FRUITGROWERS’ CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19197, 13 June 1924, Page 8

FRUITGROWERS’ CONFERENCE.

QUESTION OE CONTROL. KELSON VOLUNTARY SYSTEM. (Peb United Pkess Association.) WELLINGTON, Juno 12. At the annual conference of the New Zealand Fruitgroweis’ Federation, Mr Allen took strong exception to a statement made at a meeting; of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association “that the reason why local control was wanted r because Nelson was in a hole and could not get out of it unless the Government helped it out.” Mr Allen declared that ivelson was leading in the fruit industry, and would continue to do so. It was unanimously resolved—“ That this con ter - cncc repudiates the statements made oy Mr F. Sisson and published in the press, with reference to Nelson.” Discussion was resumed on Mr Izard s motion relating to local control. An explanation of tiro Nelson voluntary control system was given by Mr Allen, who stated that months of canvass of the district on the question of local control showed a great deal of enthusiasm for the principle. The result was that from 60,000 to 70,000 cases were signed up under the scheme; therefore a local control board was set up to operate on four principles—namely, proper standardisation of fruit, proper distribution, arrangement with a salesman to put the products through the ordinary channels, and to advertise it. The department hau co-operated very readily with the growers in grading, and the growers had shown the greatest anxiety to keep up the grade. The conference adopted Mr Izard s motion in the following terms: —“That the portion of the Fruit Control Bill dealing with local control shall apply only to pip fruit, with a proviso that in future any district may, by a majority vote of the growers of any variety of fruit, have the right of voting control over that variety. ’ t was aK, l reed—“that this conference recommends and urges on the Government the necessity of bringing in t< operation the Local Fruit Control Act, with' the proviso that local control snail apply only to pip fruit until such time as control is asked for by a maioritv vote of growers of any other class of fruit. COLD STORAGE. An interesting report was submitted on the cold storage experiments which have been carried out at Nelson by Mr Maters t lologisl) and an extensive report on cold storage matters was given by Mr A. Apsey istings). The matter was fully discussed in its technical details at some length. No definite conclusions were arrived at, but it was deemed necessary to go on with further research work. The points brought out seemed to indicate it. was very necessary that fruit should be picked at the right stage for cold storage--mature, but not ripe. It was also considered that the ventilation of cold stores should he bettor regulated. The speakers were Colonel Gray (Nelson), Messrs 11. turner (Dunedin), R. Paynter (HawKe s Ray); A. Mackay (Moutcro), and R., Tate (Wairarapa). A number of remits dealing with, the export trade were referred to the new hoard of directors, and several matters concerning truit carriage and better handling of consignments were similarly dealt with, the board being asked to see what could -ie done to improve matters. Four directors of the board—Messrs 1. W. Attwood (at present in England), H. S Izard (Auckland), H. Turner (Dunedin) and v. W. Cone (Christchurch) were re-elected. In the evening matters relating to diseases, importations, and spraying materials were taken in committee. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. BIOLOGICAL DIVISION. MANAGEMENT SEVERELY CRITICISED. (Pub United Press Association ' WELLINGTON, June 12. The necessity for'paying strict attention to scientific research and inducing the best men to remain here by giving adequate remuneration for their services was stressed at the annual conference of the Fruitgrowers’ Federation. Some severe criticism was levelled at the management of the biological division of the Agricultural Department. The chairman (Mr A. M. Robertson) said the whole work of agriculture and forestry depended upon the research investigations of scientists. The biological division had been starved. The division had been badly housed, and It was a question whether Wellington was the proper place for it. Mr Williams (Auckland) said he had been absolutely disgusted when he had gone up and had seen the biological laboratory. The equipment and housing were abominable. Expert men were asked to carry on the work in a private house. The salaries of the officers were also inadequate. • Mr M’Leod (Canterbury) said that the biological officers were carrying out their work in a building which should have been condemned long a.go. The following remits bearing on the subject were carried: 1. “That biological laboratories be located and equipped under conditions which will give the fullest scope for investigational activities.” 2. “That the staff be increased in order that efficiency may not be interfered with.” 3. “That the salaries of the staff be placed on. such a footing as is demanded by the responsibilities of the positions held.” The Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. W. Ncsworthy), in opening the conference, declared that New Zealand held a high reputation for scientific research. Dr C. J. Reakes (Director-General of the Agricultural Department) said that all the work that was being done at the biological laboratory did not come under the public eye. The investigations took a long time and nothing could be said about them until they had been proven to be correct. Good work was being carried out at the laboratory, and the work would be extended as funds were available. Asked this afternoon. if he had any reply to make to this criticism, the Hon. W. Ncsworthy stated he had nothing to say at present.