2

INTERCOLONIAL FRUIT CONFERENCE.

♦ [UNITED PBBSB ABBOOUXIOH.] Wellington, May 8. Al the Fruit Conference this morning several papers were read on the subject of spraying fruit trees. The writeis dwelt on the necessity of orchards being kept clean, and Mr Blackmore, the Government Pomologist, author of one of the papers, advocates the introduction or legislation making the spraying of infected orchards compulsory. Some of the Australian delegates left for Sydney by the Mararoa today. The Wellington . Horticultural Society has addressed a circular to kindred societies throughout the colony suggesting the establishment of a museum, with a view to assisting m the advancement of agriculture and horticulture, and that the Government be asked to initiate the necessary legislation next session. At the Intercolonial Fruit Conference this afternoon m the oourse of a discussion on the Advisability of spraying trees to erradicate pests, Mr Kirk, the New Zealand Government Biologist, said the Government would introduce a bill next session to compel growers to keep their orchards olean, and regulate the transit of fruit. He sincerely hoped that local feelings would not be allowed to interfere with the general principles of the bill. Mr .Ritchie said as soon as the bill became law stringent steps would be taken to enforce its provisions.