ROXBURGH NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20701, 26 April 1929, Page 6

ROXBURGH NOTES.

(From,Oub Own Correspondent.) " ROXBURGH, April . 23. . Perfect weather conditions prevail here,. Bright, sunny days with a clear blue sky is making the season of the year extremely pleasant. Apple shippers are busy picking, for the last steamer, which is due to sail during the first week in May. The quantity to he shipped will be large, and will consist for the most part of Stunners, The season for picking has been an excellent one. Little;or no time has been lost through bad weather, and shippers, though very busy, have not been unduly rushed. LECTURE BY DR MILLER.

Despite an important counter meeting, there was a large attendance of fruit growers at the lecture delivexed by Dr Miller, chief of the Entomological Department, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, on Monday evening. Mr J. B. Gilmour presided, and in introducing the lecturer referred to the work being done by the Cawthron Institute in the interests of the fruit grower. He stressed the need of a special research station for the investigation of numerous matters perplexing growers, and remarked that such an institution was long overdue. Dr Miller dealt with a few of the pests,that are a menace to fruit growing, the earwig ■ coming in (or special reference. He detailed the steps, taken to introduce a parasite by which it was hoped that this rapidly increasing pest would be controlled, but so far results had not' been very satisfactory. The work of rearing these parasites had hitherto been done at the institute, but it was believed that better results would be obtained if they were reared under, natural conditions. With that end in view a supply had been sent to Alexandra. If the experiment were successful they would be distributed throughout Otago. Dr Miller, counselled the growers not to rely too much on the parasite, hut to adopt a system of poisoning. He considered concerted action throughout the district would have a very beneficial effect. He emphasised .the value of a research station . where the entomologist, the mycologist, and the chemist could collaborate and experiment in. the interests of the industry. Replying to questions, he gave the results of some of the experiments "which’ had been carried out at the Cawthron Institute, ; and which would he passed on to the growers.’ He also referred to the excellent work being done in the investigation of soils and application of manures. At the conclusion of the discussion which followed the lecture, Dr Miller was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

At the close of Dr Miller’s lecture, the chairman made reference to the recent importations from South Africa of jams amounting to 5000 cases, of which 578 came to Dunedin. He pointed out how seriously these, importations were affecting, the industry of fruit growing, and suggested that every opportunity should be taken to impress upon the Government the necessity of a higher protective duty. The Teviot Association had already written the Minister of Customs on the matter, and had received a reply that an investigation was being made. He felt that the necessary action to protect^the industry - was being delayed to the serious injury' of local jam factories.. This trade had grown rapidly since 1926, when a small quan-. tity of South African jams were imported, 35281 b. For 1928, 469,0001 b, valued at approximately £10,600, were imported, and so far for 1929, with only one shipment, 362,00,01 b of foreign jam, were in competition the local article, The ..matter was a very serious one for fruit growers-in Otago,’ who relied on the New Zealand factories to take large supplies of apricots and peaches each season.

TBVIOT POWER BOARD. . . The monthly meeting of the Teviot Power Board was held on Friday last, Mr Michelle presiding. Accounts amounting to £l6O 9s 5d were passed for payment, receipts for the month being £762 I3s 7d.' The secretary of the Power Boards’ Association wrote notifying that the annual conference would be held in July.—lt was decided that the question of representation at the conference be deferred until the next meeting. The , chairman of the Loans Board wrote with reference to the 18 per cent, guarantee.’ The Finance Committee in. timated that one item of the guarantee, the charge for generating, was being challenged, as the extension for which the loan was required did not necessitate any expenditure on the station. Leave of absence until the end of May was granted’ to Mr A. P. Aldridge, the board’s consulting engineer. Mr T. J. Harris tendered his resignation as secretary to the board.—ln accepting his resignation with regret, members referred to the excellent service Hr Harris had rendered during the three years he had been in the board’s employ,—lt, was ■ decided to advertise the position. ■ The chairman remarked that this was the last meeting of the board, and he thanked members for the courtesy and assistance given him during ’ the past year. The members complimented him on the. ; very capable manner in which ho had attended to the affairs of the board, and expressed the hope that he might allow himself to be reflected for another term.