SOUTHERN ORCHARDS SUFFER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 February 1935, Page 2

SOUTHERN ORCHARDS SUFFER

• NO WATER AT HEATHCOTE Fruit , and tomato growers in Heathcoie and Hprotane Valjeys have suffered severe losses this season because they have,been .unable to obtain,a continuous supply of water (says the Christchurch 'Times”/. They are connected to the Lyttelton system, and no water has been' available for gardens in the valley on account of the restrictions imposed by the Borough Council. Mr A. Bloxliam, one of the largest o.rchardists and tomato growers at Heatheote, said yesterday that growers in the valley had not been provided with sufficient water, either by rainfall or through the ordinary supply, ffo bring their ci'ops to maturity. The absence of water had resulted in undersized apples and poor tomatoes, while other fruits had not done at all well. Apricots had fallen from the trees "before they had ripened Crops would have been" twice as heavy witli liberal watering. “For years now we have encountered this difficulty,” he continued. “As soon as there is a dry spell, the Lyttelton 'Borough Council prohibits the use of Water for gardens, and the Heatheote and Horotane supply ,is cm. off. This season’s crops ere mostly second-grade stuff If, and only in those areas where tlie sub-soil has kept its moisture from, tile winter rains has good fruit matured.

EIGHTY GROWERS AFFECTED

About eighty growers are affected in the two valleys. They own from one to twelve acres each. Marrows and cucumbers, also grown in the valleys, have suffered to a similar extent. Another complaint b|y groweib in the district is that they have to pay Is 8d for a thousand gallons of water, which is considered to be far too hgh. Growers in Avoca Valley are more .fortunate in their water supply. Formerly they were dependent on the Lyttelton system, but three or four years ago they became dissatisfied with the intermittent, supply. A small loan was raised, and tne valley was connected with the city supply. Now they have ail abundance of water, and crops in the valley are as good as can he expected under the circumstances. Rain is needed, however, as no amount ’of artificial water can take the place of a good natural drenching. Papanui arid Lcibum orchardists have had a comparatively good season, although a. fair percentage of the fruit is 'smaller than usual in consequence of the dry weather.