A FRUITGROWERS' CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2103, 14 June 1894, Page 12

A FRUITGROWERS' CONFERENCE.

Auckland, June 12. At the annual conference of the Fruitgrowers' Association a letter was read f rom.Captain Brown, the well-known entomologist, suggesting the distribution of a beetle which had been found valuable as a destroyer of various pests. It was resolved — " That the Government be urged to proclaim places and reserves in various districts for the purpose of preserving native birds and insects which may prove of value to the farmers in the future ; that it is desirable the Government should provide some practical entomologist with the means of cultivating the habits of such predacious insects aB seem likely when so cultivated to prove of great use to farming and fruitgrowing in checking the ravages of insect pests. It was also agreed — "That the Government be recommended to introduce such insect friends from other colonies as are likely in the opinion of naturalists of eminence to prove of value in checking the ravages of insect peßts, and that such introduced insect^ be placed in the hands of these naturalists for cultivation and general distribution." The next question raised was that of imposing a duty on imported fruit. The President read the present list of duties on fruit and other articles, also statistics as to importation and their values. The questions raised were : — (1) Is it possible for fruitgrowers to succeed individually at present in New Zealand without further protective duties ? (2) Is ifc possible for the fruitgrowing industry to become a national industry unless fostered as other industries are ? (3) Will an increased protective duty be likely to result in any material increase of prices ? (4) Will an increased duty affect, the sale of fruit generally by reducing the consumption of fruifc ? (5) If an increase in duty i 3 necessary, should it be only a moderate one or absolutely prohibitive. Several members said the matter had been discussed by their associations, and they were pre- \ pared to vote.

Mr Becroft moved that a discussion be taken. He was not in favour of having a duty on fruit for more than four months in the year. People rfhould not be deprived of fruit when the country did not produce it. He was essentially iv favour of Freetrade, and yet had voted against it. Mr Johus spoke against the injustice local growers liuilured by tho South Sea island fruit trade. He did not think they were

on fair terms with their fellow-colonists. He was glad to see the southern districts were going with them in the matter of Freetrade. His association had drawn up a memorial drawing attention to the injustice of admitting fruit from the South Sea islands, which, although it could not be grown here, prejudiced their soft fruit. They prayed the Government to levy a duty on imported fruit, as per list. He moved the adoption of the memorial, and that a copy be forwarded to the Premier. Mr Mackio (Whangarei) seconded the motion. Mr Lippiatfc, as an amendment, moved — " That instead of increasing the duty on imported fruit, the Government be urged to approach the Australian Governments with a view of assimilating the tariffs between colonies." The amendment was lost. Mr Vickers moved — "That the Government be asked to offer Captain Brown £50 per annum as State entomologist." — Carried. Mr Mackay moved—" That the Government be asked to establish an experimental fruit station in Auckland province in accordance with the resolution of last conference." — Carried. A paper was read from Captain Brown on the codlin moth and its destruction ; also with regard to the pests of their fruit trees. His suggestion was that local bodies should supply the necessary appliances and machinery at a reasonable cost. The matter waß discussed at some length. A vote of thanks for the paper was carried, and it was agreed that the Government be asked not to introduce the Codlin Moth Bill this year.