MAHANA NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 21 December 1933, Page 2

MAHANA NOTES

FRUITGROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. MEETING DEALING WITH FIREBLIGHT (From Our Own Correspondent) Mr J. A. Archibald, president, occupied the chair at a meeting of the Fruitgrowers’ Association. Mr Davey, Orchard Instructor for the district, and Mr J. Dicker, chairman of the Waimea Fireblight Committee attended the meeting. After the ordinary business bad been dealt with, the chairman stated that the meeting had been called to consider ways and means of dealing with several chains of hawthorn in proximity to the Mahana orchards. He felt tliis an urgent matter now that fireblight had made its appearance in the central area. Mr Davey and Mr Dicker had gladly accepted the invitation to he present with a view to helping members in their object. Mr Dicker gave details of the work which the Fireblight Committee had carried out during the last three years. Of 400 miles of hawthorn in the Nelson Fireblight Area, about 100 miles' bad been cut to hedge height. Under the No. 5 scheme the Unemployment Board had assisted very considerably by the use of unemployed men from the single men’s camps in doing this work. The fact that the dread menace had made its appearance in the Province had made the need of hawthorn eradication more necessary than ever, and every effort was being made to get the Unemployment Board to continue this very necessary work. .TL- Dicker said that in, other districts where fireblight was present, it had been found almost impossible to control in orchards where hawthorn was prevalent- in the district. In speaking of the Wakapuaka and Nelson City outbreak, Mr Dicker said every assistance possible had been given by the Departmental officers of the Horticulture

Division, and he commended them for their vigilance. Additional inspectors had been put on and some of these had been drawn from amongst the orchardists of Stoke who had lost their crops through frost damage. Mr Dicker also acknowledged the assistance given by the Nelson City Council and the Nelson Unemployment Committee. Mr Ross had beeii of great help when he was stationed hi Neison and now his successor, Mr McGregor was doing his utmost. to help. Mr Dicker assured the meeting ■tliM the Fireblight Committee was doing everything within its power to prevent the spread of the disease. With regard to the hawthorn in the Mahana area-, Mr Dicker said the committee was unfinancial and could not help at present in the payment of. any labour. In reply to a question, Mr Dicker said the committee would effect, an insurance cover on any men carrying out tlie work. Mr Davey dealt with the cause and effect of the disease and detailed the methods adopted in cutting out the infected parts. He warned growers against allowing tree suckers in the orchards as these with their soft sappy growth would be very subject to infection. Mr Davey also explained the Fireblight Regulations, gazetted iff 1923. The chairman said he was sure the Association policy would be to do everything possible to eradicate hawthorn, in the district and a motion was carried to this effect. It was then decided that working bees of members carry out the work; tlie chairman to have the arranging of these in parties of about six men each. Mr Davey and Mr Dicker were then accorded a hearty vote of thanks which was carried by acclamation. It was agreed that a letter of condolence be sent to Mr Brunt (a former member of the Association) who recently lost his father.

SCHOOL BREAK-UP AND CONCERT On Tuesday evening the Mahana School was filled with parents _ ana friends to witness the annual schoooi concert and prize-giving. _ Mr Noble-Campbell, chairman of the school committee, welcomed those present and then read the inspector’s report. This showed the general tone and efficiency of the school to be of a high standing and reflected great credit on the teacher, Miss Dodson. One pupil had sat for the proficiency examination, and had obtained a pass. The concert programme consisted oi ]3 items, including choruses, recitations, dances, and a four act play entitled “The Princess and the Pirate.’ Considering the very limited space in which tho children had to present their items, they did remarkably well and much amusement and appreciation was shown by the audience. , ~ Mrs Noble-Campbell presented the prizes, all of the 17 pupils participating. Special prizes for neatness were awarded to Jean Harvey, Jean Cropp, Audrey Harvey, and Theo. Kemp ; a proficiency certificate to Lindsay Fraser; and a good attendance certificate to T. Kemp. Lindsay Fraser, on behalf of the pupils, made a presentation to the teacher, Miss Dodson. , , Mr J. A. Fraser moved? a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Dodson and complimented her on the talent shown by the children. The committee and parents greatly appreciate the teacher s work. Three cheers were given for Miss DodS °Miss Dodson returned thanks saying the children, particularly the older ones, had been very helpful and dependable. After gifts had been distributed to the children from the Christmas tree, supper was handed round and ended a very happy evening and the commencement of the Christinas holidays.