"FRUIT LANDS OF THE NORTH."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16994, 3 May 1917, Page 6

"FRUIT LANDS OF THE NORTH."

RESULTS OF THE PUBLICATION RAPID DEVELOPMENT. A NEW AREA. About eight, months ago a book was issued entitled " The Fruit Lands of' the North." _ Coincident tharewit-h articles appeared in our columns with extracts from \the book and concerning fruit culture generally. The main, object of both book and articles was to throw light on the suitability and advantages of North Auckland for fruit growing. The object succeedcd to such a degree that tho Komiti Frnit areas have been purchased extensively by those beooming .interested, and settlement has progressed quite beyond expectations. Here on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour, where two years ago was no inhabitant, has sprung up a - township,, with store, school, boartlinghouse, postal facilities, and residencies, while adjoining them is the backbone of the settlement, the fruit areas in the cultivation of which is the reason of the rapidly increasing' population. Komiti has now reached a stage where the areas will quickly be disposed of to those who hear of ■ its advantages from friends already in possession. Across the Otamatea "River, however, one milo wide, lies Komiti . East, a largo fruit area, belonging to and managed by the same organisation. This is now practically ready for selection, and contains exactly similar advantages to Komiti. The book "Fruit, Lands of the North" deals extensively with tho whole proposition, and as a new supply is now available, you' are, .if interested, invited to secure a free copy by application to the Secretary, Box 603, Wellington. For the convenience of local residents a supply of the books has been obtained by Messrs Waters, Ritchie, and Co., who will be pleased to hand out a copy to anyone interested. This book will give tho same matter in greater detail, as appeared in the eleven articles which wei-o originally published in this paper. Th-e articles were as follows:— "Does Fruitgrowing Pay?" This article deals carefully with tho much-vexed question, and decides that while every would-be fruitgrower will not make a financial success, , yet, to the 1 right man in the right place, fruit-growing is easily one of tho most profitable forms of agriculture. " What Capital Is Required?" This article, after giving details, undertakes that to tho man with £100 cash, and able to save £100 per annum, it is possible to get successfully into fruit-growing. "What Are the Chief Difficulties?" In answer to this it is contended that, given tho right supervision, the difficulties are largely overcome. The right supervision is a guarantee that the land, climate, position, etc., are all right. Komiti supervision is emphasised as the most capable and satisfactory in New Zealand. "ITow Long Before An Orchard Becomes Profitable?" This question is partly answered by a very emphatic statement that orchards will not bo in profit in five year= and will be eight years before bearing any very profitable quantity.

"Can the North Prorido tho Exportkeeping Quality of Fruit?" . Evidence is here given from local experts and South American buyers, which clearly shows that Komiti can grow the very best possible export fruit.

"Where and What Are tho Apple Markets? ' South America, in our own hemisphere, but in tho Northern Hemisphere our fruit arrives among tho Old World's milb'ons just- at their bare season—as our summer is th,eir winter, so , our fruit, season is their bare season. This is the real secret of New Zealand's apple market. Also articles dealing with the value of shipping facilities, of good' supervision arrangements. and tho residential advantage of tho North. These subjects are dealt with carefully and without exaggeration or gush. Tho book is worth getting. Send for a copy right away.

The wido scopo of the articles will appeal t-o everyone contemplating this phaso of industry «nd desiring to secure an attractive, healthy, and yet money-making occupation.

Our next Fruit Article will appear shortly nnder the _ heading "Fruit Culture On a Sound basis." yj