A VISIT TO KOMITI FRUIT LANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15747, 23 October 1914, Page 3

A VISIT TO KOMITI FRUIT LANDS.

Some time ago a short series of articles appeared in this paper as to the recent develooment of fruit lands in Nelson and the proposed arrangements for similar developments in the Kaipara, The writer has just returned from a visit to the lands. Only an infinitesimal part of the work has yet been carried out, but the work effected in the past few months alters the appearance of the country immensely. Houses have been erected. A ploughman and assistants have been installed. Surveyors are on the block, A sub-manager is temporarily in charge pending the permanent supervisor's arrival early nest year. The work already carried ont includes the ploughing of the tops of the slopes, which have turned up remarkably well, and the planting of 12,000 pinns insignus for shelter trees and for fruit-cases pending the time when tens of thousands of Cheso cases will bo required yearly. About double the pine area has also been sown with black wattle. In addition slopes have been ploughed and an experimental orchard of 2000 fruit trees planted, including some 22 varieties of apples; also peaches, plums, apricots, pears, lemons, pa-ssion fruit, ioqnats, and figs. The trees have already begun to shoot, in the deep, friable, grey, loamy soil. The continual dry weather has retarded them somewhat, but their growth is illustrative of the fact that even in a very dry season like the present, the soil is ideally suited for fruit culture. Crops of various cereals and vegetables are shortly being experimented with. While the main work is not yet started, and waits on the supervisor taking charge, there is evidence, of thoroughness in the methods adopted, and a successful fruit area should result. The surveyors expect to have a plan ready in a few weeks, and a limited number of orchard areas will be offered to working men ccj suitable qualifications, and so secure a number of permanent, working orchardists on the block. The qualifications do not necessarily cover a knowledge of orchard work, as during the first year or two clearing, ploughing, planting, ditching, etc., will be the chief labours. Afterwards, under the supervisor's control, a knowledge of orchard work would gradually be acquired. This will obvionsly afford an extraordinarily good ehanco for men of limited capital to secure permanent work and a knowledge of orcharding, while at the. same time bringing info bearing a small orchard of their own. A further number of areas will be opened to anyone who is willing to plant the same under the company's supervisor. By this means a greater area will at once be planted in orchard than could be done without this en-operation from outside planters. Any information may be obtained from Messrs. .7. T. Horn. Ltd., fruit-land organisers, of 12 and 14. Panama Street, Weiineton. who will also take a note of anyone who mav desire plans later with "a view to selecting areas for planting.