PRIME MINISTER AT HASTINGS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16007, 25 February 1914, Page 2

PRIME MINISTER AT HASTINGS.

COO!, STORAUK OPENED

DEPUTATION FROM CHAMBKII 01' COMMI'IKCK.

(Pen United I'Rißii A»eocsATio» 1 HASTINGS, February 24. The ITou. W. K. Massey formally opened the llawko's Bav Produce and Cool Storage Company's "™ premises at Hastings at noon to-day. Mr K. 11._ Williams, chairman of the company, introduced the Prime Minister to the fruitgrowers -who attended the ceremony. Replying to the address of welcome, Mr Massey said that ho was glad not only as far as Hawko's Bay was concerned, but in the interests of the dominion, that the fruit-growing industry was not to bo allowed to languish. In different parts of New Zealand people were beginning to realise that fruit-growing was destined to become a very important industry, and that in New Zealand there was a suitable soil and suitable climate, and that lately there had boon a good market—almost an unlimited market—for apples. He was referring to South America. People now understood the treatment of the different soils and the cultivation that was necessary if they were to become successful fruit-farmers, and the varieties of fruits suitable for export. Referring to what had recently been done by the Government, Mr "Massey said he was greatly impressed by the growth of the industry and he fully realised the possibilities of tho future." Last year the exports had more than doubled, and he felt confident that they would be doubled again. Last session he took the opportunity as Minister of Agriculture of asking Parliament for a sum of £25,000 for the purpose of loans to the fruit-growers' associations which desired to make provision for cold stooge. The amount was sanctioned, and although he had not yet actually received the £25,000, from recent events in the London money market he expected to receive it shortly, and those associations which required assistance would then be able to come along to the Crown for loans, when he would do all in his power to heVp the industry to progress.—(Applause.) The limit on loans would be £3000. Continuing, Mr Massey said his experience from one end of the dominion to the other was that in pears and apples growers were able to produce the equal of anything in the word, not excepting those supplying the London market.—(Applause.) Now that there was a good market, the industry should go ahead by leaps and bounds, and he telt sure that when the £25,000 granted by Parliament had been spent judiciously and advantageously a further sum would be granted for the same purpose. . In the morning Mr Massey was waited on by a deputation from the Chamber ot Commerce. The deputation requested the Government to grant a subsidy towards tho cost of bridging the Eangitikei liiver on the Napier-Taihape road. Mr Massey promised to lay the request before the Minister of Public Works. The deputation also urged the Government to set up a commission to inquire into the title of the Native lands on the route of the East Coast railway, and to purchase these lands before the line went through. Mr Massey replied that it was the policy of the Government to acquire the lands on the route of new lines, and as much as possible would be purchased on the East Coast route. He would lay the request for a commission to inquire into the Native titles before the Minister of N_ative

Affairs. My Massey and the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher -ire being entertained at a banquet by the fruit-growers this evening.