THE CANADIAN REPLY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 3

THE CANADIAN REPLY

“DRASTIC MEASURES SEEM VERY ADVISABLE?

The reply from Canada was as fol lows:—

To prevent a serious and destructive disease, especially in its initial stages, drastic measures seem very advisable. 'Thus, if possible, I would recommend that the North Island be declared an infested area and that no transfer of any living stock or scions of apples, pears, quince, medlar, and related pomaceous plants, as well as other susceptible native or introduced host plants (like hawthorn, mountain ash, etc.) be permitted from the North to the South Island. The sooner this is done the better. It may still he time to protect the South Island. Such quarantine would remain ineffective without a. sharp lookout 'in the orchards and the territory generally of the South Island, and by the most vigorous systematic and drastic control measures when found. Even though cases of the disease were found in the South Island, I would not for a time, permit the removal of,the embargo against the North Island, since much valuable time may he gained from its observance.

One factor is comforting,' the disease can be stamped out even now, but. only if everyone is co-operating. Your situation is not unlike our experiences in Canada, or for that matter, in any country where interests conflict-. If you wish to control Fireblight in New Zealand, I cannot see any other option but the destruction, of all hawthorn hedges. This may he a serious matter to do without compensation, since government compensation invariably increases the value of such vegetation beyond reason. If at all possible, I would suggest that the government be advised to be lenient, otherwise it will not succeed in its efforts, and will find itself more or less openly opposed. I would suggest that compensation be granted to exceed not more than twothirds of the value of any vegetation thus destroyed, as determined by an authorised inspector, and that such compensation be granted by way of replacing the hawthorns with an immune auick growing hedge shrub, such as Caragana arborescens, Siberian peatree for instance. Unless you see your way towards taking these, or similar drastic steps, I am confident you will soon lose your exDort trade in fruit -grown in the South Island. Australia, has placed an embargo against Canadian apples, and has caused us sey£re losses of a fairly ! good market.

Farmers will naturally, feel reluctant to forego their hedges at their expense, merelv to protect other interests, especially if these latter are the more prosperous. It is a. fact that Fireblight is, not now a disease in our Canadian orchards that cannot be controlled, but it is difficult, and requires constant care—thus increasing the cost, of production considerably, but nevertheless, we still grow wonderful fruit even in areas where the disease is existing—but both Canada, and the United States have lost, their entire Australian trade—no doubt fo the delight, of the producers in that Continent. These diseases have the result often of being made the biological reason for the protection of an established ' industry much like any measure of political protection. Personally, I feel confident that boxed fruit does 'not constitute a. menace in regard to disease, but ,may do so in regard in’, ipiterference, ,-witli ,trade.... . .. V ,‘j, ts, f .1 am. sending at ypur. requpst, all tbe 'literature ,we have issued in Canada on; the subjecti of Fireblight. ‘ Your second question may he replied to as follows:— -Tn. wejl cared for orchards. tbe damage from Fireblight may be reduced to a minimum, if not entirely eradicated. In other and neglected orchards, the damage may eventually reach 100 ner cent by destruction of tbe trees. Not all varieties suffer equally, although nears and apples, quince, etc., may be equally seriously affected.

3. Hawthorn, is a most susceptible host., as well as anv of the pomaceous ornamental trees and shrubs. Mountain ash is very susceptible.