MEETING OF FRUITGROWERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13645, 27 March 1915, Page 3

MEETING OF FRUITGROWERS.

A meeting of fruitgrowers". was held this afternoon at Mr C. L. Ferguson's premises to discuss a proposal to arrange an exhibit of locally-grown fruit at the forthcoming show m connection with the Poultry and Cage Bird Society. Mr X, Humphreys, secretary of the Association, was present, and |expl»iued that it was desired to arrange something to take the place of the Government exhibit, which they would remember last show contained a small fruit exhibit. The show would be held on June 18 and .19, and the object of the meeting was to arrange, if possible, for an exhibit to bo provided, and he. thought local fruitgro^vers^ should be able to make a good Exhibit. In the event of the meeting agreeing, the Association, would be prepared to donate substantial' prizes. Proceeding, Jie detailed a fruit schedule drawn -up by Mr Williams, Government expert, which included a silver cup for most prizes m the" fresh fruit section. The schedule was considered m detail, and was amended as considered more suitable. <

All present agreed to contribute what they possibly could towards the show. Mr. J. Adams regretted the small attendance, but urged that it was time the fruitgrowers formed a Fruitgrowers' Association for their protection anil assistance,

Messrs Hardy and Dolman. . said that it had been tried' before, but .it had failed on account of their scattered condition. ;,

Mr Adams said he had experienced that with other associations, but it had been overcome, and he had known beekeepers ride ten and twelve miles to attend a meeting. What was wanted was cohesion, aud they had only to look to what had been accomplished m other districts. He_ pointed to the success of co-operation with the dairying industry. Several members present • expressed their appreciation of the movement, and it was -remarked 1 that, tins '.was the only large district m which there was no association. It was urged that an organisation, would considerably assist with the marketing of their produceMr Adams w>luuteered his services as secretary for the ensuing year. A motion by Mr Adams to form a Fruitgrowers' Association was carried ! unanimously and enrolment was proI ceeded witn. ■ , " It was agreed to fix the subscription at the nominal sum of 5b arid to make a canvass for membership. Mr J. Adams was appointed secretary and treasurer. It was decided to obtain information from other centres and to hold a fur ther meeting m a fortnight's time.