NURSERYMEN CONFER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15823, 21 January 1915, Page 6

NURSERYMEN CONFER

FORESTRY AND FRUIT. ADDRESS BY PREMIER. * FRUIT EXPORT TRADE. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington, Wednesday. The eighth annual meeting and conference of the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen was opened here to-day. The president, Mr. W. S. Johnston, occupied the chair. About 20 members of tho association were present. The Frime Minister, in his capacity as Minister for Agriculture, attended "and delivered an opening address. He said it had been recognised that the planting of timber trees was important to the State. A great deal had been done, but a great deal more remained to be done, not only by the forestry division, but also by local bodies and settlers throughout the whole country. The people owed i a duty to themselves and their posterity to plant as many trees as possible. Many men had, however, to consider the planting, not only of timber, but also of fruit trees He was glad that the outlook for the fruit industry was very good. In the last three years the export of apples had increased very rapidly. He doubted whether the same rates would be maintained during the present year, because he understood that this had not been a good season for fruit.

In order to develop the fruit trade with South America the Government, said Mr. Massey, had sent Mr. G. L. Tacon, a man with wide experience in the fruit industry, to report upon the possibilities of trade in apples with South American cities- Already Mr. Tacon's reports were very encouraging, and. there was very little doubt about the future of tho industry, with the prospect of an extensive export trade to be developed not only with South America and tho Pacific Coast of North America, but also with the East Coast of America, through tho Panama Canal. The Government had resumed 7000 acres in Central Otago for fruitgrowing, and would lead water on to the land.

lii the matter of encouraging the culture of forest trees, he proceeded, the Government had two years ago set up a Forestry Commission, which had framed a most valuable report. The Government had not failed to realise the importance of the work done by nurserymen in raising trees. He believed that at the end of the conference they would be able to offer advice to the Department, which would be productive of good. (Applause.)

The conference accorded a vote of thanks to Mr. Massey for his attendance and address. After despatching minor business of a detailed character, the conference was addressed briefly by the president, who referred to the establishment of district councils, to the proposed setting up of a number of committees to consider matters of importance, and to legislation required to set up boards of certification and nomenclature, and also for the protection of raisers of now plants, and for the registration and inspection of nurseries. There was a great future before the fruit industry, and the export of fruit would bo one of the Dominion's first assets. Fruit could be produced in enormous quantities, and the markets were assured. There were huge possibilities in the direction of fruit, and the people of New Zealand should see that the fruit industry should be encouraged in every way possible. (Applause.) The election of omcers resulted as folPresident, Mr. Thos. Horton; vice-president, Mr. C. J. Mackay; past president, Mr. W. S. Johnston; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. A. Green. The outgoing committee was re-elected with the addition of Mr. A. McDonald. The committee now consists of Messrs. D. A. Hay, F. Bennett, E. Allan, W. W. Glidden Richardson, W. E. Lippiatt. and A. McDonald. Mr. W. W. Glidden Richardson was appointed auditor. The following vice-presidents (chairmen of the district councils) were elected: Southland, Mr. J. McChesney; Otago, Mr. (ieo. Howdcn; Timaru, Mr. P. Allen; North Canterbury. Mr. Robert Nairn; Wellington, Mr. Thomas Waugh : Hawke's Bav, Mr. W. Webb; Wanganui, Mr. A. J. Laird; Tarauaki, Mr. R. McK. Marison; Auckland, Mr. D. A. Hay.