DISTRICT NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 6 March 1912, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOUTERE FRUITGROWERS ASSOCIATION. MONTHLY MEETING. (From Our Moutere Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the Moutere Fruitgrowers' Association was held at the Jubilee Hall, Lowor Moutere. on 28th February. A large number of members and several visitors were present, including Mr. Capes (M<ssr« Ridley, Moulding and Co., London); Messrs Williams, Campbell (Hawkes Bay ) and Thorpe (Soutli Canterbury). Government Orchard Inspectors: and Mr. Barb', r, Motueka Farraes' Co-operativ e Society. Mr. H. Holdaway, president,. held the chair, and in the absence- of the hen. secretary, Mr. 0. Li. Tacon was appointed acting-s-cretary. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read from the Director of Orchards, agreeing to the Government Instructor in fruit packing (Mr Thorpe) giving lessons to the schoolchildren of the Lower Moutere school in apple packing; from the master Lower Moutere school, stating that his Committer disapproved of packing demonstrations being given to the school children, but approving of the proposal to plant an experimental fruit plot, and thanKing the Association for its efforts on th»-i-hildren's behalf ; from manager of Messrs Levi and Nelson's large orchard. Victoria, * e vury satisfactory res'ults from "gargoyle" as a winter wash on fruit trees of all kinds; from Mr. C. H. Mackay, re resigning secretaryship on account of increasing private duties. The meeting very warmly endorsed the president's highly eulogistic remarks regarding the Association's able and conscuntious hon. secretary, Mr. Mackay ; and it agreed that Mr. Mackay should be urged to continue until som e frtsh arrangements now contemplated could be completed. The president then explained chat some leading growers, members of the Moutere Association, after the failure of the proposed Motueka Union, had determined to endeavour to form a small union of Moutere Association members, for the purposes of purchasing supplies, and of distributing members' produce on a co-operative basis. Mr. Holdaway strongly the many obvious advantages which would ensue"; and invited discussion. An animated debate followed, the majority of the speakers being favourable to the proposal. It was agreed that, the Union should commence in a modest but efficient way ; and gradually attempt greater things as it became strong enough. The secretary was instructed to convene a meeting of those favourable to the formation and of joining such a union, to be he'd at the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday, 6th March, at 7.30 p.m. Mr. Barber explained the new C.O.D. (cash on delivery) system, which was oeincr instituted by the Motueka Farmers' Co-operative Society on the Ist March. In answer to inquiry, Mr. Capes explained that growers' shipments from Canterbury and from Nelson in his firm's London consignment would be distinct; every grower's fruit would be sold under his own brand, and separately. Proposed bv Mr. J. Allcott, seconded by M. R. V. Hudsou, "That the Director of Orchards be telegraphed, requesting that the Government brand be placed on Mr. Cape'e shipment of apples fom Motueka: and that he instruct the Department's inspectors according.y that this Association considers this matter of urgency and of prime importance. Carried unanimously. The Government Inspectors present were welcomed by the President and thanked for their attendance, and invited to address the meeting. Messrs Thorpe and Campbell then gave much interesting and valuable information; and thanked the nreisident for his invitation to be pre sent and for th© meeting's kind welcome. The meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.